Hello darlings, it's Emma here, your time-traveling tutu queen, back from a trip to the absolutely FABULOUS 3rd of March, 1971! Buckle up, babes, because this post is positively bursting with the glitz and glamour of a bygone era, a time when drag was truly pushing the boundaries. And as usual, my trusty pink tutu made sure I blended right in!
This month, I found myself landing right in the heart of New York City, where, darling, the scene was ALIVE. Drag was bubbling over, breaking out of the underground clubs and into the public eye in a truly fabulous way.
I couldn’t believe my eyes - there was a drag show EVERY NIGHT at a little gem called The Stonewall Inn! It was a legendary spot, bursting with all sorts of fascinating characters, all doing their thing under a roof dripping with personality. And the show, darling, oh the SHOW! I witnessed incredible lip-synching, jaw-dropping gowns, and even a spot of fire-eating that left my sequins shivering!
You know, it's amazing to think that just a few years before, Stonewall had been the epicentre of the Stonewall Riots. But now, it was a safe haven for drag queens to express themselves, their artistry defying prejudice and roaring with a passion that truly warmed my heart.
It wasn't all about New York, darling. Back in my native England, drag was blossoming too. It was still mostly a underground phenomenon, a little quieter and perhaps a little more reserved than its flamboyant American cousin, but bursting with creativity and spirit.
I popped over to the Gay Liberation Front in London, who were staging a brilliant event that evening. It was the first time I'd seen drag on a grand scale like this, with several performers taking the stage in a night that felt truly celebratory. It felt so momentous - seeing those brave, fearless souls take center stage was truly inspirational!
You know, dear readers, I can't tell you enough about the power of drag. Even back then, in the 70s, drag was about self-expression, about pushing boundaries and reclaiming narratives. Seeing all these different queens, so daring and confident in their choices, it was a true testament to the spirit of this wonderful art form!
And speaking of fabulous spirits, darlings, I must tell you about the iconic look of 1971. Think glamorous 70s glamour, sleek and sophisticated. The silhouettes were sharp and angular, the makeup was all about dramatic eyes and a fierce lip, and the colours? Oh darling, we're talking rich velvets, shimmering sequins, and metallics galore! You just had to see the stunning ensembles these queens were creating from everyday materials – everything from repurposed fabrics to old newspapers! Truly a masterclass in resourceful glamour.
Of course, I did some shopping myself! It’s only right to make the most of these fashion-forward timelines! You know how I feel about a good vintage store. I picked up some fantastic platform boots – even if those wedges were nearly sending me tumbling to the floor! I swear, darling, I'm never walking on a level surface ever again. My ankles are thanking me, believe me!
I also managed to nab some truly fab outfits – think dramatic cloaks, beaded fringes, and a dazzlingly oversized sequined vest – truly embodying the fabulousness of 1971. This is, after all, the year the iconic Divine began performing – it’s a drag fashion timeline of such strong, fierce looks and trends! It was truly inspirational for a girly girl like myself!
Speaking of strong and fierce, this year marks the release of the fabulous Liza Minnelli film Cabaret. If you haven't seen it yet, honey, what are you waiting for? The iconic look, the iconic dancing, the iconic soundtrack... It's a masterclass in cabaret and the theatrical side of drag. Let me tell you, seeing the performances of that era, with their sharp choreography and sassy music, well, I’m just going to say I was seriously impressed. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the importance of theatricality and movement!
Darling, you just have to embrace the glamour! In these fabulous early years of drag's ascendancy, it truly was a movement - a revolution. A rebellion against the mundane and a celebration of creativity! It’s why we are where we are now – celebrating individuality, freedom and creativity. It’s such an exciting time for drag, and honestly, my tutu has been hopping for excitement every time I travel back through history.
Remember darlings, it's the time to embrace your inner diva, don your brightest colours (Pink, of course!) and strut your stuff with all the confidence you can muster! Keep it glam, keep it bold, keep it PINK! I'll be back next month, with more stories from the fabulous world of drag, straight from the archives! Until then, you stay fabulous and keep those pink tutus twirling.
Love,
Emma (Your Tutu-wearing Time Traveller) www.pink-tutu.com
