#DragQueenHistory during 1982 05 May

Darlings, it’s your favourite pink tutu wearing ballerina queen, Emma, here! Get ready to unleash your inner glamour because today we're taking a little time travel journey all the way back to May 5th, 1982.

I must admit, dear readers, I had an absolute ball picking this date! It’s such a fascinating moment in Drag Queen history, a time when the scene was evolving, bursting with creativity, and I just had to be there. I'm going to have to give you all a "little bit of a backstory". (Isn’t it absolutely fabulous that I can make a play on words using the 1982 iconic song by The Weather Girls! It makes me wanna just throw some "more confetti" - oh, sorry, it’s a little drag-themed tangent right there).

Oh! I do have to tell you about my newest magical tutu, it's absolutely fabulous - imagine the fluffiest cloud of pale pink taffeta, embellished with sparkling, iridescent sequins - I even have feather boas on my legs for an extra dramatic look! This magical pink tutu is absolutely going to catapult me through the space-time continuum – ready to dive into 1982!

Okay! Hold onto your hats…we are flying, we’re off to the land of glitter and fabulousness… the U-S-A! (You heard me right…it’s gonna be so amazing and I'm already itching to explore New York City!) 💅🏼

From Derbyshire to Manhattan - With a Pink Tutu

Let’s imagine the scene. It's early evening, I've just waltzed out of a dazzling show in Manchester, I'm feeling oh so fabulous - and ready to explore drag history! So here we go! It’s all aboard the time travelling tutu… I am transported…to… (tada…!) NEW YORK CITY!

Oh, my darlings… the energy is just buzzing - from the taxi cabs, the streetlights, and of course, all the fantastic characters, It’s an electric city! There are beautiful, beautiful shops where the gorgeous colours are drawing me in… And the energy, dear friends, it’s almost intoxicating, I love it!

Now as we explore, let’s check out the fabulousness in drag. You see, this May 5th, 1982 is a night when history is being made in the drag world, a night where an absolute legend is set to emerge! On a night at The Pyramid Club in New York, we’ve got a show by a queen, whose iconic status is about to be revealed for all time!

The Drag World Of May 5th, 1982

We are at The Pyramid Club, this underground haven of drag is a landmark for the drag scene, a place where everyone from stars to underground talents meet.

It’s electric, a place that pulses with passion and the drive for something new - a spirit that’s revolutionising the drag world as we know it! As we wander through the dark, glamorous interior, I’m excited to witness some real history-making magic.

This night is set to deliver a debut performance that will make history. (Cue the dramatic music!). I’m talking about none other than… The legendary RuPaul!

RuPaul’s first ever show in New York. And yes, my darlings, it’s the legendary Queen that we all know and love!

History, Glamour and The Pyramid Club

And I'm totally delighted to report, the Pyramid Club is buzzing! A young RuPaul, with those legendary lips and those divine angles, is bringing a whirlwind of glamour and style to the stage. She's just a rookie but she moves with absolute grace, her performance a tornado of fierce style.

You see, my darlings, in the early 80s the drag scene was so dynamic. The art was developing all the time. In New York they’ve got this new and revolutionary underground club scene. And it’s a scene that’s going to have such an impact on the world.

The Queen's Wardrobe (That is All…!)

While in New York, I had to pay a visit to some shops that were already icons back then, places that were all about the most beautiful and fabulous clothes on earth, I can’t talk about that era of drag without mentioning fashion, I mean where would our queens be without those iconic gowns?! The fabric houses that created the art, the glitz and the magic.

So let’s wander over to the glamour of The Factory on E. 11th street, the design studio of Halston. His dresses were legendary, absolute haute couture with those sleek silhouettes and an amazing use of texture that still sends chills down my spine (don’t tell my dermatology doctor, it’s all part of the fun – you know I love drama!)

We’ve got to take a little detour to Oscar de la Renta to find out what he is creating! This fabulous designer has a very distinct style: romantic and elegantly layered with so much romance - a look I think our girls would look divine in!

And who can talk about 1982 without mentioning the legend that is Yves Saint Laurent? We have to take a walk through the French House and see all his couture – think black velvet jumpsuits, slinky sheer dresses that were very fashion forward, think super slim lines in those sleek but oh so expensive dresses. It was very sexy, feminine and super modern. A lot of it made a lot of people think again about drag on the fashion front – a real trailblazer.

And, as you know – I like the very best, darlings, so let’s take a tour through the iconic Versace – yes we have got to see that studio at the end of the era – I know, it’s a big year for drag! Oh and while we're at it – there’s more! So many fab collections of the time to be seen at Gucci, Moschino and I cannot forget those gorgeous Chanel tweed suits, they were divine.

And, of course, no 1982 fashion rundown could be complete without mentioning Vivienne Westwood, (I just love her!) the rebellious design genius that helped push the boundaries and challenged all those traditional ways of seeing and dressing!

Oh Yes and of Course – That Legendary Era Of Makeup … 💅🏼

You see makeup has such a large impact on how drag is seen. We are seeing the makeup trends of the 80s, and boy are they flamboyant. (Think bright eyeshadow colours with heavy, bold eyes). There’s also the very classic bold red lips (that classic statement) with contouring and highlighted features. I love how these looks played with dramatic features, which makes all those Queens on stage look more than extra!

I also really love the fact that makeup was about having fun and being creative and individual – which makes me think how the queens today really get to embrace that! We had to stop off at Mac as it had just opened its first store in 1984, so I just had to pop in for a look, so fabulous to see those legendary compact cases – all ready for our iconic queens to apply that gorgeous makeup.

A Trip Back to Derbyshire!

I am totally exhausted, it’s been a night to remember! And I know all those iconic performances in New York will continue to shape the drag scene over the years. But I think it’s time for me to return home to Derbyshire!

Off I go – a whirlwind trip through the magic of time. See you all next month for another drag adventure.

All my love,

Emma x

www.pink-tutu.com

💅🏼✨💖