Hiya darlings! Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away to a delightful September back in 1990! Get ready for a grand adventure, a dash of camp, and a whole lot of tulle – because this month, we're going backstage at a legendary drag show, and you’re invited, hun!
The excitement, you see, is simply electric in my Derbyshire air this morning, as I pull on my magical time-travelling pink tutu – the one that lets me zip through the ages in a whirlwind of glittery stardust! And this month's trip? Well, it's taking me to a date with history… 1990, a year of fabulous fashion and truly iconic drag queens. Imagine, if you will, the power of Madonna's "Vogue" playing on a boombox backstage, the aroma of hairspray mixing with the heady scent of lavender and glitter, and the roar of the crowd echoing in your ears. Oh, it’s pure magic!
My First Stop: New York, New York!
Now, as soon as I arrive, I head straight for a fabulous night out at the Pyramid Club, a real haven for New York’s vibrant drag scene back in the day. It’s legendary, darling! From the moment I step in, the energy is captivating. Think, the iconic queens from "Paris is Burning," the legendary Divine, the powerhouse vocal performances of RuPaul, and a dance floor packed with gorgeous people dressed to the nines in sequins and feathers. Oh, and let's not forget the cocktails - we’re talking rum and coke served in the most glamorous tumblers!
Now, the scene is everything, absolutely everything. I’m soaking it all in – the music, the glamour, the fierce performances… It’s a drag lover's dream come true. I spot the iconic Kiki and Herb performing their comedy set, it’s so raw and wonderfully cheeky, I'm simply dying! I've never seen such quick-witted repartee – the audience is howling with laughter.
But then, the music shifts. "Vogue" hits the speakers, and everything stops. The lights dim, the audience leans forward. And out from the stage walks the dazzling Lady Bunny. She's an absolute queen – wearing this sensational purple and black number, hair high and fabulous, and I swear, her makeup alone is worth a million dollars! She's commanding, glamorous, and as funny as hell! This is a night I'll never forget!
Moving on to San Francisco!
Next up on my tour is the stunning city of San Francisco! Here, the scene is very different from the New York I’ve just left – more about independent, grassroots activism, where the queens are embracing alternative aesthetics and using drag to fight for what they believe in.
And wouldn't you know it, the Cockettes are just putting on their groundbreaking production "Pearls Before Swine" at the Cockettes Theater! These gals were way ahead of their time – a fabulous, bohemian, and truly revolutionary drag troupe with incredible performance styles, combining theater with music, comedy and, oh my, the fashion! They’re the pioneers of the DIY drag scene – taking things in exciting, experimental, and sometimes, downright bizarre directions! I’m a big fan of the glitzy costumes, feathers, glitter, and sequins! They've got that “Anything goes" approach, which makes the entire experience utterly electrifying.
After that amazing night, I am heading over to The Stud, the famous lesbian bar where the drag community is absolutely thriving! There's an electric energy here, with the likes of the iconic Divine performing alongside the amazing Jackie Beat. I find myself standing near the front, surrounded by fierce women dressed to impress.
From the States to the UK!
And guess what? It’s time to head home! After soaking up the atmosphere of 1990’s drag, my heart is overflowing.
My last stop: The Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London! What a beautiful, iconic drag venue, truly a staple of the London drag scene! I’m excited to catch a glimpse of the amazing Le Gateau Chocolat taking the stage with his unique mix of theatre and cabaret – the storytelling and vocal acrobatics, oh my! It’s captivating!
London is abuzz with all sorts of amazing performances happening, with The Royal Vauxhall Tavern becoming a haven for drag and LGBTQ+ community in London, just like the legendary The Glory, which also holds the most amazing shows in the city. I get caught up in the spirit of London and its vibrant, thriving nightlife, the music is just pumping through my veins – a real blend of pop, punk and disco – and I’m ready to dance until the wee hours.
But as the day dawns on my time travel adventures, it's time for me to say goodbye – or, I suppose, I'll say hello to you again next month, because it wouldn’t be right to leave you without a little fashion tip. And oh, the world of fashion in 1990! Where else can you get away with big, dramatic hairstyles and outfits as bold and daring as you can imagine?
Let me share a few key looks from my September 1990 trip that really captured my fancy. The first one is all about glitter! Big, fabulous glitter is the order of the day, adorning everything from skirts and jackets to accessories – and never too much is ever too much. Think sequined, glittered trousers in shades of turquoise, magenta, and silver – the more the better, darling!
Next up is the power of a fantastic feather boa. Think extravagant, bright colors – and don't shy away from mixing colors for a truly dazzling look. You can't go wrong with a head full of feathers either – the bigger the better.
Lastly, let's talk headbands – it's a staple in the 1990s! Whether they’re chunky, beaded, glitzy or even just simple, a headband is essential for pulling your look together and adds that extra layer of glam that we all adore!
That's a wrap for this month’s adventure, darlings! Now, don't forget, your local vintage store might have some great finds. So why not pop down and hunt for some seriously glamorous threads? And most importantly, remember – with a dash of confidence, a fabulous outfit, and a touch of sass, you can shine as bright as any queen in 1990! And as for my goal – to get everyone wearing a pink tutu – well, let’s just say we’re getting closer, one time-travel adventure at a time!
See you next month, my loves!
Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
