Helloooo darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things drag, glitter, and time-travelling tutus! It's your girl Emma here, and this month I'm whisking us back to a legendary date in drag history: the 11th of November, 1990! Buckle up, babes, because this trip is going to be absolutely fabulous!
Now, you all know how much I love a good pink tutu. It's my signature look, the perfect blend of whimsical elegance and fierce attitude. But did you know that my obsession with tutus actually comes from my love for the history of drag? It's all interconnected, darlings!
Remember, it wasn't always about fierce makeup, stunning gowns, and killer lip-syncs. Drag has a long and rich history, and exploring it has been a true passion of mine. I'm convinced itâs a direct line back to why I am so smitten with these poofy delights! My very own magical tutu isnât just a fashion choice; it's a time-traveling portal, and today I'm using it to take us on a glamorous journey to a world where drag was truly making waves!
Flashback to the Fabulous 90s:
Picture it: The year is 1990. The world is a slightly different place, full of big hair, shoulder pads, and that iconic 80s dance craze - the "Macarena"! But drag? Well, drag was starting to get seriously exciting, and the 11th of November was a truly special date!
I slipped into my trusty time-travelling pink tutu, and I swear, darling, there was a sparkly cloud of glitter dust swirling around me before I was whooshed away to a new era.
A Night at the Shows:
My first stop? New York City, the very heart of the drag scene. On this date, in the city that never sleeps, the drag world was abuzz with excitement. The famous and influential nightclub âThe Pyramid Clubâ hosted the iconic "GAYle's âGAYleâs Birthday bashâ which would go down in history! Drag legends, including the legendary Lady Bunny and Mother herself, Divine, were the headliners.
Imagine the scene, babes: a dazzling spectacle of feathers, sequins, and the intoxicating smell of cheap cologne! A chorus of high-pitched cheers echoed as Divine, belted out her hit song "I'm So Beautiful," a show stopping performance with the perfect mix of sassy and fierce that set the audience alight. The energy was infectious. The drag divas brought a level of glamor and confidence that oozed off the stage, leaving everyone wanting more. Divine had left her legacy in the hearts of generations of performers - itâs a true honour to see history in the making.
The New York scene wasnât the only place brimming with excitement though! On this same day in Los Angeles, the city where stars are born, was a night filled with high camp comedy as âThe Roxyâ saw another show that helped shape drag history - a late-night showing of the movie âPeckerâ, with a drag twist! The night wasn't all about glitter and glamorous ensembles; drag was venturing into the world of avant-garde and independent filmmaking. It was exciting! Drag had taken center stage not just in nightclubs but also in movies. We could definitely see a rise in the powerful influence that drag was beginning to have on our society.
Back in my time-traveling tutu, I knew this was a date where I had to soak it all up! But there was more!
Going International:
To understand the impact of this day, we need to take a broader view, a truly international journey, as the influence of drag wasnât contained just to the United States. We're all about seeing how drag was starting to be enjoyed on a global scale!
I twirled my way, in my pink tutu, to my beloved homeland, the UK, specifically to Derbyshire. It's a region close to my heart, with its rolling green hills, quaint villages, and a vibrant drag scene of its own. As much as I adore the larger city settings of NYC and LA, thereâs something wonderful about the intimate local scenes. Thereâs a special connection with the performers and audiences, and, letâs be honest, my Derbyshire hometown girls have an excellent knowledge of all the best local bakeries where I can pick up some freshly baked treats (to celebrate after my show, of course!)
Let's just say it's not the usual glamorous setting you might find in a club in New York, but for me, the true magic lies in those hidden pockets of drag - and I can bet, darling, that the same sense of fierce fun, freedom of expression, and unadulterated glamor were on full display there, on that specific 11th of November!
Tutu Fashion and Street Style
Fashion has always played a vital role in drag, and in the 1990s it was taking off in a whole new direction. Remember the "grunge" aesthetic? Yeah, not entirely your typical drag fare, but some drag performers started to experiment, with darker looks and alternative makeup, making the mainstream style more inclusive.
I have to say though, darlings, nothing beats the ultimate fashion accessory â a bright pink tutu! Its the best piece to tie it all together. Whether you are creating a fierce, elegant look, or wanting something more playful, the possibilities are endless! You can pair it with a sparkling bustier, add an overskirt, or a chunky silver necklace for an added element of drama. Just remember - we love a bold, fashion-forward statement!
From The Stage to Your Street:
And if you want to really see the magic of the tutu and take it on a fashion journey, remember to take it outside of the stage, ladies! Donât forget it is a universal language.
No matter your age or where you live, you can rock it.
Whether you are on your way to a drag show, walking down your local high street, or going to a fancy cocktail party - make your tutu work for you!
A Love For Drag, From Then To Now:
My time travel journey was filled with an amazing buzz. It's truly inspiring to witness the energy, the creativity, and the constant evolution of drag! And you know what? It hasnât changed. Drag today continues to break boundaries and redefine beauty, individuality, and freedom. It's still so exciting, it's so joyous!
Remembering Our Roots:
Here at Pink-Tutu.com, we never forget where we come from, and this journey has only cemented my passion to celebrate all forms of drag, all expressions of self, and to remind everyone â no matter your style - that drag is for everyone, and wearing a pink tutu just adds an extra sprinkle of sparkle.
Until next time, darlings! Keep those tutus twirling! Don't forget to keep up with our amazing posts. The link for this blog post and all others are right here on Pink-Tutu.com
Yours always in fabulousity,
Emma,
The Pink-Tutu Queen!