Hello darlings, Emma here, your pink tutu-loving, time-traveling gal pal! It’s October 10th, 1970, and the sun’s shining in Derbyshire, even if the air is a bit nippy. This morning, I decided to pop on my fabulous time-traveling pink tutu and whizz over to the bright lights of Broadway for a bit of historical sightseeing.
You see, it’s all about soaking up that historical drag essence! Just like you need to study your angles before hitting the stage, it’s important to know the stories of the legends who came before us. I mean, we’re standing on their shoulders, literally shimmering in the light of their glorious gowns, aren't we?
And today's journey, oh honey, was truly everything.
A Night at the Rialto
I arrived in Times Square just in time for the curtain call of "Applause"! I’d heard so much about the show; it was one of the hottest tickets in town back then, starring the inimitable Lauren Bacall, in all her flamboyantly glamorous glory! "Applause," honey, is basically drag! It’s based on a Broadway production, "A Star is Born," and tells the story of a dazzling musical diva, Margo Channing, who finds herself struggling to keep her career alive.
Of course, being a huge fan of fabulous costumes and iconic makeup, I had to head straight to the stage door! But alas, my timing was slightly off. Everyone had already cleared out! Thankfully, my friendly neighbourhood time-travel agent had warned me about this sort of thing and hooked me up with a fabulous back stage pass from a sweet soul named Miss Rita.
Rita is a dear, bless her heart. She tells me that Margo Channing is the inspiration behind drag legends around the world and a massive influence on many contemporary female singers who like to put on a show with some extra sparkle! I'm not even going to name any names! I’m telling you, those costumes were epic!
After being absolutely blinded by Rita’s infectious enthusiasm, I ended up catching a backstage performance by an up-and-coming actress called Bernadette Peters, with a charming chap named Bob Mackie creating some absolute stunnners on the side. Honestly, they looked ready for a Las Vegas show and would be more than welcome on our current drag scene! The only difference was the vibe! A bit more camp, darling, definitely more camp. It felt like the seventies version of what would come in the nineties as drag shows started to get real - think “Paris is Burning,” baby.
You wouldn’t believe the fashion, darling! They had some truly fabulous feathered numbers! Feathers and sequins, my beloveds, always add that je ne sais quoi.
The Drag World in 1970
Back in my own time, I decided to find a cafe and take a look around in a magazine to get the full picture. It was an absolute fashion frenzy. I saw pictures of actresses wearing some outrageous designs – bell-bottoms and kaftans! So many bright colours and, naturally, tons of shimmering gold and silver. And the hair?! Oh, my dear. The hair!
As for the scene back in 1970? Well, it seems like the LGBTQIA+ community was still finding their voice in the shadows, as they say. Drag, particularly, was still navigating its identity in the face of a sometimes unwelcoming world. But don't get me wrong! You’ve still got drag artists, performing in different venues, taking centre stage in cabaret clubs and theaters! They were creating some fabulous art, celebrating life, pushing boundaries and defying norms, all with a little bit of glitter, rhinestones, and, of course, that sassy sense of humour!
My Pink Tutu Fashion Findings!
You know I wouldn’t dare leave a historical escapade without a peek into the world of fashion! Let me tell you, honey, the fashion world was already on a serious trajectory toward big, bold, and breathtakingly creative. The look?
- Bell-bottoms, naturally!
- Platform shoes, so you could literally walk the catwalk.
- Satin, *chiffon, velvet, oh my!
Everything had to have some extra dazzle and I just know some of the drag queens who walked the streets back then had the most beautiful gowns, designed in their home and inspired by everything around them, including some bold fashion icon. My research leads me to believe the big name of the decade was Oscar de la Renta, but he would become even more prominent in the years to come.
My Tip!
Go forth, darlings, and experiment! If you don't feel it, find the vibe that makes you feel powerful. It’s all about feeling fabulous, whatever style or aesthetic makes you want to strut down that catwalk with that extra swagger. We can always find inspiration in fashion’s vibrant tapestry and keep the magic of transformation alive! That's what I do with my sparkly time-traveling pink tutu, don't you know?
Now, if you'll excuse me, darlings, I have a few more blog posts to finish! I just can't wait to share all of the exciting moments, discoveries, and fashionable findings I’ve come across on my time-travel escapades. I'm going to see what this glorious, wild, wonderful world of drag has to offer!
Remember, you can always visit me over at www.pink-tutu.com, and subscribe to my newsletter for a sneak peek of what I'm working on next! Don't forget to tell me your favourite #DragQueenHistory story – and remember to wear pink!
XOXO
Emma
