Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind journey through the wonderful world of drag history! This time, I twirled my way back to November 2001, and let me tell you, it was a truly fab trip! As always, my magical pink tutu took me back through time with the utmost style, and it's got me all aflutter about this particular date!
My Pink Tutu and November's Glamour!
First, let's talk about the sartorial situation, darlings. November 2001 ā can you imagine it? This is way before the "Ru-surgence" of drag queens, but let me tell you, even then the fashion game was fierce! I found myself in the heart of New York City, surrounded by fabulousness!
Imagine a time before the Drag Race girls and all those perfectly sculpted beards. In 2001, queens were all about their individual style. We're talking fabulous feathered headpieces, shimmering sequins, and more sparkle than you can shake a glitter-stick at! And you know me, a girl after my own heart ā I just had to add a pink tutu, just to shake things up a bit!
Now, November 2001 is more than just some random date in history. It was a momentous time in the world of drag, with so many fascinating things happening all around the world! I travelled to see what was going down, from London to Paris, to Australia! Honestly, the international drag scene was ablaze!
Drag in the Big Apple:
The highlight of my trip was witnessing some absolutely stellar performances in New York City. I landed at the iconic XL Nightclub, a legendary space where Drag Queens, performers, and party people mingled with a wild abandon. You could just feel the energy pulsing, and trust me, darling, I was definitely vibing with it! The queen who really stole the show was Miss Fame, her performance was simply breathtaking! It was so good I felt my own glitter was shimmering with jealousy! She was all attitude and incredible looks and she brought a theatrical level of perfection to the performance.
Then there was the infamous Mother, an American queen from the early days, she was a real "wild one", truly embodying the fierce and flamboyant side of drag, she was iconic for her use of makeup, that big beautiful afro and, the outrageous costumes, and boy, she was all about bringing the heat. I watched, spellbound, as Mother transformed the club into her personal stage!
Parisian Panache
Now, we all know Paris is the capital of fashion, so you just know I couldn't go on a time travel trip without popping over to see what the French queens were serving! Paris was teeming with drag history!
I got to catch a glimpse of the iconic drag queen, Divine, on the street and it was absolutely divine! I could only stare in awe as she walked by in all her campy glory! Itās fair to say, my darlings, Iām still feeling inspired! Her performance just oozed glamour and sassiness ā it truly made me wonder what my drag would have been like in 2001. But you see, this is why I do this ā itās to see the history thatās shaped us, where we come from! Sheās a total legend! I mean, who could forget the Pink Flamingos era! What an absolute masterpiece. I still sing the Divineās music on my days off!
There were also fabulous performers I encountered ā a Paris queen who called herself āMlle Roseā. She had this stunning show going on. She had all these gorgeous costumes ā so Parisian and chic ā that theyād made me want to add some fabulous fabrics to my own personal collection, the inspiration just bubbled! But itās fair to say, the queens were truly an inspiration, serving looks and glamour in a way thatās really left its mark on me!
Londonās Drag Scene
But before I left 2001, I made a quick pit stop back home in good olā Derbyshire. It felt fantastic to be in the UK and see the roots of drag where it all started for me. Now, I wouldnāt normally go into that kind of detail, but I wanted to show my audience the reality of it! This is what my world looked like in 2001.
There weren't a ton of drag shows in the Derbyshire area. Iāve had to drive around quite a bit for shows in England back then! I spent the night in the East End, a drag scene brimming with energy. I'm a Derbyshire girl through and through, but London is just a place thatās made me love the art form, and it was so full of exciting drag!
Londonās Glamour Girls
My journey took me to The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, this famous spot, Londonās true heart of LGBTQ+ history, was a real scene of queer life. I bumped into drag legend, Divine, there. Oh, my, darling! This lady just served real sass! Her looks were out-of-this-world and, darling, thatās an understatement! I knew my blog would benefit from seeing how her magic brought life to this classic bar and theatre! It made the scene! Itās so interesting to see how places like this made history and the part Divine played in that history! It was all bright and glamorous!
Speaking of iconic locations, itās impossible not to mention the Spice Girls! Now, those ladies knew how to use their style! Spice Up Your Life was an incredible anthem that celebrated womanhood in all itās glamour! I mean, who could forget those fabulous looks and sparkling dance routines! This pop sensation truly embodied how feminine we were allowed to express ourselves as a country.
I was also surprised to learn that November 2001 saw the start of the reality television show Project Runway. This show made a real mark on the fashion industry, inspiring millions of viewers to embrace their creative vision.
Now, Iām still getting to grips with what that show really did to push fashion and how important the whole world of fashion has been to queer culture! I think youād have to agree, these two elements are definitely intertwined, donāt you? It is so fascinating for me to be learning the past so I can apply what I learn to the present and push boundaries, so to speak, as a drag performer, in this beautiful future.
My Time Travelling Tip
Listen, darlings, I love all the different styles of drag. Each generation brings its unique flavour to the art form, but it's really all about being confident and embracing your own inner-diva! If you're reading this and you haven't been to a drag show yet ā seriously ā what are you waiting for?
You know I have been touring these cities and dancing in my pink tutu since I started my time-traveling journey ā but darling, even this time I learned so much more about how far we have come. That is what is inspiring. Drag really is so amazing! Go get dressed, go out, and see what a drag queen can do!
Until Next Time!
Until next month, Iāll be touring these great cities of history in my time-traveling pink tutu! And Iām sure you can guess what I will be doing ā spreading the pink-tutu message, my dear darlings! And I wouldnāt have it any other way.
So remember to always spread the love and to dance as hard as you can ā you just never know where your journey will lead!
See you all on pink-tutu.com in December!
Much love,
Emma xxx
A Note from Emma: Now darlings, please forgive my slightly delayed blog. My little trip through time was a little hectic! Honestly, I went down a rabbit hole.
You just wouldn't believe all that is happening right now. It was very important to my mission for me to visit the big names from back then. I just needed to show the fabulousness of the Drag queens who have paved the way for us to do our thing. But trust me darlings, my Pink Tutu always lands me safely back home.
Remember to join us next month for some new adventures! Donāt forget to visit the website www.pink-tutu.com where you can find updates and a calendar for your own exciting adventures, or even, if youāre brave, time travel!
Love and tutus,
Emma xxx
