Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-loving, tutu-tastic time-travelling drag queen from Derbyshire. This month I'm taking you on a trip back in time, all the way to 1933, and I'm so excited I could burst a sequined bodice! I've been doing some serious digging through the history books (and some top secret time-travel documents… don’t tell anyone!) and found something truly fabulous to share.
Now, you know I'm all about the sparkle and the fabulousness, and you just know I had to wear my pinkest tutu for this adventure! It’s a brand new number, feather boa included, that practically sings. I know it would make even the most stoic historian giddy! This year’s fashion in 1933 was very glamorous, and that’s right up my alley.
My, how times have changed, or rather how much they’ve stayed the same. You can't escape the undeniable link between history and our beautiful art form. Now, while I know 1933 might not sound immediately "glam" like, say, the roaring 20s, believe me when I say it was a hidden gem for the world of drag. It was a time of underground bars, hidden speakeasies, and hidden drag queens who brought laughter and glamour to a world yearning for escapism.
Firstly, a huge shoutout to the pioneering drag queens who kept the spirit alive even when it wasn’t so easy to be ourselves. If you think about it, it wasn't so different from today. You know how much we love a good hidden gem in our modern-day drag world, be it a cozy underground bar or a tucked-away drag brunch - in 1933 they were essential for those brave performers wanting to embrace their art form, for lack of a better term, discreetly.
We’ve all seen the fab 1930s drag shows recreated in movies and television and read the juicy stories, and I just had to go and experience that magic for myself. You see, I have a serious thing for all things drag and history - history is, in its way, a magnificent performance! It is our responsibility to learn about the greats who paved the way and that's exactly why I chose this specific date to visit.
The world was in a slightly precarious position in 1933 - we know the 1930s weren’t easy, but we love to reimagine the struggles and focus on the joys that our history was brimming with.
There are so many talented queens across the globe that I have seen doing just this in our modern drag world. In this time, what's now considered normal was truly daring, even revolutionary. Can you even imagine that we, us fabulous pink tutu-wearing drag queens of today, were the brave trailblazers for a world where the art form can thrive? Think about that!
Oh darling, where do I even begin with the fashion of 1933? The women were literally fashion icons with those sculpted hats, flowing dresses and perfect silhouettes, which reminds me: We're absolutely seeing a comeback of 30s fashion! Maybe we'll have feathered fascinators as the next trend?! It’s definitely the vibe for my next time travelling adventure. The style was everything, and don't even get me started on the gorgeous makeup and accessories - a feather boa here, a pair of pearls there - utter extravagance! But remember darling, my focus here is on drag and I'm looking for my next performance inspiration...
As a fellow fashion lover, you know the history of drag, the stories, the glamour, the evolution. A truly beautiful, truly fabulous dance between performance and beauty.
But let’s be real, history isn't just about dresses and hair, darling. It's about stories. It’s about bravery and community. That's why I went back in time, to feel that energy - a drag show for the ages. And boy did it ever deliver.
Think of this - in the heart of a bustling city, nestled behind a mysterious door was a bar, hidden, daring and vibrant with life - something that the time needed. It felt like I'd landed on the stage of a vintage film; dim lights, smoky atmosphere and I could feel the energy pulsate off of everyone in the room. As I slipped in, in my trusty pink tutu and all, the sound of music and the smell of that quintessential cocktail aroma was enough to make you dizzy. I felt at home, almost like I'd been there before… I had to embrace my inner performer!
Then there she was, on stage - the star of the show - I'm talking glitz and glamour in a daring two-piece outfit. All sparkling, feathers galore! A showman and an entertainer - the true star of the night! I can’t even share everything, darlings - that would just spoil it - but believe me, I was smitten by the whole thing, the artistry, the show, the feeling… It was utterly transformative.
In those moments, amidst the smoky haze of a clandestine speakeasy, a world of acceptance and celebration existed, a world where one could shed the expectations of a challenging time, to lose oneself in the magic of drag. I could feel the freedom of it, the spirit of it… You know how you just feel it when you see a queen perform in our time…
We were all caught in a performance - this wasn't just a drag show, it was a feeling, a moment in history where an art form and its community united and shone like never before!
That’s why I do what I do, darling - it’s about understanding where it all came from, and to appreciate all the wonderful talents, and yes, the pink tutus! If you’ve got the talent, go for it!
As I glided out of that smoky speakeasy into the bustle of 1933, a little bit of its magic brushed off onto me, I felt the fire in my heart, and the urge to share these amazing experiences with you.
It reminds me that while our times have changed, one thing remains constant: the power of drag to unite, entertain, and inspire. That feeling is timeless, baby!
Speaking of which, what's on for you fabulous darlings in the world of drag right now? I’m always on the hunt for the latest and greatest drag performances - just look at that vintage glam from 1933. What a vibe!
Well, until next time, darlings, keep your head held high and your pink tutus ready. It's time to show the world what we’ve got!
XOXO,
Emma, your time-travelling drag queen in a pink tutu!
