Oh my darlings! Get your glitter ready and your cocktails poured, because Emma's back with another fabulous trip through #DragQueenHistory!
It's December 12th, 2044, and your girl is positively shimmering with excitement. Today, we're going back in time, well technically I'm going back, but you lovely lot get to come with me virtually. Today, I'm exploring the vibrant drag scene in none other than drumroll please... Paris, darling!
This city of lights, oh, it's just oozing with chic and fabulousness. From the high-fashion shows on the Champs-Élysées to the street performers belting out their hearts at the Palais Royal, the energy here is electrifying. And what's the key to it all, you ask? Pink tutus, of course!
Let me tell you, my dear readers, when I put on my shimmering pink tulle creation (oh, the sequins!), even my magic time-traveling tutu got jealous! This colour, this design, it's just irresistible! You know, I always say: "A pink tutu is a passport to paradise, honey!"
Now, let's dive into the Parisian drag scene of 2044! First stop: the annual Drag Fashion Ball at the Palais Garnier! Imagine, my dears, a magnificent ballroom bathed in a kaleidoscope of colours, every costume a work of art, every queen dripping with sequins and feathers, and every performance oozing with confidence and sheer, dazzling talent!
Oh, and did I mention the performances? The show was everything! From avant-garde drag kings to dazzlingly talented drag queens who made their tutu-wearing neighbour blush, there was something for everyone! We had an amazing blend of established drag stars and emerging talent, proving that drag truly is for everyone.
I saw a troupe of incredible drag queens from Tokyo, known for their fierce and bold drag, which blended a playful take on Japanese kawaii culture with some incredible street dance moves! Oh, darling, they had me on my feet, begging for more. They even incorporated a little sprinkle of drag theatre elements, pulling in their audiences with a performance full of storytelling and visual drama, a delightful mix of elegance and cheeky fun.
And it wouldn't be Paris without the legendary "La Maison du Cirque," the Parisian equivalent of our London Soho, a hotbed for talented drag performers, cabaret artists and circus performers, creating a delightful melting pot of unique talent. They hold an annual Drag Battle on Christmas Eve - an epic display of talent and entertainment that's not just a show, but a dazzling performance extravaganza that culminates with a spectacular firework display that can be seen from the Eiffel Tower itself!
I also visited "L’Académie des Drag," a renowned drag school located right next to the Louvre. This was a fantastic discovery! They offered not just drag make-up and performance workshops but even ballet training for drag performers! Imagine a dance class filled with fabulous drag queens, in their full make-up and feather-laden outfits, all practicing their grand jetés and pirouettes – oh, darling, it was absolutely breathtaking! This dedication to the artistry of performance is truly inspiring, wouldn't you say?
Oh, and don't even get me started on the fashion! Sigh. Parisian drag fashion is beyond! They have such a sophisticated touch, blending high-fashion influences with a rebellious, DIY attitude. Think oversized feathered wings paired with silk gowns that are truly haute couture! It's an electrifying clash of styles, yet perfectly harmonized.
You know, even a humble girl like me, coming from a small town in Derbyshire, England, could feel like a Parisian superstar at this event! Paris was practically bubbling over with fashion-forward drag queens, each one dripping in a kaleidoscope of pink. Everywhere you looked there were fabulous tutus – not just in pink, but also a dazzling array of blues, yellows, greens, you name it. Every colour in the rainbow was embraced with a confidence and a joy that radiated throughout the entire city.
Speaking of Paris and pink tutus, my darling, we have to talk about a little gem called "La Maison de la Tutu," the pinkest, fluffiest boutique you could ever imagine! I must confess, my love for all things pink just went supernova! Imagine a little boutique tucked away on a charming cobbled street. The moment you enter, you’re transported into a world of dazzlingly pink tulle and delicate lace. From classic pink ballerina tutus, with swirls and glittered layers, to bold, vibrant tulle creations with flamboyant feather accents - their designs are a sight to behold! The owner, a wonderfully charming and creative drag queen who goes by the name of “Madame Pink,” showed me around the entire store, introducing me to the amazing array of outfits designed by local and international drag designers, all working to create a more vibrant, creative and celebratory space for the drag community, using fashion as a statement of creativity and inclusion.
And guess what, darling? This boutique has become the center of a thriving local drag scene! Every Sunday, the whole shop is turned into a stage, hosting shows where aspiring and experienced drag artists get to showcase their unique styles, creativity, and skills in front of a dedicated, enthusiastic audience. You can hear music spilling out into the cobbled streets and, my darling, the vibe is electric! Madame Pink said they are now planning to expand the space and open a dedicated Drag Academy to support emerging drag performers with a safe, inspiring and diverse environment for talent to blossom! Now, how wonderful is that?
Oh, my dears, this trip was an absolute whirlwind of colour, fabulousness and excitement. You truly need to see this incredible drag scene to truly appreciate it. And my darling, as always, it goes to show how the power of drag and all things fabulous really does have no borders.
It's been another incredible #DragQueenHistory journey, and it's a good reminder to all of you lovely readers, to grab your own pink tutu and embrace your inner fabulous! Next month, I'm heading back to another exciting location, where I hear, a big, important change in drag history will take place. But shhh... you'll have to wait until then for all the details!
Stay fabulous, keep twirling, and keep your eyes glued to pink-tutu.com!
