Oh darling, itās your gal Emma, back again from another whirlwind adventure in the time machine that is my pink tutu!
This month, I've been dipping my toes - and my perfectly pedicured toenails - into the vibrant, glamorous world of drag back in November 2007. I know what you're thinking: 2007, darling? Was it the dawn of disco? Was it the birth of the stiletto? Not quite! While 2007 is practically ancient history in drag, it was an absolute gold mine of fierce fabulousness!
My time machine, the one I affectionately refer to as āthe sequined chariotā, whisked me away to London. Now, London is *always a joy, especially in 2007. I found myself strolling down Oxford Street, darling, and I tell you, the fashion scene was a-buzz! Everything was shiny and brightly coloured, all very much in the spirit of a disco diva, if you catch my drift!
Speaking of discos, my first stop had to be the legendary Royal Vauxhall Tavern, that Mecca of drag where history is written in the flick of a mascara wand! And oh, let me tell you, darling, the show was divine. I witnessed an electrifying set from the one and only Miss Fame! Back then, she was still a fresh face, a stunning queen with charisma dripping from every inch. You could see she was destined for big things. Now, you all know what sheās become: an absolute icon of the industry. And I'm sitting here, grinning like a Cheshire cat, because I saw her then, in that exciting, bubbling cauldron that was 2007 London!
Of course, I had to squeeze in some shopping, darling. We all know how a good queen loves her a bargain, don't we? Now, my dearest friends, I was absolutely mesmerized by a vintage shop on Carnaby Street. You see, in 2007, the whole vintage aesthetic was really kicking off and the shops were filled with exquisite treasures ā shimmering sequinned dresses from the 1980s, vibrant feather boas from the 1950s, and the most amazing 1960s hats, perfect for adding a touch of drama to any look.
But it wouldn't be a true time travel journey without some fabulous shows, wouldn't it? So, I ventured into Soho, darling, that glamorous little pocket of London. And oh, my word! I discovered an amazing cabaret called The Box, a glamorous club tucked away on the basement floor, with performers from all over the world putting on breathtaking, artistic shows. I spent the entire night entranced by acrobatic contortionists, mesmerizing drag performers, and hilarious comedic acts - the sheer variety was a spectacle! It felt like the epitome of underground London nightlife - a truly decadent, luxurious, and utterly decadent night!
Later that evening, I went for a casual stroll across the River Thames to explore the South Bank and wow, darling, I wasn't disappointed! This stretch of the River was truly where all the nightlife action was! The Ministry of Sound was bursting at the seams, pumping out those addictive beats from 2007. And everyone was decked out in their best glam, ready to dance until the break of dawn! Oh darling, what a time it was!
One evening, I ended up in the infamous club called Cargo. Now, this one was quite the scene. A raw warehouse conversion transformed into an electrifying space, the pulsating music a call to get those hips shaking. You couldn't swing a feather boa without hitting a stunning, fabulous drag queen, each one sporting an exquisite look straight from a runway! You wouldn't have found a more flamboyant bunch of personalities in all of London - all ready to dance the night away to the newest, and frankly, quite cheesy, euro-pop bangers!
But, while London was amazing, itās not the only city worthy of attention in drag history! And I certainly wouldnāt have you think I was ignoring the rest of the world. Let's pop across the pond, shall we? I spent some delightful time in New York City during this adventure, a haven of queer culture with its vibrant art and drag scene, darling. Oh, the Pyramid Club was quite a discovery! That iconic venue in Manhattanās West Village ā its iconic mirrored ceiling and colourful disco lighting, the electrifying vibe that filled the whole spaceā¦ oh darling, it was unforgettable! I watched The Cockettes, a San Francisco based avant-garde theatre company performing live. What a truly spectacular performance it was, blending humour, glamour and art together in a kaleidoscopic blend!
And oh, the beauty, darling! The fashion in New York, you've got to see it! I mean, just picture this: a hot, smoky club scene, brimming with iconic drag queens - their makeup and fashion were so bold, so innovative. The look was bold, confident, and so glam, it's a true treasure to remember from this era. And just as the clubs of New York were exploding with fabulous drag performers, the world of music was exploding with exciting new talents, who really embodied that early 2000s look: Lady Gaga! Yes, she'd just broken out onto the music scene with her bold, fearless, and undeniably glam persona. Itās a joy to remember this period, as her debut album had become the perfect soundtrack for this eraās glam and glitter-clad drag scene.
Of course, a global drag tour couldnāt miss the magical energy of Paris. Oh darling, Paris is always an enchanting experience. And November 2007? Truly magnificent. Imagine walking into Le Palace, that magnificent Parisian nightclub with a glittering stage and pulsating beat that fills the entire space, itās like stepping into an exquisite, artistic vision. Itās so glamorous and full of Parisian chic. You truly get to witness what true artistry looks like - it's something magical, darling!
And hereās another Parisian treasure - the Bal du Marais! This extraordinary party held every month, a magical experience of extravagance, a dazzling celebration of flamboyant outfits and playful performances, it's truly the quintessential expression of what Parisian drag is about: elegance, artistic flair, and pure, undiluted fun. And let's talk fashion. Oh, darling, the Parisian queens of 2007! They were captivating, showcasing a stunning array of unique and daring looks, from avant-garde creations to ultra-femme glamorous gowns, each one pushing the boundaries of style. It was pure *haute couture and a stunning explosion of colours and textures!
So, my lovelies, this is what the world of drag looked like back in 2007. It's a testament to the sheer power and energy of our fabulous drag scene! If you haven't discovered this decade of drag yet, it's a must for your next time travel expedition, darling! You're sure to be blown away. Just remember to pack your pink tutu ā itāll take you there, darling!
Until next time, lovelies!
Emma xx
*Donāt forget to join me next month, as we embark on a trip back through time! Remember to share your favourite moments of drag history in the comments below, and be sure to subscribe to my blog www.pink-tutu.com. I hope to get everyone wearing pink tutus and dancing the night away! *
