Oh darling, can you believe it? It's November already! The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and I’ve got the most magnificent pink tutu tucked away, ready for a totally autumnal outing. I've been yearning to travel to a new era of drag and explore the fascinating world of… 2005! Ooh, la la! It's like taking a dip in a vintage magazine, darling, complete with those amazing punky hairdos and sparkly, glam looks that would make a queen weep!
Let's twirl back the clock to November 2005! A decade and a bit before I was born! I'm already buzzing with excitement! It's hard to believe this time travel caper started out so simple. It was all down to that antique tutu I found at a jumble sale in Bakewell. A true find! It shimmered and whispered with hidden magic, transporting me to an afternoon at a dingy nightclub in New York City… who knows how many years ago! Gasps
You see, my dearest readers, every time I slip on that fabulous pink tutu, the magic sparks and I'm off on a new drag adventure! Today, I’m all set to check out the global drag scene back in November 2005 – because remember, it’s not all about American drag, it’s all about DRAG, darling! I always like to sprinkle some international flair onto these time travel jaunts.
Before I head off, I simply have to ooh and ahh over the latest pink tutu collection from my favourite London designer, Henrietta Rose. She’s got some real beauties this season, so I might just have to get a couple for this trip – never too much pink in my book! And what’s a drag queen to do with a stunning pink tutu if not go shopping? Of course! Shopping, darling! I've been dying to pop into Harrods and have a look at what they've got. All those fancy designer labels, so fabulous. I simply adore London - so sophisticated!
But before I get lost in the dizzying delights of Harrods, I really must tell you about my last time-travel jaunt. Can you imagine? Back to the glory days of the late 1980s! Now that was an absolute scream! We’re talking fabulous music, hair so high you could hang a hat on it (and I mean that in a positive way!), and everyone dancing like they’d never stop! It was just brilliant! So enchanting.
So, with a final swish of my shimmering pink tutu, let's jet back to 2005! My time travelling heart is so excited! This is going to be magical.
The Drag World in November 2005North America
It seems as though 2005 was a massive year for North American drag! You guys were busy creating and perfecting that iconic "big hair, heavy makeup, full face" look that is so iconic for drag today. And trust me, darling, I’m all about that glamorous look. Now, the drag world seems to be all about the sharp looks, the sharp hair and sharp fashion, you know? It was lovely to have a taste of a more classical look back then. It really brought the focus to the performer, that charisma, and that true drag queen personality.
A quick peek at the world of North American drag reveals:
RuPaul’s Drag Race was already in its second season. I must admit, it makes me wonder what I was doing during this era… because I don’t remember the glitz, glam and drag race-mania taking hold quite so dramatically back in 2005! My time travel timeline seems to be a little off... but that's ok! More time to discover drag’s global origins.
Bianca Del Rio, she was already out there rocking the scene back then! She really has a long history.
Manila Luzon, now she is another one of the "founding drag race mothers" I had no idea! This really proves that it’s not just about what you see in mainstream drag. It’s so important to remember that, like a dazzling star, the beauty and power of drag was, and will always be, scattered across the world, from big cities to smaller towns and even right here in little ol’ Derbyshire.
The UK
Now, don’t be fooled. The UK, it has always been at the forefront of the global drag scene. In fact, it really set the trends in the early years, from the likes of Lily Savage and Danny La Rue, who made us all giggle and gasp, and yes, they’re truly iconic! You can't tell me they weren't paving the way. We really are a pioneering bunch here. And just take a look at these names:
The legendary queen of the "Glitterbomb", Pam Ann, was already taking over the world with her outrageously funny faux-flight attendant schtick, and she’s still out there, keeping it real and entertaining everyone, all over the world. I really need to pop back and have a look at what she got up to in 2005. It's going to be incredible.
And don’t forget the queens who are still out there doing what they do best... the legends of RuPaul's Drag Race themselves – like the truly talented, and incredibly sassy queen, The Vivienne. She’s still around making a noise (in the most fabulous, diva way!), all those years later, because true talent doesn't age!
Europe and Beyond
Let's travel a bit further afield. You know I can't resist spreading my wings! Drag in Europe was simply exploding. Here’s just a peek into the continent’s rich scene:
The Netherlands – there is a queen out there called Lola Lash. Oh, the glamorous, larger-than-life looks she's already giving! Now she's in RuPaul’s Drag Race Holland, you know. She's got her whole look down! This was a time of some major innovation and daring.
Germany – this is one of the hottest drag scenes anywhere, no matter the era. And they were on fire back then, showcasing bold designs and bold beauty. Drag in Germany, is truly fierce!
Spain, Italy, even the French! This global explosion of fabulous talent is something that just gives you goosebumps, darling! There's simply no better way to describe it. Ooh, la la.
Oh, darling, if I had a quid for every pair of platform heels I saw, I'd be living in a pink palace! The fashion of 2005! It’s everything I dreamed of! From the hair - just the right amount of back-combing! And the glitter! Yes, the glitter - it’s a total dream. We are in a glittering world of fabulous, that’s what I can tell you. But this time, there’s not quite the over-the-top layers of tulle and frills… well, apart from the huge feathers! Oh, how I love a feather, it gives everything such drama. The girls in 2005 were really onto something - sleek, stylish and full of wow factor. Perfect for my type of outfit.
Speaking of feathers, my tutu had to come in handy, naturally! With the dazzling lights, and all the swirling fashion – it's as though I've stumbled onto the set of Moulin Rouge or some kind of magical fairyland. I'm not going to lie, I've been caught giggling hysterically as the queens perform. It's a delightful blast from the past.
And what are we all waiting for?!With my sparkling tutu clutched firmly, I’m all ready to get this time-travelling adventure started! There is nothing more fabulous than hopping between decades, experiencing different cultures, and celebrating the magic of drag!
And darling, you know the biggest rule? Everyone gets to wear a pink tutu, if they want to. No rules. You do you! You do your magic. The world needs more joy and joy in a pink tutu is my way of giving the world a big dose!
Until next month, I’ll be off on another adventure! Don't forget, dear readers, you can always visit my website – www.pink-tutu.com for even more fascinating drag journeys. I just can’t wait for next month! You know me, I always go for the most extra! It’s just such fun. Ciao, darling!
