Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, back from another wild adventure through time, and guess what? My pink tutu landed me right in the middle of 1996, the year of boy bands, crop tops, and, of course, a whole lotta drag! I've been feeling a bit like I'm in a time warp, like I stepped straight out of a Britney Spears video - all sparkly, shimmering, and ready to take on the world.
You know, even in 1996, the magic of drag was working its wondrous spell! My first stop, as always, was a drag show. I simply adore the feeling of being swept away by a fabulous performance, and this night did not disappoint!
Let's talk about Bianca Del Rio. In '96 she was not yet a drag queen. Well, actually she was, but this wasn't her name! (Spoiler alert - this is how drag queens like me travel through time - we have to use their names for their eras! The powers of time travel are mighty, darlings!) I remember this incredible queen, Bianca (which wasn't her name!), strutting around the stage in this absolutely iconic bright pink feathered dress, feathers cascading down like a peacock proud to be on the runway, darling.
Now, if you think feather boas are loud today, imagine what they were like back in '96 - it was an explosion of fabulousness, my love! She had this killer lip sync, I could have sworn it was to the Spice Girls, but time travel makes things a bit... fluid. The whole audience, just went wild. You could feel the electricity in the air, it was like we were all bathed in the sheer brilliance of her talent, darling.
As soon as the music faded, I popped out to give her my best high five. She was such a sweetie, we had the most amazing conversation - all about the new era of drag coming. I told her all about our era of drag and her future! Such a gift, to be able to connect with queens through the ages like this.
And speaking of connections, let's talk about those looks!* Now, 1996 wasn't as much about high-fashion and designer looks as today. It was much more about DIY, a mix and match explosion of the coolest street styles. Think fishnets, platform boots, crop tops, and, naturally, the *most fabulous neon colours you ever did see! Oh, and glitter. Lots and lots of glitter, it was practically falling out of the air!
I went for a bit of '96-inspired fashion spree, you can't visit a new era and not have a bit of a shopping spree. It was like stepping into a whole different world! I snagged a pink tulle skirt, a mesh tank top, and a pair of bright blue boots with stars! (I practically had to wrestle that shopkeeper for those, they were so fab!) But, that's the thing about drag queens - they're never afraid to be bold. That was truly the drag queen way back then!
Drag queens back in 1996, you'd find them everywhere, especially at the Gay and Lesbian community centres - those were THE places to go. That's how we forged a sense of belonging and made incredible memories. Imagine, sharing stories, laughter, and even creating tiny theatre shows with makeshift costumes! You'd find that same spirit on stage and in the street, it was simply magical.
In 1996, drag wasn't always mainstream media, like it is now, but you wouldn't believe the incredible impact drag had! That's why drag queens are so fascinating. We create these safe spaces for ourselves and share them with the whole world, no matter what. It’s so inspiring.
Even in this world before RuPaul, there were these queens - I mean, even Bianca - making names for themselves in the scene.
Remember that it was about embracing individuality and pushing boundaries. The freedom of expression, the daring makeup, and that sheer joy of just being yourself. Drag was the way to do that, then and now.
But even more than anything, 1996, reminded me, again, of just how much we have in common across time. No matter the era, drag queens always find a way to transform the world, with one shimmery pink tutu at a time! And if you ask me, the world is a lot more beautiful for it.
Now, my darling, go and spread that glitter, put on your favourite tutu, and rock that look! Be brave, be bold, be a little bit extravagant - and remember, you're always shining, just like a drag queen!.
Until next month, remember to keep following your dreams. I know I do! Always a drag queen, always in a pink tutu, and always travelling through time!
Love and Sparkle, Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
