Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller! It's a positively thrilling day for a bit of drag history, so grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's travel through time! Today, my lovelies, we're skipping back to November 11th, 1927 - a day buzzing with excitement for our beloved drag community, and the day that cemented my passion for fashion's fearless expression.
This month's time travel jaunt landed me smack-dab in the heart of New York City, the glittering capital of theatre and showbiz, ready for a right good dose of glamour. Now, you see, this wasn't the era of dazzling Broadway divas strutting their stuff on stage; we were still basking in the Golden Age of Vaudeville. Picture this, lovelies, smoky, dimly lit theatres filled with booming laughter and thunderous applause. That's the essence of Vaudeville, a colourful melting pot of performance, including singers, comedians, magicians, and yes, you guessed it - drag!
As I twirled my way through the bustling streets in my signature pink tutu (looking as fab as always, if I do say so myself), the buzz in the air was electric. I knew instinctively I was in for a real treat, and oh boy, was I right! My destination was the Palace Theatre - a behemoth of entertainment boasting shows for the masses - imagine, if you will, a blend of the West End's dazzling extravagance with a pinch of burlesque charm, and you'll have an inkling of this gem.
Right from the get-go, the entire atmosphere crackled with excitement, with folks crowded together, jostling for seats, chattering about the evening's grand performance. As the curtains rose, I couldn't believe my eyes, and neither could anyone else, for on that very stage stood Juliette and her Boy Friend! Now, picture a flamboyant woman sporting a full-blown gown, complete with a towering hat and a feather boa to boot, and then imagine she's strutting and singing in full drag, alongside an effortlessly dapper fella, and that's precisely the sight that had the audience going wild!
Theirs was a world-famous act, a whirlwind of song and dance, brimming with hilarious punchlines and cheeky innuendos, delivered with such charm that I practically fell off my seat! Juliette was a real star, owning that stage, and you know what, it sparked a right good inspiration. This was the birth of my love affair with the magic of drag - a world brimming with fearless expression and flamboyant creativity. I knew right then, that no matter what challenges life throws at me, a pinch of glitter and a pink tutu would always see me through.
The performance left me absolutely dazzled, my cheeks achy from smiling. But, you know me, a girl needs to indulge, so next on my agenda was a trip to the Gimbel Brothers department store. This was the time for real-life glitz and glam, so imagine, if you will, shimmering gowns, feathers and sequins galore, hats that would rival any runway, all piled high under magnificent chandeliers. This wasn't just shopping; this was an experience, my dears. This is where I picked up a magnificent, glittery, pink-feathered fan for my collection (I know, I have a serious weakness for feather boas, but that's another blog post!).
You see, shopping is as much about the story and the journey as it is about the items themselves. This shopping trip in 1927 reminded me of the very essence of fashion: its transformative power to take us beyond the everyday and into a world of endless imagination, creativity, and joy!
But back to the drag world, my darlings. The 11th of November, 1927, was a pivotal day for drag in America, for the New York World newspaper ran a fascinating article titled, 'Are Men Dressing as Women a Threat to Morals'. This caused a right old stir in society, igniting debate about the changing nature of gender expression, and yes, of course, we can see this was just the start of ongoing conversations that still resonate to this very day.
Now, it might sound a bit backward to some of you, but this article ignited a sort of hidden excitement, as it brought our beloved drag scene into the limelight! Think about it, lovelies: here was a national newspaper actually taking notice of the exciting world of drag! This meant, of course, more opportunities to embrace the spirit of flamboyant freedom. You might say, it was a win-win situation!
This little piece of history is a perfect example of how drag doesn't just belong in theatre or behind closed doors. It's an expression of individuality, of joy and courage. It's something that transcends time, boundaries, and even continents. I mean, just look at the vibrant drag scene blossoming right now, in all its colourful, glorious diversity! And, with a bit of sparkle and a pink tutu (or two), we can keep the excitement and celebration going, pushing boundaries, and shattering limitations every single day.
So there you have it, a fantastic blast from the past, darlings! 1927, a year full of colour, laughter, and most importantly, the fierce determination of drag artists to express themselves. And speaking of the drag world today, my lovely friends, it's bursting at the seams with excitement and creativity! The drag scene right now is booming; shows are popping up in all the coolest pubs, theatres and clubs, there are incredible drag performers and groups across the globe. You just can't escape it! It’s time for us to embrace every bit of it! So let's wear our hearts (and tutus) on our sleeves and enjoy every moment. Keep up with me, my lovelies, as we explore this fascinating world together on www.pink-tutu.com - until next month, darlings, keep on sparkling!
