Darlings! Emma here, back from another fabulous jaunt in the time machine, my beloved pink tutu a trusty companion for all my travels. This month, I've landed myself right back in the fabulous 70s, specifically on the 5th of May, 1979. Now, let me tell you, darling, this trip was truly spectacular, overflowing with all things glamorous, and you know me, I can't resist a bit of sparkly extravagance!
Before we delve into the historical happenings, let's talk about this divine outfit! I mean, have you ever seen a tutu that just screams "1979"? Think big, fluffy layers, a splash of pastel pink, and enough sequins to rival a disco ball. My hair is a glorious blonde mane, artfully styled into a magnificent beehive. Darling, let's be honest, I'm positively luminous, a beacon of drag magnificence!
Right, let's get back to my little time trip. Picture this: New York City. It's bustling, it's vibrant, and the energy is positively electric. The streets are bursting with music and fashion. Imagine an explosion of neon colours, bold geometric patterns, and the iconic platform shoes, all worn with a swagger that would make even the most seasoned queen do a double take! And you know what? I absolutely adore it.
As a girl with a keen eye for all things drag, I just had to check out the legendary Cockettes, the first real drag troupe I could actually remember seeing a glimpse of during my research, even if I didn't personally exist at the time. These fab queens weren't just drag queens, they were a collective force of creativity. You see, dear readers, they brought drag out of the clubs and onto the streets. Think performance art meets drag with a touch of vaudeville, a whirlwind of avant-garde artistry that shook things up, challenging perceptions and paving the way for generations of drag queens to come. Imagine, my darlings, an explosion of glitter, feathers, and fierce expression that celebrated a different kind of beauty, a truly liberating, wild energy!
A Drag Queen's Dream Shopping Spree
As for shopping, let's just say I was in heaven! The iconic Betsey Johnson had her first boutique on Bleecker Street in the Village. I mean, have you ever seen a collection so delightfully outlandish? Imagine bubblegum pink, polka dots, and platform shoes, oh my! Betsey Johnson really embraced the quirk, the unique, and that whimsical style just spoke to me. It was a feast for my eyes and an explosion of joyful, carefree design.
Then, I popped into Stephen Sprouse, this iconic designer who had just begun to take New York by storm with his cool, punk-inspired designs. It was like a street art dream come to life, and I practically died from happiness when I discovered a denim jacket covered in a graphic skull print - a masterpiece of rebellious chic! And speaking of the 70s punk scene, can we talk about the iconic Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, who were starting to make a serious name for themselves? Their style was pure rebellion, with spiky mohawks, and even a touch of leather and safety pins for a rebellious edge. They weren't afraid to make a statement, and you know what, I loved it!
Drag, Divine, and All the Way Live
My heart practically skipped a beat when I heard rumours of Jackie Curtis, the icon of the New York drag scene. Jackie Curtis was a trailblazer, a performer, and an artist who truly defied convention. I stumbled upon her live show, a theatrical feast for the senses. Picture the most outlandish characters, the wildest costumes, and a performance that just had you captivated from start to finish. You could see the passion, the raw emotion, the desire to challenge and shock, all wrapped up in this amazing tapestry of creativity. And I just knew, in my heart of hearts, that these were the foundations of modern drag, the pioneers who gave us the platform for all the amazing things we are able to do now!
And then, there was The Cockettes performing at a place called The Palace, in the heart of the San Francisco underground. This legendary venue, often a haven for creative spirits and artistic exploration, became the stage for these fabulously outlandish drag shows, featuring flamboyant outfits, bold makeup, and a touch of surrealist mischief. Picture an extravagant celebration of self-expression and an incredible artistic spirit, all rolled into one magnificent drag extravaganza. The Cockettes were fearless in their expression, unapologetically themselves, and I couldn’t have loved it more!
The 70s was such a powerful time in the world of drag. Imagine a blend of punk rebellion, theatrical daring, and just a dash of counterculture – this is what the world of drag in 1979 was all about. There was this raw, unbridled creativity bubbling beneath the surface, ready to explode, pushing boundaries and reinventing what it meant to be a drag queen. These pioneers dared to challenge the norm, paving the way for us, those who carry the torch of their bold legacy forward, celebrating individuality and self-expression in all its glory.
And let's not forget the fashion. Oh, my darlings! Think glitz, glam, and outrageous accessories! I mean, everything in this era was huge. Think voluminous ruffles, platform heels so high they'd make even the tallest queens feel like they're standing on cloud nine, and dazzlingly extravagant jewellery, adorned with bold colours and geometric shapes, truly pushing the boundaries of style.
I am still wearing a bright pink and blue ruffled blouse I picked up from a vintage store in a cute little backstreet boutique in San Francisco. It’s a bit of a statement, with bold colours, ruffles that are like big frilly explosions on the front and, of course, an amazing sequinned butterfly pin that was pinned to it – perfect for my visit to this fun city. I am always a fan of adding that bit of fabulous whimsy! After all, isn't a pink tutu all about whimsy, darlings?
As always, dear readers, this trip back in time was nothing short of a divine revelation, and a reminder of the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and individuality, just as those pioneering drag queens did, those who dared to defy expectations, celebrate creativity, and bring the world a little bit of glitter. And if you know anything about Emma, you know she adores a bit of glitter! So go forth, dear readers, express yourselves freely and let the glitter shower down upon you all! And as always, never forget, we all deserve to sparkle, so embrace your inner goddess and slip on your most glamorous tutu.
I can't wait to take you on my next time travel adventure!
Until next month, darlings!
Love, Emma xoxoxo www.pink-tutu.com
