Hello darlings! Itās Emma here, your resident time-travelling ballerina queen, back from a whirlwind adventure in the land of 1945. Can you believe it? Another month down, another amazing journey through time, and a whole new selection of vintage looks to inspire your inner fabulous. Oh, the sheer joy!
Now, before I regale you with all the details of this epic journey (because honestly, itās that good), let's start with a quick update on your fave pink tutu-clad time-traveler. Lifeās been busy, my dears, absolutely positively overflowing with shimmer and shine. My recent performances in Derbyshire, with my stunning, meticulously curated repertoire, went down a storm. I simply must say, those Derby crowds are simply fabulous.
Let me tell you, those pink tutu-fueled performances certainly paid for a little sartorial escapism in this monthās time travel shenanigans, darling! Think sequined bodices, fluffy feathered headdresses and, of course, a magnificent rainbow of vintage-inspired tulle and satin. And let's not forget the new collection of ballet-inspired heels, oh, my heavens, you simply wouldn't believe it! The legs, my dears, the legsā¦
Alright, now onto the adventure of the century, my loves! I've always said that history, my darlings, is more than just dusty textbooks, and Iām on a mission to prove it! So, grab a cuppa, settle down, and letās take a peek into a world where fabulous was born, 1945 - March 3rd!
The World on 1945.03.03
World War II is coming to a close, but the world is still reeling. There's a feeling of cautious hope, of resilience in the air. Everyone is eager to forget the darkness, to start rebuilding and embracing a new dawn. And darling, where thereās hope and rebuilding, thereās room for a little glitter, wouldnāt you say?
Imagine: 1945, London, the streets still scarred, but the energy of renewal is undeniable. People are yearning for something to hold onto, something to celebrate. This is the perfect setting, the perfect atmosphere forā¦ drag!
Oh, but the year is 1945, and things areā¦ well, a bit different. Now, imagine all that wartime spirit being poured into those underground cabaret venues, in dimly lit pubs, in small back rooms that became havens of entertainment for those seeking escape and fun. And I, my dear, wearing a breathtakingly voluminous pink tutu and an outrageous 40s hat, ready to show the world what drag is really about: joy, confidence, and embracing your inner glamour!
I made my way through bustling crowds, with rationing in place, finding pockets of creativity. That's where I found the āBack Room Boys.ā This little underground club hosted impromptu performances from local artists. We're talking singers, dancers, a touch of theatre and oh, the incredible talent they had. Imagine those post-war harmonies mixed with those sharp tap dancing shoes and that pure grit - it was simply electric! I could see a new generation of performers finding their voice, breaking free, and it felt soā¦ electrifying!
Finding The āQueensā In the 1940s
Of course, it's all in the details, darling, and these performers weren't technically drag queens as we know them today. They were entertainers pushing boundaries, finding ways to express themselves and finding joy in a time when joy was precious. They might have been a bit more ācross-dressedā than anything else. The attire could have been anything, from a fancy frock borrowed from a girlfriend to repurposed wartime items - that creativity was breathtaking.
But remember, darling, the drag scene today wouldn't exist without these brave souls, pushing the boundaries, laying the groundwork for future generations. Now thatās what I call time travel! Itās not about changing history, itās about remembering and honouring what came before us, paving the way for today.
A Little Glimpse into 1940s Fashion
1945 brought with it a shift, my dear, a yearning for feminine elegance. And boy, did they find it. Now, the clothes may not have been overtly flashy or flamboyant but imagine this: the practicality of war time clothing mixed with feminine details: delicate blouses, the timeless little black dress with the chicest cut.
There was this amazing tailoring trend - that cinched waist and the skirt that flowedā¦ my, my! They really understood how to make the most of every single detail. You could tell, even in these wartime conditions, they craved elegance, they craved that sense of style! Now imagine this elegance layered with a bold, voluminous pink tutu - can you see the vision?!
I imagine these little clubs and venues bustling with this energy - the whispers of fashion, of freedom, of pure unadulterated fabulousness!
Remembering and Honoring the Pioneers
Letās take a moment, darlings, to truly reflect on the pioneers of our community. Letās think of these early entertainers, those performers, these creative souls. They were breaking new ground, even if in the shadows, even if within their own little spaces.
And I am forever in awe of these trailblazers. My journey, darling, is a journey to honor them, to show them that their creativity has not gone unnoticed, that their spirits live on in each one of us who dares to dream bigger, who dares to glitter a little bit brighter!
And donāt forget, it is those pioneering spirits, that drive, that sheer resilience of the drag scene that made our history so compelling. It was born in the underground, fueled by raw creativity, and I, darling, am on a mission to make that story known!
A Final Thoughtā¦
Iām back in the 21st century now, back to my sparkly studio and those Derbyshire gigs. But I carry those memories with me - the quiet elegance of 1945, the echoes of those secret performances. It was, quite frankly, inspiring!
As I continue to journey through time, one pink tutu, one fabulous show at a time, let's all remember the past, celebrate the present, and together, we'll make drag history even more beautiful and exciting, and remember, my lovelies, there is absolutely no better time than now to put on that fabulous pink tutu, dance like nobodyās watching, and create your own story! Until next month, my darling darlings, stay fabulous!
XOXO,
Emma xx
