#DragQueenHistory during 2008 12

Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite Derbyshire diva, here and today I'm taking you on a pink-tutu-fied time-traveling adventure all the way back to the year 2008! I know, I know, you're thinking, "Emma, how are we even gonna fit all the fabulousness of 2008 into just one post?" Trust me, my darlings, this is just the tip of the glitter-encrusted iceberg!

Before we even hop in the pink time-traveling tutu (yes, I know it's super-duper convenient, I swear it’s all magical fairy dust) we've got to talk about what's HOT in drag right now in my beloved Derbyshire! Oh honey, this year's "Pride in the Peak" festival was simply legendary! Everyone's rocking their most outrageous outfits, feathers flying, and you could practically taste the excitement in the air. It’s always such a blast seeing so many different drag queens and kings coming together to celebrate. The energy is absolutely electric, it truly reminds you that being yourself is the only way to live life!

But darling, it's not all about fabulousness back home - we're about to hop into the magical pink tutu and zoom through time, landing smack bang in the middle of a spectacular, glittery-filled 2008. Hold onto your fascinators, my loves, this journey’s about to get seriously fabulous!

Hold up a sec, we can’t skip this - this was the year Lady Gaga released The Fame! It was the moment she solidified her place as the ultimate pop icon with songs like "Just Dance," "Poker Face," and “Paparazzi.” Remember how much Gaga LOVED to play with gender and identity? Honestly, her flamboyant style and performances were practically tailor-made for drag! It was a real “gay moment,” as they say, to see her really embracing her flamboyant side.

So, let’s step back into the year 2008. Now, my dearest lovelies, you just have to imagine the scene: the music’s blasting (think, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and of course, Lady Gaga!) and there's a rush of energy in the air. We’re going to see the fabulous, and oh-so-stylish queens ruling the scene. I’m talking RuPaul’s Drag Race season 1, the iconic Jinkx Monsoon and Bianca Del Rio - some of the greatest names in drag were starting to emerge!

Ok, ok, so it’s officially time for the big pink reveal! Snap, snap – I’m twirling, I’m swirling, and we’re off to the Big Apple, baby! New York City, my drag queen home away from home, has always been a place where queens can truly shine and let their creativity blossom. Now, darling, remember Wigstock? The iconic, ground-breaking festival was starting to make waves!

Oh, darling! Can you picture it? Imagine being there in 2008, watching drag legend Lady Bunny, the ultimate queen of sass, grace the stage! She’s always got the funniest one-liners and can deliver a perfectly delivered insult with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Imagine, my darlings, if you could step right into the vibrant New York nightlife scene! There was a club for everyone - the trendiest dance spots like The Stonewall Inn, a space that’s a pillar of the gay community - oh, darling, you could party all night long!

We just gotta remember all the fashion! Big hair, dramatic makeup, bold and glitzy outfits. Oh darling, it’s no wonder 2008 felt like the dawn of a new era for drag! It's just amazing to think how far drag has come since then!

Ok darlings, get ready to take a little trip with me on a trip down memory lane to my absolute favourite thing: shopping! You know what really stood out back in 2008? Those outrageous vintage looks, think glamorous gowns, sparkling sequins, and oh, darling, remember those giant feather boas? That year was truly a feast for the eyes!

You'll want to start stocking up on bright colours, like hot pinks, electric blues, and dazzling yellows – and the key to making a truly fabulous statement in 2008 was to be as dramatic as possible! Think big!

While we’re talking about dramatic, think bold eye makeup, super high platform shoes, and oh darling, think long, long, long, luscious wigs! You can find a world of wonder on vintage sites like ASOS marketplace, eBay, and Etsy. Darling, there are still some great bargains out there! And hey, when it comes to a fabulous vintage piece - every vintage find makes a great statement about your love of fashion and drag.

My dearest divas, it’s been a blast exploring 2008 through my time traveling tutu! Oh honey, you might not have a magical pink tutu, but that doesn't stop you from finding your own personal flair! Don’t be afraid to play with different looks, explore what you love and what makes you feel the most fabulous. And always, always, remember that the greatest accessory you can ever wear is your own unique personality!

Now darling, as always, let me know what you think in the comments section below! Tell me which part of 2008 you found the most fabulous, or, even better - which is YOUR ultimate "fabulous moment" in the world of drag!

Remember, the best kind of beauty comes from embracing your uniqueness. So grab your best wig, a dazzling dress, and a sprinkle of your most fabulous glitter, and get ready to turn the world pink!

Love and sparkles,

Emma xxx