Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back for another blast from the past (and future...maybe? Who knows with this time travelling tutu!) This month marks blog post number 1041 - I've been on this drag-tastic journey for quite a while now, haven't I?
Anyways, this month, I decided to take a trip back to September 2006, the time of tight jeans, Myspace, and, oh yes, fabulous drag!
As usual, my magical pink tutu carried me through time like a twirling ballerina with a sprinkle of fairy dust. I landed in New York City, feeling the city's infectious energy hum around me.
The city was bustling with excitement as New York's drag queens were prepping for the annual Wigstock festival. Oh honey, let me tell you, the queens were absolutely serving! From the fierce to the flamboyant, this was a celebration of everything that's fabulous about drag. Imagine the world's most epic costume party, with a heaping helping of talent, and you'll get a glimpse of the Wigstock atmosphere. I remember being mesmerized by the sheer talent on display, watching drag legends like Lady Bunny and Sherry Vine take the stage.
After Wigstock, I took a little jaunt over to London, where drag was just starting to take on a whole new flavour. The Soho scene was booming and there were clubs like the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and The Joiners hosting some incredible drag shows. I spotted one queen, Miss Fame, who was absolutely killing it on the scene with her avant-garde makeup and stunning looks.
I took the time to catch some theatre performances, of course, including the highly acclaimed play "The History Boys." While it may not be a drag show, the performances and storytelling were top-notch and really helped capture the mood of this era.
During my travels, I had the most fabulous time browsing through shops like Beyond Retro and American Apparel. Both of them, at the time, were the go-to for those on the lookout for quirky and unique pieces to spice up their wardrobe. Think oversized vintage shirts paired with fitted denim - a look that still holds up even today. It’s all about repurposing and giving those pre-loved items a new life on the stage!
The fashion was wild, let me tell you. Think sequins, feather boas, and lots and lots of colour! It was a truly joyful era of style - full of creativity and self-expression. This really came across in the drag scene. I was seeing a rise in “camp” styles, a play on pop culture and historical costumes, and even the first hints of “fierce, avant-garde drag,” that you see so prominently today.
I think my favourite part about September 2006, was the energy. There was so much joy, passion, and creativity buzzing about. Drag wasn't just entertainment – it was a way of life. People were wearing it with pride, expressing themselves through fashion, performance, and simply being themselves. It really set the stage for what we're experiencing in drag today – a blossoming scene bursting with talent, and unapologetically unique expressions of self.
The world of drag back then was much smaller, a bit more underground in a way. But there was so much raw, unfiltered talent bubbling beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed upon the world. And that's precisely what happened, with incredible artists taking the stage and carving out their own paths, leaving a trail of glitter and high-heels behind them.
Now, my loves, my drag-tastic journey back to September 2006 has come to a close, and it's time to jet back to our time, to continue the quest for a world where everyone wears pink tutus! It's a goal I won't rest until we reach!
So, remember, if you’re feeling bold, unleash that inner ballerina! Grab that pink tutu and shimmy on down to a show near you. Be yourself, embrace the joy, and keep that sparkle going. It's your time to shine! Don’t forget to visit our site, www.pink-tutu.com, to catch the next blog post where we travel even further into the past!
Until next time, darling. And as always, stay fabulous!
