Darling! Grab your favourite tipple, a slice of pink cake, and settle in. Today, we're taking a little trip back to the fabulous 5th May 1991. It’s your favourite Derbyshire girl, Emma, and as always, I’m bringing the fabulous pink tutu magic to another brilliant drag history blog post!
Now, it’s the early ‘90s and, let me tell you, drag was absolutely slaying! Back then, drag wasn't just about strutting your stuff in a club, it was a full-on art form – you'd find drag performers on Broadway, television, and even gracing the silver screen!
You know how I always say, "Drag is timeless?” Well, back in 1991, it was definitely making a huge statement, especially on the streets of New York, where it seemed like everyone and their drag mother was either doing, or watching, drag! This was a period when drag started breaking through into the mainstream – just think, RuPaul was launching her legendary career, and drag performers were gracing the silver screen like never before!
The glitter and glam wasn't limited to just the big apple, you know. We're talking international superstars like Divine (RIP you beautiful queen), and the glorious Joey Arias, strutting their stuff on stage and making history with their captivating performances.
But hold your feather boas darling, let's focus on the big drag events that made the 5th May 1991 such a memorable date:
The Glam of The Golden Gate:
Okay, let’s hop on over to San Francisco, California! You’d find some of the world's most legendary drag icons performing at the legendary "Cockettes" - the name is enough to make you say, “Yes darling, I’m coming!" From their wild and wacky theatrics, which incorporated everything from outrageous costumes to avant-garde music, they became a legendary force within drag!
*New York City Drag Scene: *
And speaking of legendary, how could I possibly not mention New York City's drag scene? This date marks a true historical moment, a truly "camp" occasion where “The Cockettes” and “The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” - oh, those nuns were absolutely giving Sister Act on stage with their fabulous, sometimes risqué, performances! Their gowns, wigs, and attitude had all the camp flair that's iconic in drag! Imagine, dear reader, nuns, dressed in fabulous costumes, throwing out a few quips about religion and social justice. Now, you know that they weren't actually giving any sermons – this was full-on drag, in its glory! Oh my god!
Time Travel, But Make It Fashion:
I was lucky enough to be zipping around the time-traveling in my magical pink tutu and let me tell you, the 5th of May 1991, felt like it was everything. And oh honey, what better way to travel through the annals of drag history than wearing a gorgeous pink tutu? It just says “fashion” and “ready to slay” at the same time!
I felt like I was literally walking out of one of those amazing ‘90s magazine spreads. You know, all the pastel pinks, neon greens, and bright turquoise colours? Everything was big, bold, and a slight bit edgy - but I wouldn't want it any other way!
A Drag Timeline From The Streets to The Screens:
Just for a quick second, let's hop over to a little glimpse at the big things in drag in 1991:
- RuPaul: The Queen
Well darling, do we need to even talk about RuPaul? Let's be real - he's a drag legend. But back in 1991, he was already dominating the dance floors with hits like “Supermodel” and "You’re No Good" .
- Drag On the Big Screen: Divine graced the big screen in the 1991 cult film "Hairspray" .
- * Drag Theatre!: The Cockettes* Their influence on the drag scene of the '70s was powerful and still continues today, darling!
Shopping, Shows and My Favourite Pink Tutu:
Oh my god! 1991 was all about neon, big hair and glitter – imagine the makeup look? This era was pure joy. Just picture all those fantastic, wild makeup styles and fabulous costumes. It really makes you feel like drag was on fire - it was camp and so glamorous.
Now I have to share my fashion journey, honey: imagine me, Emma, in the pinkest tutu you've ever seen – just perfect for that ’90s look! You know how I love my pink tutus and fashion. You can tell, right?
The clothes were outlandish, but the looks were fabulous – think everything from leather jackets and denim to sequins and feather boas. That '90s aesthetic is the absolute bomb – you know, think fabulous jackets, fabulous sunglasses, and those high-platform shoes - talk about strutting your stuff! And you couldn't go anywhere without your neon makeup and giant hoop earrings! I still rock these, it’s timeless.
Just think – I was strolling down Fifth Avenue, just soaking in the sheer, fabulous spectacle that was drag in New York. You've just got to experience a drag show at the Roxy. What an iconic nightclub! Back then, darling, every night was like an explosion of glitter and drag-tastic performances! Just try to imagine all those glamorous performances from talented queens, strutting their stuff and putting on a show you’ll never forget – I certainly won’t.
Fashion Tips For My Queens:
Oh, before we leave this magical trip down drag history memory lane - and trust me, you always leave me wanting to twirl through a time machine - I need to talk fashion! As much as I love a bright, bright, bright pink tutu – even those who shy away from bright pink can still enjoy it – all queens and kings deserve the opportunity to twirl their heart away, with some sassy confidence. I mean, tutus are so versatile; they’re fun, chic, stylish and look amazing when layered – I've always said: wear it with pride, dear readers. It's a great time to dig out the sparkly skirts and find the neon colours - or, how about trying to match your drag ensemble to some iconic vintage-look shoes – maybe some bright red platforms, with some glitter? Yes please! You’ve got to remember – every queen, every king, deserves to strut their style with sass. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
I hope you enjoyed this trip back to the wonderful 5th of May 1991. Oh my God, darling, let me tell you, it was a truly legendary drag journey.
Now remember, until next time, strut your stuff, always embrace those pink tutus and spread that love, glam, and good humour! And if you want to join my monthly trip through time - join me at www.pink-tutu.com !
And of course, don’t forget, darling - keep shining! And, you know, keep twirling.
Emma xx
