Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveler, ready to whisk you all away on another fabulous voyage through drag history. This month, my little darlings, we're waltzing into March of 2011! It was such a peachy time to be a drag queen ā a real era of fierce fashion, glamorous shows, and groundbreaking artistry. I just can't wait to share it with you! So, gather 'round, babes, pour yourself a cuppa, grab your most fabulous frocks, and let's get ready to sashay back in time!
You know how much I love a bit of a dramatic entrance, so imagine this: me, your girl, floating down from a shimmering portal (created, naturally, by my magical, time-traveling pink tutu), landing right smack-dab in the middle of New York City.
And what a scene it was! Imagine, my darlings, an air of electric excitement buzzing through the very fabric of the city, a feeling of pure, joyous freedom as drag queens danced, sang, and sashayed through the streets, their creativity on full display! This era, you see, was truly about celebrating the bold, the brave, the wonderfully outlandish and just downright fab. And, if I'm honest, it was quite frankly intoxicating.
I practically tumbled out of my magical tutu and into the middle of a fierce drag brunch. Imagine my surprise ā the brunch wasn't at a restaurant or in a grand hotel ballroom. No, darling! It was on a public bus! And the most beautiful drag queen, adorned with enough glitz to put a disco ball to shame, was strutting through the aisles, spreading smiles and sunshine. Now, Iāve always loved my little shows at the Derby Mechanics, and my drag scene in the Derbyshire countryside, but the level of energy, creativity and public acceptance I saw was enough to leave my head spinning with sheer joy.
It seems, in 2011, there was a massive surge of drag on the big and small screen, all with a sprinkle of glitter and fabulousness, darling! From RuPaulās Drag Race Season 3 to the incredible series "RuPaulās Drag U", it felt like everyone was becoming obsessed with this glorious, dazzling world of drag. Even on regular tv, a delightful program called "RuPaulās Drag Race: Untucked" became the hottest new place for us queens to get down and dirty with post-show drama. I'm sure, in our Derbyshire village, there were whispers in the local pubs and fish and chip shops.
And speaking of queens, what were these 2011 divas up to? Letās spill the tea, darling. This month, I was graced by the divine presence of Miss Fame. Imagine, darling, this stunning queen, the very essence of glamour and elegance, her runway strut was worthy of the biggest, glitziest, most dramatic fashion shows. You wouldnāt catch me anywhere but with a front row seat, darling!
I could tell you, babes, the queens of this era had a very unique energy - an intense, fierce power that screamed "This is who I am and I own it!" ā like they were bursting through a window pane, bursting through all the norms and traditions. The looks! The gowns! The wigs! Darling, I could spend all day discussing the style ā and that's what makes me feel most connected to drag today ā the passion, the freedom, the creativity, the unapologetic fabulousness. It's why I do what I do! My mission, my dream, my lifeās desire is to inspire everyone to wear a pink tutu with confidence, joy, and that sprinkle of divine drama.
While in the Big Apple, I was in the heart of a bustling, electrifying scene - drag queens and performers were bursting out from every corner, each with their own unique vision and story.
As for the fashion in 2011? It was the perfect mix of sharp lines, daring silhouettes and opulent materials. If you thought all the good fashion stopped with the Elizabethan era, darling, you need to take another look at those iconic looks that the girls were rocking!
Let's face it, darling, that love for drag fashion is woven right into the fabric of my very existence, from my very first encounter with my fabulous ballet classes (think āblack swanā and my absolute obsession with the ballet dress in all its ethereal glory!), and now, my obsession with tutus in all shades of pink (my fave being a delicate, powdery shade that simply melts into a blissful haze)! But that's a whole different post.
But darling, back to the beauty of drag in 2011, the fashion ā Oh darling, letās take a stroll down memory lane! Picture those flowing, extravagant gowns in colors you wouldnāt even dream of! Think bright emerald green, shocking fuchsia pink and dazzling cobalt blue - the kind of colours that would make even the dullest corner sparkle. You couldnāt walk down a New York City street in 2011 without bumping into someone looking fabulous - like a living and breathing catwalk show!
In my personal collection (yes darling, Iām still working on getting a āTime Traveling Drag Queens Wardrobe" at Sothebyās Auction House), I even have a glorious hand-sequined dress from that very year! The detail! The shine! I get shivers of excitement just thinking about it! It makes me wish, darling, I could have my very own pink tutu themed drag party in my Derbyshire village, full of glorious dancing and glorious fashions, all in fabulous hues of pink.
If you're not getting that sense of thrill, that feeling of joyous escapism in your soul - go to a drag show! Go! Go! Go!
You can tell me about your favorite looks and your favourite memories of 2011 in the comments! Now go, get ready for your next fabulous fashion moment!
Until next month, darlings. Keep spreading your wings and sashay those tutus!
With love, Emma, the Pink Tutu Time Traveler
www.pink-tutu.com
