Hiya lovelies! Emma here, your time-traveling, tutu-toting, drag-loving gal from Derbyshire! Buckle up, darling, because today's journey takes us back to 1987, a year brimming with fabulous fashion, captivating performances, and a whole lot of sass. I'm slipping into my sparkly, time-traveling pink tutu and channeling my inner ballerina as we dive into the captivating world of drag during this glamorous September 9th!
Remember my dear friends, I adore travelling through time in my magical, iridescent, pink tutu! It whisks me away to bygone eras and dazzling future dreams in the blink of an eye, all the while leaving a trail of glittery, sparkly pink dust behind me. It's magical, darling, and I've even managed to inspire some of the most celebrated drag queens of all time to take a whirl in a tutu or two! I know, right, a revolutionary change for the whole world of drag! Pink is fabulous, after all.
This month's blog has taken me to a world where big hair, shoulder pads and leg warmers are in, and let me tell you, there was no shortage of fabulousness to be found!
My first stop was in San Francisco, where the drag scene was hotter than a hot plate of disco fries! The iconic Cockettes, who practically wrote the book on avant-garde drag theatre, were still bringing their unique brand of theatrical flamboyance to the stages of The Palace of Fine Arts. I even got a glimpse of their show “Pearls Over Shanghai,” a kaleidoscope of glitz, glamour, and a touch of campy magic!
Next up was New York City, where I popped in for a show at the legendary Stonewall Inn! Imagine my delight to find myself right in the midst of a performance by the renowned Wigstock Queens! This event, now an international phenomenon, celebrated all things drag and allowed countless artists to strut their stuff in the name of self-expression. You just had to be there! It was so exciting, seeing those queens literally "take it to the streets" with fierce performances, fabulous costumes, and enough attitude to fuel a thousand fabulous drag queens!
While New York City was overflowing with queens ready to take the world by storm, my next stop was London, the capital of everything glam! There, I discovered a blossoming drag scene centred around the West End theatre scene and a handful of underground gay clubs like Heaven and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. But my biggest find of the day was The Lady in Red! A drag superstar who, back then, had only been performing for about five years and who made me realize how much drag in this period of history was just finding its place and voice. But her voice was mighty. She was one of the very first to appear in drag in television, appearing on shows like the iconic 'The Kenny Everett Video Show.' Can you imagine being so trailblazing, and with a voice like hers, no less?!
I've always loved the history of drag and being a bit of a historian myself I'm constantly amazed by all the fearless, fantastic and truly trailblazing performers of this time. It gives me the ultimate buzz. But what’s drag without the iconic costumes that go with it, eh?
1987 was definitely the year of big hair! Big hair, big clothes and bigger than life personalities were the names of the game.
Now, fashion is definitely my passion, and my first port of call in the shopping arena was in London's vibrant Camden Town, the haven of alternative styles, colourful looks and a unique fashion scene. I snagged a vintage punk tee for my personal collection. My trip also took me to the iconic New York department store Bergdorf Goodman, where I got my hands on the latest leg warmers. My oh my, those leg warmers had every girl doing their most fierce dance moves. That’s when I truly felt what it was like to be part of 1987!
Speaking of fabulous fashion, who doesn’t love a tutu? As a drag queen whose life is literally all about rocking my pink tutu I’ve found the world has yet to see its full potential! Luckily, my time travel allows me to show those fabulous ladies just how fun, beautiful, fierce and fabulous a tutu can really be! I popped in on some designers during this time, including one young but fierce artist called Alexander McQueen! At that time he was still designing for other companies. A few years later, in 1992 he was showing his own clothing collection! So, can you imagine my joy when he used tutus for his “Taxi Driver” collection? It was a fashion explosion and his design career soon skyrocketed to worldwide fame. There's a first time for everything. Who knew one pink tutu could have such a significant impact!
Before leaving you my lovelies I want to leave you with this reminder. Remember that each generation of drag queens contributes something unique and magical to the ever-evolving tapestry of drag history. So, let's celebrate all the trailblazers of 1987, 2023 or whatever year you’re in! Drag queens everywhere continue to break barriers and push the boundaries of creativity, reminding us all that fabulousness, in whatever shape or form, is a gift we should cherish and embrace.
Until next month, darlings, let your fabulous selves shine bright, and never be afraid to experiment with your looks. If you ever have any ideas or even want to show me your fabulous creations, just post them to www.pink-tutu.com. We might even find your look to be just the ticket for a fun drag adventure in my pink tutu. Now, off to get that vintage, pastel, pink tutu I saw last week at the shop!
Ciao, darlings!
