Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveler Emma here, fresh from a trip to the utterly fabulous year of 1996! You wouldn't believe what I saw – and of course, it all happened whilst wearing my divine shimmering pink tutu that literally whisks me through time. Isn't it glorious?
Let’s take a dip back into the past, shall we?
September 1996 - A Blast From the Past!
Oh honey, this was a real treat! 1996 saw some absolute icons of the drag world absolutely KILLING it, and you just had to be there, babes. So I popped on my most dazzling pink tutu (I'm talking glitter that would put a disco ball to shame!), grabbed my time-traveling teacup, and let's just say... I was transported to a very different world.
Firstly, the fashion, my darlings! Think Spice Girls realness – chunky platforms, oversized hair and, of course, a whole lot of glitter. But it wasn't just the fashion – the drag scene itself was full of such charisma! The legendary RuPaul, my divine queen, was making serious waves with her iconic “Supermodel (You Better Work)” and that iconic wig in the video! It was a real game changer, sweetie! She’s really paved the way for drag’s success today, wouldn't you say?
Speaking of icons, the absolutely incredible Divine (Divine? A name worthy of a queen, no? ) - oh, she was just… iconic. She took on the role of “Frightened and Dangerous,” and, darling, if her looks didn’t give you life, I don't know what would! Oh, the glamour of it all! You'd be forgiven for thinking you'd walked onto the set of a 50's campy horror film!
But, it wasn’t just the US where the drag world was bubbling! Here in good ol' England, the drag scene was really making its mark. The fabulous campy comedian, Julian Clary, was making headlines (and bringing the laughs) with his hilarious persona! And I must say, honey, this one did love her tulle, as all fabulous drag queens should! Remember the 90s – it was all about camp.
Where the Fabulous Fun Was At!
In 1996, you could catch drag at the New York City's "The Drag Palace", a veritable temple of fabulousness where queens ruled and sashayed! It’s truly inspiring that even then, these queens were defying norms, and owning every single inch of their artistry. Just imagine how much the scene has changed since! I love reminiscing on the queens that came before us, we really owe it to those trailblazers who paved the way!
And then there were the big hitters – the legends that still resonate to this day. RuPaul's Drag Race was starting to become a phenomenon ( and wouldn't you know it? the iconic song from “Supermodel (You Better Work)" is still used at the show’s end!). I just know Ru would've had her heart set on going all the way to the very top, she truly is the embodiment of "the greatest of all time"!
The thing about drag history, babes, it’s truly a testament to the power of self-expression and community. These queens – be they the New York drag divas or the legendary figures in film and theatre – fought hard for their right to shine!
Now, where was I...? Oh yes, my time traveling in a pink tutu!
Time Traveling, Pink Tutu Adventures, and More!
Speaking of my pink tutu adventures… I really need to give a shout out to my pink tutu, darling. It’s truly become more than just an outfit – it’s a portal, an escape route, a companion in fabulousness!
This month, my drag performances have really helped me get closer to reaching my time travel fund goal. Oh, darling, my shows are such a joy to do – it truly is such a magical experience when all eyes are on you. I must confess though… I do sometimes wonder how it will be when everyone’s wearing pink tutus and my fabulous attire isn’t as unique. Imagine that, darling!
Maybe I’ll take inspiration from those legendary queens of the 90s and really push the boundaries… imagine, a feathered headpiece made from actual feathers from the Amazon… or a 1920's, art-deco, pink tutu – that’ll really get heads turning!
The Final Note...
But let’s get back to the here and now – and to my wonderful community of pink tutu followers! What have you been up to this month, dearies? I just have to know what's happening in your lives. Maybe I’ll post a little drag Q&A to hear all about your thoughts. Let me know!
For now, darling, I shall leave you with a final note from the wonderful Lady Gaga - a truly revolutionary and iconic performer! I mean, imagine if you lived back in 1996 and heard “Bad Romance” on the radio, the world would've simply exploded!
“Don't be afraid to be yourself, to speak up, to be unique, to express yourself... Be proud of who you are!”
I absolutely love that. And isn't that what it’s all about?
Don't forget, check out my blog, www.pink-tutu.com for some time-traveling fabulousness – see you next month, lovelies!
**Yours truly,
Emma**
