Hello, darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another fabulous journey through the history of drag!
This month, my sparkly pink tutu transported me right to the year 2060. Can you even believe it? It felt like I stepped onto the set of a sci-fi movie – glittering chrome buildings, floating cars, and even some fancy drones flitting around. Oh, darling, I absolutely adore the future! It seems we’re going to be a lot more environmentally friendly, and the makeup trends? Well, they are shocking – but in the good way, of course!
Speaking of shocking, this month's historical tidbit has me utterly gob-smacked. In 2060, the art of drag has undergone a total makeover, and I have the most wonderful, most fabulous scoop for you all! It seems like this year saw a huge cultural shift – the very concept of "gender" has been thrown out the window, which is honestly something we should have done a long time ago.
You see, in 2060, it's not about being a queen or a king. It's all about expressing your individuality, whatever that may look like! So instead of "drag", they've adopted a new term: Glamification! It's all about embodying and exploring your deepest selves through makeup, costumes, and performances. There are still the stunning shows, the killer costumes, the brilliant artistry and fabulous routines, but it’s become a much more inclusive, and much more expressive form of art!
There's this really cool troupe in 2060 called “The Morpho,” and they live for glamification. I saw their show in the heart of what used to be London – they had hologram projection, mind-blowing tech, and performances so captivating that even my jaw dropped, which isn't easy to do! You see, I have quite the dramatic jawline, you know. They were all dressed in dazzling, shimmery fabrics and outfits, some that were made using the most revolutionary eco-friendly textiles you’ve ever seen! And darling, the makeup?! Incredible.
But this whole “Glamification” concept extends beyond just stage shows! Imagine it, my lovelies, everyday glamification. 2060's approach is something you would never guess! People can literally transform their appearance at will! There’s a kind of magic technology now where they can just zap themselves up into, well, pretty much anything, even the most daring creations you can imagine! Think Drag Race but everyday and completely on demand. I adore this idea, and I swear, my heart's longing to time-travel right back!
The highlight of my journey to 2060, however, was the drag scene in Osaka. Oh darling, the artistry is beyond extraordinary. Osaka has become a major hub for this new Glamification. There was one queen named “GlitterNova”, dressed in a beautiful bioluminescent bodysuit and a neon-bright, 3D-printed headpiece that pulsed with light – it was pure brilliance! The stage, oh my! Imagine, floating projections, lasers dancing in the air, and so many sparkling, glittering costumes that my eyes simply could not get enough. It was completely mesmerising.
It's not all glitz and glamour in 2060, though. Even though drag is mainstream, with amazing inclusivity, some are still battling against the stigma of 'Glamification'. It was rather enlightening to find out that even with all this wonderful progress, some groups remain deeply entrenched in their outdated ideals. They’re known as the 'Nudsters', because they just really like the idea of natural bodies – no 'extravagance'. However, even they eventually get swept up in the wave of inclusivity and end up participating, because why not?
I spent the day after the Osaka show meeting some of the queens behind these incredible performances. One of them, a beautiful drag performer called “PixelPeach,” said something that stuck with me. “It's not just about being outrageous,” PixelPeach said with a sparkle in their eyes. “It's about the confidence you project, the joy you express, the community we build, and ultimately, it’s about finding yourself, through artistry, self-expression, and being exactly who you are, in all your gloriously sparkly glory! I think you'd have so much fun.”
And PixelPeach, my dear, you are so right. You are all right. We're all right to embrace, love, and celebrate ourselves, to explore who we are and express ourselves freely – just like those stunning Glamification artists!
Now, how do we get back to everyday glamification in our time?
I’m putting in the hours of drag performances and saving up to hopefully get myself a Glamification zapping device of my own - after all, who wouldn’t love a bit of magical self-expression in their everyday lives!
Remember, darlings, always remember who you are, wear your heart on your sleeve, and don't ever be afraid to show your true self! Keep it fabulous and keep shining!
Oh, and always wear pink. Especially if it’s a fabulous tutu.
With Love,
Emma!
xx
P.S. Did I mention that all my pink tutus are made from recycled materials? Sustainable fashion, darlings!
P.P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more fabulous time-traveling adventures in the wonderful world of drag!
The Pink Tutu is an ongoing series of monthly drag history blogs written by a 20-something drag queen, Emma, from Derbyshire, England. Each month she shares the incredible, fun and informative stories of drag from different eras throughout history, always with a pinch of camp and glitter!
Remember, darlings, follow your dreams and express yourself with confidence! Because it's all about being YOU, and showing the world just how fantastic and incredible you are. Now go out there, and shine your brightest!
