Darling Divas! It’s your girl, Emma, back again for another fabulous trip through time! Buckle up your sequins and adjust your feather boas because we’re taking a jaunt back to February 2nd, 1949. My, oh my, this trip is truly going to be a trip to the land of “Old Hollywood glamour meets cheeky Vaudeville.”
This time, my time-traveling pink tutu (a true fashion masterpiece I tell you!) zipped me back to the heart of New York City. It's not every day that I, your quintessential Derbyshire girl, can say I've sashayed into a New York City drag performance. Now, that's a bit of magic, ain’t it? Imagine – 1949, pre-Stonewall era, but drag was still flourishing on stage, even in the face of restrictions. That, my darlings, is drag's power!
This whole travel thing can be a bit overwhelming. I mean, think about it, this pink tutu of mine takes me to the most amazing places – ancient Egypt, the glittering ballroom of Marie Antoinette, the Victorian Era (well, let’s just say there’s definitely room for improvement in those Victorian fashions!). But today, we're going down a path with a splash of Old Hollywood glam and a dash of vaudeville cheeky fun!
I got myself a little cheeky ticket to see "The Follies Bergere" at the Casino de Paris. Oh, this show had the best of everything. The most glamorous of gowns, and I am not talking a frock coat, oh no darlings, it was all glittering diamonds and shimmering sequins. The feather boas were as high as the Empire State building (which, as I type this, was brand new – wow!)!
Honestly, darling, this show blew me away. I'm a girl who loves her shows, don't get me wrong, but there was just something about the energy, the talent, the costumes that just blew me out of my pink tutu. There was a singer called "Mistinguett," and darling, she could sing like an angel (well, perhaps more like a feather boa – all soft, sweet, and totally enchanting). And let me tell you, she was a real stunner – tall, slender, a whole heap of beautiful, and those legs…well let’s just say she had them going on!
Of course, the men of the stage were there as well – all those flamboyant gentlemen doing their tumbling and dance numbers. Honestly, those moves were next level. I was quite mesmerized! You know what? I’d be more than happy to take notes from these fabulous, fabulous boys. Think I might even learn a little something for my next performance in the 21st Century. Now that’s what I call “Drag History in Motion”!
What else did I get up to in the “Big Apple”? Well, I naturally made a quick dash over to Bergdorf Goodman. You see, darlings, a girl always has to update her wardrobe, right? Oh my goodness, their department store had the most extraordinary hats! The brims and the veils and all the gorgeous colors. This is where I saw my true calling - pink tutus needed a hat to match. I think this whole pink tutu thing may need to extend to full outfits – this is definitely something I must look into further in my travels through time. I’m thinking a whole range of colors and accessories! We might need some glitter too, but all in good time, darlings, all in good time.
Now, listen to me darlings, this whole pink tutu thing may seem frivolous at first but it's not, It’s about liberation, expression, pushing boundaries and a lot of fun. Think of it like a metaphor:
Pink tutu= Embracing your uniqueness and spreading joy through fashion and style!
Because a little bit of pink goes a long way, my dears. It's a way to say “I’m happy. I’m fierce. I’m going to be the most extravagant, flamboyant, and sensational version of myself and that’s my power!”.
Well, darlings, my time in 1949 is coming to a close. It's time for this pink tutu to be taking me to another fascinating corner of our magnificent world. If you need to see more of 1949, be sure to visit your local historical society, grab a copy of a 1949 movie magazine (ooh, darling the film "The Barkleys of Broadway" just came out with Fred Astaire, how dapper!). But, for now, let me take you to a fabulous destination in your home and tell you what I think is amazing in our world right now –
- Fashion Inspiration! – We all want to stand out, but did you know we’re seeing a comeback for the 50's aesthetic? Big and dramatic gowns and amazing silhouettes. Think cinched waists and high-fashion everything - I have to tell you, my darlings, those shapes and lines work on every body shape - it’s all about owning it! Oh! And we are all about vintage! This has to be my biggest vintage fashion decade to date! Oh darling, the possibilities are endless!
- Drag is blooming and evolving!– So much wonderful drag content to see all over the internet! YouTube is where it's at. If you're on the hunt for incredible drag shows in the UK – just check the London Queer Website – I have found some of the most exciting drag performances from up and coming talent. It's exciting! So exciting to see so many fresh new faces taking over the stages across the globe!
- Drag Street Style - The Next Generation - Well, darlings, we're not talking about just drag makeup or wigs, we're going a whole step further! This is street fashion at its finest, the most beautiful expressions of gender and style. A little bit of rock n’ roll, a hint of haute couture, and a healthy dose of high-street staples that all bring together a sense of unique style. Don't get me wrong - the fashion looks amazing - but it's the spirit, the freedom of expression that comes with this look that makes it so spectacular!
Don’t forget to check in for next month’s blog. My pink tutu has a few more trips planned and it will not disappoint! And while you're at it, darling, get your glitter ready, choose your favourite color (a little bit of pink goes a long way, you know!) and embrace the unique, fierce, flamboyant, and absolutely glamorous world that is you!
Keep on dancing darlings!
xxoo Emma
P.S Did I mention how wonderful drag makeup has become? Just last week I came across the most gorgeous metallic shadow from a brand called…well, you wouldn't believe me, darling. All in good time – stay tuned!
