Hello darlings! Emma here, your fabulous time-travelling friend, ready to whisk you away to a fabulous past, all wrapped in a big pink bow. I've been beavering away, planning the perfect trip, and my lovelies, January 1st, 1976, is our destination!
As a devoted follower of all things sparkly, glamorous and divinely ridiculous, I canāt deny itā¦ I just love 1976! This was a pivotal time in drag history, a decade of real evolution. And the colour pink? Well, it was simply EVERYTHING! Let's strap into this glittery pink time machine of mine and head off!
Now, imagine it, darling ā it's 1976! Disco music is still a thing, those platform shoes are in full swing, and those glittery eye shadow palettes are bursting with the colours of the rainbow! Oh, the divine nostalgia!
I arrive in a swirl of pink tulle, my time-travelling tutu gleaming under the early morning light. Itās a crisp January morning. Itās cold outside but that won't stop us, love! Todayās outfit, inspired by the gorgeous Grace Jones, has a strong, sleek, minimalist design - think tight, black trousers, an ivory bodysuit with diamantĆ© straps, and a fabulous, high-tailed jacket to throw over the top of the whole shebang! You've just gotta have some bling darling!
Where Should I Go?
Okay, my sweet little sugarplums, time to work our fabulous magic! So many places to visit today! Letās have a quick recap.
The Copa Cabana - This iconic New York venue, home to the iconic, fabulous, the drag icon, Divine, is a must! With shows like "Divine Trash" happening every night and āPink Flamingosā a new movie, let's be honest, dear, the Divine energy will be electrifying in the city! And that fabulous look ā the huge blonde beehive and those glorious dresses - I might have to try and replicate it.
The Black Cat - A historic drag spot, it's where a new star called Jackie Beat was working. Now, for a bit of context here - Jackie was known for her larger-than-life performances! This will be a treat!
The Village Gate - It's an NYC hub for some truly iconic drag queens, such as the ever-so-fabulous, Holly Woodlawn. Sheās so sassy! Now, Holly and her glamorous drag sisters were known for taking inspiration from fashion trends, and in 1976 it was the glam-rock era ā that rockānāroll-meets-camp feel. Think, sparkling clothes, tons of hairspray, big bold lashes and oh, those glorious platforms - pure camp, divine.
A Spot of Retail Therapy!
I mean, darling, it's 1976! I simply have to get a few souvenirs! Shopping has always been my absolute weakness! We all love a bit of retail therapy, right? So letās see whatās new! Iām looking for a statement jacket to wear, to channel the incredible glamour of a fashion era that really did give "Fabulous" a whole new meaning!
And the fabric choices are just gorgeous! Silk and velvet, sequins and glitter, thereās so much choice and such beautiful craftsmanship. Oh, the shops of New York are calling to me! They are just swelling with those big, bold, gorgeous outfits. Imagine my joy, my loves, when I discovered a small boutique called "Rainbow Corner". Inside I find a huge bright red floor length jumpsuit, covered with rhinestones, so fabulous, darling. Absolutely divine! And my outfit has a completely different direction! Letās just say that 1976 is already inspiring a total change in wardrobe!
An Audience with the Drag Gods
My little sweeties, after a few fabulous purchases, my 1976 visit simply had to involve a drag show! We are in the iconic New York, baby! A visit to The Stonewall Inn is a must, darlings! What a thrill to experience this bar, with such a fabulous and storied history! It's a landmark, my lovelies, and it's been at the heart of the gay community for generations! And my gosh! Such amazing looks and incredible drag performances! I had to dance in the back with everyone! Weāre surrounded by real legends, my loves ā Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnsonā¦ These women gave everything they had for our right to live, to love and to shine, and it truly brings home just how lucky we are today. I need to celebrate their bravery.
And, look, the world of drag today, my lovelies, wouldnāt be where it is without the work of these amazing women and everyone who worked so hard during this amazing period! Itās a tribute to the resilience, courage, and talent that the whole community gave.
Now, weāve travelled the globe, enjoyed ourselves and witnessed a pivotal time in drag history, the magic of this day, 1976!
Pink Tutus Forever!
Okay, back to the present, my dearies, and what a journey this has been!
Remember my loves, I love seeing your gorgeous pink tutus! Every single one is so fabulous. Just remember to #PinkTutu to share all your fashion, and keep the spirit of the pink tutu going, no matter what era you find yourself in. And don't forget, my pink-loving angels, check back next month for my next adventure in drag time-travelling, I canāt wait to share it with you! Until then, stay sparkly, be bold, be bright and wear that pink tutu with pride!
Lots of love and glittery kisses!
Emma. xxx
