Hello my darlings, and welcome back to another post from your favourite pink-tutu clad time-travelling queen, Emma! As you all know, May the 5th has got to be one of the most fabulous dates in the entire yearā¦ it's Cinco de Mayo, of course! And let's be honest, with my love for pink and fabulousness, how could I possibly not celebrate? But first, before we delve into the glitz and glamour of that fiesta, Iām going to whisk you all away on a little time travel journey. Weāre heading back to, you guessed it, May 5th, 1967! Get ready for some history, darling, because I have a feeling weāre about to find out how things got fabulous, before we knew it!
As the trusty pink tutu shimmered and glittered, it transported me through time and space in a whirlwind of feathers and sequined joy. I arrived in the bustling heart of Greenwich Village, New York, just as the sun was setting, casting long shadows that were definitely not flattering my glamorous look.
I could practically hear the whispers of gossip and excitement as I sashayed into the legendary Cafe Au Go Go. Now, this little haunt was not only the place where that song called "Summertime" by Ella Fitzgerald would soon become a cult hit, it was also a vibrant centre of artistic expression, drawing in poets, musicians, and artistsā¦ and yes, drag queens too!
In 1967, the New York drag scene was exploding with creativity. Think of the campest, most outlandish ensembles imaginable ā feathers, glitter, fishnets, all held together by a sheer sense of playful defiance. My gosh, what a time to be alive!
Speaking of legendary drag, one particular name that stood out in 1967 was Divine, the captivating performer, singer, and actress known for her truly outrageous and often provocative style. Let's be honest, Divine's talent was truly "out of this world," paving the way for countless drag artists who dared to be different, unafraid of pushing boundaries.
Now, before you ask, no, I didn't actually get to meet Divine. (She was a big star back then, remember?) But imagine, if I did! It would have been an incredible encounter filled with tea, tittle-tattle and tales of glamorous adventureā¦
I bet weād even talk about my grand mission ā spreading the joy of the pink tutu around the world! After all, how else can we truly live this drag queen life?
Speaking of fabulous things happening in the world, my, oh, my! 1967 was a truly remarkable year for drag, the year that changed everything. This was the year the very first drag ball took place at the Pierre Hotel in New York City ā an extravagant affair organised by the renowned Jackie Curtis! Now thatās a drag queen I wouldnāt mind getting a little "time travel" tips fromā¦
This momentous event brought together drag queens from all walks of life. From the glamorous "Gowns" category where exquisite and outlandishly extravagant gowns were a necessity, to the fiercely fierce "Glamour" category where the queens flaunted their signature makeup, wigs, and haute couture style, this night was about embracing individuality. They strutted, they strutted, they strutted! And it was all captured in a glamorous documentary, titled "The Queen", later featured in 2017 at the Sundance Film Festival.
Oh, the world is a drag, darling, but it is also the stage! I couldn't help but feel a thrill, watching the queens compete. This wasn't just about winning; it was about creating an unforgettable spectacle, expressing themselves through elaborate costuming, makeup, and dancing. A celebration of creativity, flamboyance, and pure artistry!
Now, the 1967 Drag Ball wasnāt just some fancy dress party; it marked a shift. It demonstrated that drag wasnāt just a fad, but a powerful movement, and an expression of individual artistry, resilience, and acceptance. Drag balls across the globe began appearing, igniting the drag scene and paving the way for an era of radical self-expression that continues to captivate and inspire.
Speaking of captivate ā what did you darlings think of my outrageous outfit today? A stunning pink tutu with matching pink lace gloves, all finished with a glittering, iridescent tiara. And yes, my hairā¦ just ask my hairdresser! He always manages to āupcycleā vintage glamour into a modern, fabulous look that practically screams "Pink-Tutu Queen!"
Right, time to indulge my inner shopaholic before I get swept back into my own time! But fear not, darlings. Iāll be back here next month, ready for another dazzling drag adventure. Until then, may your days be filled with glittery pink tutus, joyous performances, and an undying spirit to express yourselves freely and unapologetically. After all, as I often sayā¦ Life is too short for anything less than fabulous.
