"Hello darlings!" It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-clad time traveller. I'm writing to you live from my little pink-tinged boudoir (which happens to be situated in a 1986 Derbyshire flat, furnished with leopard-print furniture and, of course, an abundance of pink). You won't believe what happened this month! As usual, I decided to put my fabulous, sequined, pink tutu on and jumped into the time-travel vortex (it's located right next to my kettle, tucked away in a sparkly tea cosy). Where did it take me, you ask? Oh, just to January 1st, 1986, of course! Now, you all know how much I adore a bit of vintage drag, and let me tell you, 1986 was simply bursting with it!
The Scene in '86
1986 was, well, basically the epitome of bold, glamorous drag, and that's something I just adore! Imagine vibrant, neon colours, sky-high hair, outrageous makeup, and the most fabulously intricate costumes imaginable - think fishnets, sequins, and everything else a drag queen could dream of. It was truly a glorious era for the art of drag.
One of the hottest topics on everyone's lips this month, both inside and outside the drag world, was the release of Madonna's album "True Blue." Now, Madonna's not technically a drag queen, but her androgynous, boundary-pushing aesthetic was incredibly influential in the drag scene of the 80s. From her "Like a Prayer" era with the rosary beads to her "Material Girl" glitter and glam, she totally championed everything we love about drag. And those songs! Who hasn't danced their heart out to "Like a Virgin" in a fabulous pink tutu? Raises hand dramatically.
But wait, there's more! This month, I went to a truly spectacular performance by Divine, the queen of camp, at the Palladium Theatre in London. The energy was absolutely electrifying, darlings! It was a masterclass in charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent - those four magical ingredients that make a drag queen truly unforgettable. His iconic "You Think You're a Man" song is one for the ages, a veritable anthem of the LGBTQIA+ movement. I still get goosebumps whenever I hear it!
Drag on the Streets
Now, let's talk street style, because, darling, 1986 was brimming with it. Everyone seemed to have embraced the fabulousness! In New York City, the drag queens of the Village were sporting the wildest looks: platform shoes, head-turning makeup, and clothes so dazzling they could rival a supernova. The look was fierce and fun, daringly outrageous and full of playful personality. I definitely got into a lot of trouble for my bright pink tutu and over-enthusiastic pose in front of a Stonewall Inn drag ball - but hey, rules are made to be broken, right?
Back in London, I found myself wandering through Soho, and oh my, what a visual treat! Every bar, club, and cabaret was overflowing with glamorous, theatrical queens - and The Gay's the Word Bookshop was a veritable hub for the scene. They sold everything from magazines and books to vintage drag costumes. My pocket might have felt a little lighter afterwards, but it was absolutely worth it to find a little piece of 1986 drag magic.
And the Fashion…
1986, darlings, was an absolute haven for fabulous, over-the-top, fashionista dreams! Think big shoulder pads, extravagant feathered headpieces, shimmering fabrics, and so much glitter. You know how I adore the color pink, right? Well, it was HUGE in 1986, everything from Barbie-pink tulle* to hot-pink power suits. My heart absolutely swooned with every vintage frock I saw! It felt like I'd been transported into a time-travelling dream!
And can we talk hair for a minute, darling? Big hair was all the rage, think gravity-defying, beehive wonders, with enough teasing spray to knock a feather out of a boa! This wasn't about subtle elegance; it was about pure, unbridled expression and an invitation to be seen, noticed, and admired! The style, the costumes, the performances, and the atmosphere – every bit of it felt so lively, so passionate, so vibrant.
Pink Tutu Dreams
Now, you all know I have a thing for pink tutus, and my dream, darling, my dream, is to make it a worldwide fashion trend! So I'm calling on all my readers out there, regardless of your location, your time, or even your reality – join me, wear a pink tutu, let your light shine!
Don't just wear pink, live it! Let your personality shine as brightly as the most flamboyant feather boa, and let your joy explode into the world. We might not be living in 1986 anymore, but we can channel the energy of those iconic moments. So don your pink tutus, my lovelies, and embrace the vibrant, joyous world of drag! It’s not just a hobby, it’s a way of life.
Remember, you can read more about 1986 drag on my website, www.pink-tutu.com, where I’ll have a link to this month’s post. Keep sparkling! Bye, bye!"
