Hiya darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com, where it's always fabulous! This month, my magical pink tutu has whisked me right back to September 1998!
You know I just adore revisiting this time period. It was such a vibrant, exciting era for drag. And let me tell you, New York City was the absolute hub of all things fabulous back then. It felt like a giant, sparkling, and oh-so-glamorous stage, and the drag queens were the absolute stars.
This month, my time-travel blog is extra special because it's all about the iconic drag ball hosted by Lady Bunny at the legendary The Tunnel! Yes, darlings, we're going underground for this one! 🎉
The Tunnel was a haven for underground parties, raves, and of course, spectacular drag balls! It was like a secret wonderland where anything was possible. And who better to be hosting a fabulous drag ball than the divine Lady Bunny, one of drag's most hilarious, outrageous, and legendary queens? I can practically hear her infectious laughter ringing in my ears, can't you?
Now, the highlight of my trip back to this time was the chance to see the absolutely phenomenal RuPaul. You guys, she was ALREADY a bonafide drag superstar. It's so exciting to look back and see how far she has come, because even back then, she was just radiating charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. She really was a drag icon even before her television reign. She performed some serious glam in that legendary purple wig, and the energy of the crowd was just electric. I felt every single fabulous ounce of it in my pink tutu, darling. 💖⚡️
Speaking of glamour, the drag fashions were to die for. Just think... sharp, sharp silhouettes, fierce makeup, the use of sequins, feathers, and a dash of danger. Let's face it, there was nothing holding these drag queens back from expressing their individual, stunning styles. The ball itself was just pure glitz and glam. I can picture the stage ablaze with fabulous drag queen outfits! Oh my, I would have absolutely slayed that ball! You bet I'd be giving my all for a trophy. My pink tutu, though maybe not as much "ballroom" as some of the queens, was ready to shine in the underground.
Speaking of outfits, let's talk about RuPaul's legendary purple wig. I swear, that wig was living, breathing, and stole the show. You wouldn't be caught dead at the Tunnel without a showstopping wig and outfit, darling. We’re talking major attitude, high hair and bigger outfits! It was like stepping into a magazine shoot every time I looked around.
Now, let’s rewind back to me, your pink tutu-wearing time traveler. After my trip to The Tunnel, I decided to explore some of the other exciting drag happenings in New York City in September 1998. Did I mention it was Fashion Week? I felt right at home. From the legendary Misshapes and Club Kid gatherings to the avant-garde designs of John Galliano and Alexander McQueen – I felt so inspired and immersed in a world of beauty and creativity. My love for fabulous clothes is definitely a passion that’s traveled through time!
You see, darlings, this was a period of real innovation in the drag scene. There were so many different forms and expressions of drag flourishing all around me, from street queens, stage queens, ballroom queens - all celebrating their uniqueness and individuality. That was the most incredible part - seeing this wonderful tapestry of diverse drag culture being woven right before my eyes. It felt revolutionary and beautiful.
Of course, my time travels always remind me of the importance of finding your own voice in drag. Don't just mimic trends, darlings, but channel that inner star and express your true self! Just like the incredible drag queens of 1998 were doing! Every one of those queens had their own signature look and style. They knew who they were and they owned it!
But, alas, all journeys must end eventually. With a wink and a twirl, I bid farewell to the legendary drag scene of 1998, back to the embrace of my own era. You know what, darlings, those memories make me feel so incredibly lucky to be a drag queen and to have this magical pink tutu, whisking me all over the world through time.
I leave you with a challenge for you today! What's your favourite thing about drag history? And have you got a dream time period that you’d love to visit?
Remember, darlings, every month I'll be posting another #DragQueenHistory blog. So, make sure you stay tuned!
Love, hugs and sparkles,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com 💖🩰💋
