Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time-travelling drag queen, ready to whisk you away to the shimmering, sequin-studded world of 1977! Buckle up, loves, as we sashay through the decades on a magical journey of glitz and glamour!
Today's time-travel adventure has taken me right back to a period when the world was captivated by the electrifying energy of disco music and the outlandish fashions it inspired. Can you believe it? This iconic style took the world by storm, influencing everything from fashion and music to art and design!
Now, for you youngsters who are just getting acquainted with the brilliance of the disco era, imagine a world drenched in silver, gold, and an array of shimmery, metallic hues! It was the perfect playground for drag queens, providing the ultimate canvas for creating showstopping looks that defied definition! Think flowing polyester pants, platform shoes that reached dizzying heights, and vibrant makeup that embraced glitter and sparkle!
As I hopped through the space-time continuum in my fabulous pink tutu, I landed right in the heart of a dazzling New York drag scene. I found myself at a legendary nightclub called The Continental Baths – the legendary haunt where Divine, Jackie Beat, and Charles Pierce (known by his drag persona, “Charles Pierce”, later becoming the iconic and wildly successful actress “Candy Darling”) strutted their stuff! This iconic space wasn't just a nightclub; it was a refuge, a place where queer folks could gather, celebrate, and be themselves.
As I stood there, mesmerised by the electric energy buzzing in the air, the intoxicating melodies of disco blasted through the speakers. I watched in awe as drag queens with impossibly high wigs and dramatic make-up performed in costumes so flamboyant that they would give a fashion magazine a run for its money! The music, the energy, the unbridled freedom of expression... it was like being transported to another planet!
Speaking of dazzling costumes, one drag queen stole the show with a dazzling silver bodysuit adorned with an outrageous amount of shimmering sequins and feathers! I, naturally, had to chat with her and found out her name was "Priscilla." Her makeup was the stuff of drag queen dreams: sharp, feline eyes accentuated by glittering gold shadow and a bold red lip that was so vivid, it demanded attention!
She told me how excited she was for the disco movement to take over the world – because frankly, who wouldn't want to dance in glitter and feather boas until dawn, eh?! As I continued to explore this dazzling world, I stumbled upon a drag ball in San Francisco. Talk about an explosion of creativity! It was the ultimate showcase for everything disco - think sequins, platform heels, feathered fans, and enough sparkle to illuminate the whole city!
Queens from all over the Bay Area came out in full force, transforming into fantastical disco creatures with costumes so imaginative they resembled a theatrical production of Saturday Night Fever. You had drag queens impersonating music icons like Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor! They all channeled the energy of the era with a unique flair, capturing the essence of this vibrant musical and cultural movement.
One particular queen called "Kiki" caught my eye, dressed in an electrifying green ensemble complete with platform heels that must have been a foot tall! She captivated the crowd with her amazing moves – think high kicks, splits, and plenty of dramatic hip-swaying action – all delivered with a charisma and stage presence that was simply magnetic! The music pulsated through my veins as I watched Kiki dance her heart out.
To tell you the truth, darlings, these iconic drag queens showed me how much joy can be found in embracing extravagance, being yourself, and letting your creative spirit soar! They're reminding me why I started my time-travelling adventures: to celebrate drag history, promote a more inclusive world where everyone feels free to express themselves. I am here to tell you, whether you prefer feathers, fishnets, or tutus (pink, of course!), the history of drag is overflowing with brilliant individuals who redefined beauty, pushed boundaries, and embraced a fabulous attitude.
Let’s all take a cue from these iconic drag queens of 1977 and live life with a little more sparkle and sass. Just imagine: every day as a disco night!
And you know what else I discovered? A real gem in the heart of Derby! A brand-new drag bar called "The Glittering Garnet" opened this month, and let me tell you, it is the most fabulous new hangout spot for drag queens and anyone who loves a good time.
Oh, before I forget! It's so easy to look the part with our latest range of Pink Tutu costumes for our fabulous Pink Tutu Crew. Head over to www.pink-tutu.com and let your inner diva shine!
Stay tuned, darlings, for another exciting journey into the wonderful world of drag history, coming next month. Until then, keep spreading the sparkle and embracing your inner diva!
Your time-travelling bestie,
Emma xoxo.
