#DragQueenHistory during 1997 07

Hello darlings! Your favourite time travelling pink tutu queen, Emma, is back with a fabulous update! It’s the 21st of July 1997, and, honey, let me tell you, it’s a corker!

As you all know, I’m obsessed with all things fabulous, but 1997? That's truly where drag REALLY got glamorous. You want sass? You want glamour? You want fabulous? Well, girl, it’s the late nineties! My time travelling pink tutu got me all dolled up in my finest pink and white, ready for some absolute Drag Queen history in the making!

Right, I have to spill the tea – you know my favourite things, fashion, performances and… well, obviously, PINK! My darling, this period, is a fashion paradise! All the bright colours of the eighties had simmered down, giving way to some serious shimmery, sequined looks! Imagine that: sequins, darling! The world was in sequins! I mean, sequins! I think you can tell by now that I like sequins, because darling… I have sequins on my pink tutu. And no, I didn't buy the tutu, I stitched it myself. Don’t worry my dears, you know me, I don’t just buy clothes, I like to have a crack at them myself, even on this time travelling number.

Anyway! 1997 was a time of great change in the world of drag. This period is what started that movement from the big, flamboyant drag we were used to to the more… shall we say… street? It started back in the nineties! Remember those cheeky cabaret acts? Remember, drag is all about fabulous performances, which you could get in all the pubs and bars. Oh darling, I was truly living the dream! I was going to everything! This time is my jam for Drag Shows! The drag queen style has definitely progressed from its classic cabaret drag performances and is pushing new boundaries. The queens were embracing all aspects of the arts. Street drag started with an almost hip hop vibe with more urban influenced performance styles, and even incorporated pop star icons and influences. They were fierce, brave and fearless!

The fashion in 1997 is giving major nineties glam! From feather boas to sparkly tops, those queens were rocking some fierce looks. A very big shout out to the queens! In this period the beauty standards also shifted with all kinds of creative make-up and a heavy contour look. I mean, let’s be honest… what’s drag without that gorgeous, sultry and seductive face?

So, my darling, let’s get down to the heart of the matter! Who’s putting on the fabulous shows this July!

A drag extravaganza across the world:

Let me just say that the London scene was bursting with talent – it really was the hot spot for queens. You could feel that it was evolving all the time – it’s truly a hot spot, just as it is today. All the way back to 1997. If you fancy a fab drag queen trip to the UK, let’s check out the dates of the iconic ‘DRAG’.

Let’s talk about drag in the United States. Well, let’s start with the Drag Queen that started a whole revolution – Divine. She really opened the door to all sorts of drag opportunities - the world needs more Divine! Her influence spread to all corners of the world with queens creating new genres. So, here’s where you can go.

I am totally loving 'The Big Gay Weekend'. Oh darling! It’s really, really amazing! The scene has got it going on! From cabaret to the iconic ‘Showgirls' , I tell you, the nightlife is sizzling. The glamour and theatricality on stage is absolutely fabulous!

Let's travel over to San Francisco. Darling! There’s an amazing energy in the air! There are so many places you have to check out if you fancy a fab drag time travelling adventure in the San Francisco drag scene. You can enjoy the scene and also grab a delicious cocktail, oh and you HAVE to check out ‘Tranzformations’. Oh, and check out ‘The Cockettes’ who helped launch the San Francisco drag scene. This is iconic Drag History! It's iconic Drag History! It's truly amazing! I’ve actually found out that their first show called “Pearls Before Swine” at the 1967 “Cockettes" performance has been recognised by many as the first modern-day, professional Drag Show.

Now my dears, we need to check out one of my most absolute fave drag performers! She’s got the glitz and glam down! I was so lucky to see her - just imagine! We are talking about none other than Lady Bunny. A New York institution, and my goodness she puts on a show! There is also some serious talent in San Fransisco.

Oh darling! Let’s jump on over to New York. Let’s check out this queen who’s on the scene! RuPaul, you might recognise her, but back then…she was the one making drag super cool. Now, darling, this lady has really pushed the boundaries of Drag on television! ‘It’s time for drag queens!’, I hear her voice now, that lady is full of magic and glamour! It really was exciting watching this queen rise to the very top. There’s an incredible energy, the club is fabulous and let me tell you! It’s packed to the rafters. Oh my word! What more could you need, my darling? This queen has got drag fashion covered. Oh yes darling, check out 'The Saint at the Kit Kat' *and *‘The Pyramid Club' in New York. It’s just such a treat to look at her clothes. This place is an institution for New York drag, and we have a fab date set up with RuPaul this month. And for some added sass, we must take in a show at *‘The Lips' *which is super camp. It’s camp and fantastic. There is just so much amazing energy! Oh, Darling, you have got to see a performance by RuPaul - check her out - she’s brilliant! This queen is iconic and, yes! You are correct, the energy in the club was… well….electrifying, darling!

So darling! My time traveling pink tutu has shown me the drag scene was simply AMAZING. But that’s just July, it’s truly, a wonderful time, you know, so many icons - I have seen the queens of the world. From cabaret, theatre to street, you’ve got it all.
Now, remember to check back in next month when I bring you more from the world of Drag! If you fancy a cheeky look, go check out www.pink-tutu.com. Stay sassy my darling and… don't forget to wear a pink tutu.

And Remember to follow your dreams!

Until next time… XOXO