Hello darlings, it's Emma, your resident pink-tutu clad time traveler, back with another monthly jaunt through the history of drag!
This time, I’m flashing back to March 2005. You know, right at that sweet spot when chunky boots and baby tees were the fashion trend, everyone was obsessed with Myspace and the world hadn't yet gone crazy for glitter beards and lip syncing to viral TikTok challenges!
Now, this month was full of fab drag history! Imagine, a whole world brimming with talent, glitter and theatrical prowess.
It's just my kind of trip, honey!
To get this adventure started, I needed to do what all good time travelers do - pick my perfect travel companion: my pink tutu.
This month's vintage dream? A classic tulle masterpiece, all swishy layers and sparkling sequins. Perfect for twirling my way back through time! With a magical swish and a sprinkle of fairy dust, I'm transported back to a vibrant March in 2005!
First Stop - New York City!
Oh my, darling, New York is always a glamorous hub of drag. This time was no different. Just like today, a whole gaggle of drag icons were ready to take the stage, showing us what they were made of!
I waltzed into the Wigstock festival in Central Park. A glorious whirlwind of drag performances, fashion parades, and all the camp you could imagine. It was the real-deal, all about showcasing individual artistry. I was mesmerized by the incredible looks! And the energy was just infectious! I saw the incredible Divine on the runway. I was also starstruck to see a legendary group called the Cockettes who I'd been told had a profound impact on the 1960s counter-culture. The Cockettes were like this glam-punk-drag troupe and their aesthetic, well, it was simply outlandish! I even saw the drag pioneer Miss Fame. Talk about a true vision of a glamorous makeup artist!
London, Calling!
Now, what’s a pink-tutu blogger’s dream? Catching a show at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Back in 2005, this legendary venue was absolutely alive with drag. And let me tell you, honey, they had it all: the theatrical flair, the high camp, the sassy drag balls! It was the kind of place where everyone had a story, everyone had a fierce look and the audience were eating it up!
Back to Derbyshire!
As a Derbys girl, I have to say I am incredibly proud of our fabulous local drag scene. Even back in 2005, our scene was full of hidden gems! The drag queens and drag kings of Derbyshire weren't just strutting their stuff on stages but bringing joy to the streets and pubs. There were nights at The Devonshire Arms, the drag balls at the The Royal Hotel, and the local bingo hall, all transformed by the magic of drag. This kind of local scene brings so much colour and vibrancy to the community.
Let’s Talk about Fashion
It’s no secret, darling, I LOVE fashion! But 2005? Well, it was truly the era of experimentation!
On the drag scene, think big hairstyles (the bigger the better), tons of sparkle, platform shoes that reached for the stars, and maybe a touch of punk inspired grunge to spice things up! Oh, and never underestimate the power of a fantastic wig!
And Remember, This was The Time of The Boylesque!
Don’t get me wrong, drag and the power of women taking the stage has always been fabulous. But, oh honey, the early 2000s? That’s when boylesque really exploded!
Guys were getting involved in drag and they were not holding back! I love this era of drag history for showing us that drag can be for everyone!
Sharing My Story!
The whole point of my monthly time travels, you see, is to share my passion for drag, and inspire YOU! You see, drag is so much more than a costume. It’s an art, a platform, a way of celebrating life, creativity, individuality!
Don’t be shy. Embrace your own unique style. Channel that inner star! Go out there and make your mark on the world. If you see me around town, darling, remember - you can always tell me about your favourite drag shows, the most fab fashion statement, or your biggest drag queen dreams!
Remember to keep an eye out on the www.pink-tutu.com blog next month for another dazzling journey through drag history!
Stay sparkly!
Love,
Emma
PS I'm raising funds to keep this time travel going strong, and to make sure everyone has a pink tutu. If you fancy supporting this very worthy cause (don't worry, you can donate anonymously), you can head to www.pink-tutu.com for a chance to buy a limited edition pink tutu - there's only one!
