Blog Post Number 817
Hiya lovelies! Your girl Emma here, back from another dazzling jaunt through time, and honey, let me tell you, 1st January 1988 was a right royal hoot! I've got all the glitz, glamour, and juicy drag deets from the past, so grab a cuppa, sit back, and get ready for some seriously fabulous history!
As a Derbyshire lass through and through, I'm always tickled pink to find a connection with the royal family, and let me tell you, this particular jaunt started with a real bang. Imagine this: 1988, the year the Queen Mother, bless her soul, turned 88. Now, a birthday for a Queen, that's a celebration worth mentioning, isn't it? And this wasn't just any birthday – she celebrated with a HUGE gala bash at Buckingham Palace. Fancy that! The world's biggest royal bash – just the kind of grand occasion that screams "pink tutu and glitter" in my book!
I popped in on the Queen Mother's bash wearing a majestic pink tulle creation that wouldn't have looked out of place on the stage at the Royal Albert Hall. I felt right at home surrounded by all that royal pomp and circumstance. You see, honey, there's something quite fabulous about the juxtaposition – the old world royal elegance alongside my own playful drag queen vibe.
Of course, I couldn't be in a palace without hitting the ballroom! I had the chance to hobnob with royalty, from the Queen Mother herself (bless her cotton socks, she was a riot!), to Princess Diana – an absolute vision in sapphire blue! Imagine! All the glamour of a royal ball, the clinking of champagne flutes, and the thrill of dancing with a genuine Princess! A night of absolute magic, darling.
But that wasn't the only fabulous drag event happening on 1st January 1988! It seems the world of drag, just like my time-travelling tutu, was embracing diversity. There was something happening everywhere I went, a testament to the power of the art of drag to cross borders and inspire!
Across the pond in New York City, a legendary nightclub was starting to shake things up: the legendary Pyramid Club, a true haven for drag. The Pyramid, you see, wasn't your typical club; it was a pioneer in its own right. This club provided a safe space, a beacon for artistic expression for trans people and drag performers in the city. It was where drag icons like Lady Bunny honed their skills, making this a place to watch out for. I tell you, the Pyramid was the heartbeat of NYC drag, an incubator of so many legendary acts. And even today, its impact resonates!
Just down the road in San Francisco, a city notorious for its artistic freedom, the Cockettes, a collective of counter-cultural artists, were holding a spectacular at the Palace of Fine Arts, and a night to be remembered. This group of drag queens, gender benders, and performance artists brought a bold blend of humour, theatrics, and social commentary to their art. With its mixture of whimsical fashion, satire, and storytelling, this show had the audience spellbound. It was a bold artistic experiment, a true celebration of drag and it’s ability to reflect the social climate!
And darling, just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I popped across to Europe and guess what I stumbled upon? The legendary Parisian drag scene, as exciting as ever! 1988 was the era of "drag balls", elaborate balls with theme nights, fabulous costume competitions and enough glitter to outshine a disco! Paris became a melting pot of artistry, as drag queens from all corners of the globe came to show off their creations and revel in the magic of drag. You can't talk about drag in the 1980s without acknowledging the balls, the grand spectacles of drag, showcasing all the most fabulous costumes. I was completely in my element!
As for my favourite part of my time-travelling jaunt? You wouldn't believe it: the shopping! Oh honey, I hit the boutiques in Paris, a dazzling explosion of colours and fashion! Imagine - velvet jumpsuits, feathered headdresses, platform heels taller than skyscrapers - the era was full of fashion extravagance. This was a time for self-expression through your attire. So yes, of course, I bought a couple of fabulous vintage finds to add to my own collection – I simply couldn't resist the allure of these beautifully outrageous creations!
But darling, enough about me, it's all about you, and spreading the joy of pink tutus! If this trip to 1988 taught me anything, it's that drag knows no boundaries. It's an art form that flourishes in all its iterations, from royal gatherings to underground balls! Every drag queen is a time traveler, embracing expression, bringing a touch of joy and sparkle to the world.
So let’s carry that energy with us, honey, and make 2023 as fabulous as a pink tutu-clad journey to 1988! Now, who wants to wear a pink tutu for me today? Let's keep this magical trend going, spread the pink and make the world a more glamorous place, one sparkly tulle masterpiece at a time!
Remember lovelies, it’s your girl Emma, signing off. Go get your shine on! www.pink-tutu.com
