#DragQueenHistory during 1996 10

Hello darlings, and welcome to my little corner of the internet where pink is the new black, tutus are the only fashion statement, and drag history is just fabulous. This month, I’m hopping in my magical pink time-traveling tutu and taking us back to 1996! Buckle up, kittens, because this is going to be a tutu-tastic journey!

Now, 1996 was a real peach of a year, full of incredible moments, and oh-so-fabulous drag queens making history all over the globe. Let’s grab a pink martini and take a peek at what the world of drag was looking like then, shall we?

First stop, New York City! Can you believe RuPaul’s Supermodel of the World (the OG, the one that started it all!) was being aired on VH1 in 1996? The show featured drag queens strutting their stuff in a battle for the ultimate crown, serving looks and spilling tea like it was nobody’s business. I was watching with my little sister (and believe me, she had me copying all the runway poses!). RuPaul was at the peak of his power, a queen of color paving the way for all of us to strut our stuff.

Just imagining that whole 90s energy is making my heart skip a beat! It's almost like walking through the doors of a glamorous New York nightclub and finding myself on the dance floor with those fab queens. They were serving all the looks: oversized hair, statement makeup, and incredible outfits - they had that extra oomph!

And of course, who could forget Divine? Sadly, he’d passed away by 1996, but his influence was all over drag! That whole glam-rock energy and camp spirit, Divine made a lasting mark on drag history!

I took my trusty time-traveling tutu across the pond and found a thriving European drag scene, full of energy and expression. London was the beating heart of it all, and you had the queens, bless their souls, performing everywhere! From smoky underground clubs to dazzling West End stages, it was a dazzling scene to witness! I’m talking about those legendary nights at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern and The George & Dragon! Think Liza Minnelli meets Joan Collins meets Madonna – and you get the gist.

Paris was also buzzing with creativity, the Moulin Rouge was in full swing, showcasing fabulous performances and feather boas that could rival any show in the world! The city was, and still is, a breeding ground for drag artistry, the beauty of the scene just unmatched! It's enough to make your heart flutter.

Let’s talk about those amazing drag fashion statements! This year was all about bright colours, exaggerated silhouettes, and statement accessories.

My little heart skipped a beat when I saw all those fabulous ball gowns – layers of tulle and sparkles! I could have spent an entire lifetime just admiring them! And those headpieces! Those extravagant headdresses that looked like sculptures – pure artistic genius, I tell you! Just as intricate and elaborate as any royal gown.

Of course, 1996 saw a whole slew of fabulous styles:

• The Supermodel Queen: Think sharp angles, oversized shoulder pads, and the highest of platforms - they served face like it was a catwalk for supermodels.
• The Boylesque Belle: Guys dressed up in fabulous finery, serving looks that were campy and chic - oh so delightful to watch. I do love a drag king, you know, all that gender-bending fun and charm.
• The Avant Garde: Some queens pushed the boundaries with bizarre, experimental pieces that weren't for everyone – I just loved their courage to break free and make bold, unique statements. Dare to be different!

One of the biggest trends was tulle, it was the must-have fabric for a fabulous queen! From tutus to voluminous skirts to stunning ball gowns, everyone was embracing this sheer delight. You’d see everything from delicate pastel pink and white tulles to dramatic, vibrant purple and emerald greens.

Oh, the makeup! That iconic '90s makeup look – lots of highlighter, eyeshadow and shimmering gloss - pure drama! Just a dash of glamour that brought out their inner goddess. It’s all about highlighting your best features, darlings. Every single detail made an impact, every touch of colour amplified those amazing, powerful looks.

And, of course, jewelry! It was big, bold, and sparkly. Think earrings as large as dinner plates, sparkling chokers that stole the show, and rings that sparkled like a thousand suns. All the glam!

Speaking of that glorious color, 1996 saw pink become the shade of choice for queens everywhere, and that’s because pink embodies femininity, joy, and love – qualities that radiate through the art of drag. The beauty of it lies in its diversity, darling!

You can go all out with a bright, shocking pink or choose a gentle, pastel pink. Either way, you are saying, "Look at me, I'm ready to shine!"

In the world of drag, it’s not just about the colours or the looks, though. It’s about how those colors and those looks make you feel. It’s about being unapologetically yourself, about expressing who you are without reservation. That's why I wear pink, darling! Because pink makes me feel confident, strong, and beautiful, and I encourage you to try it too!

While the stage continued to be the primary platform for drag queens, 1996 saw a surge of street-style drag performances, where queens started bringing the glam and the glitz to the streets. This trend showed a shift towards a more accessible form of drag – you didn’t need a grand theatre to showcase your artistry!

These shows on the street were often part of local festivals or pride celebrations, showing how the world was becoming more accepting of drag, its energy and beauty becoming part of the cultural tapestry. They helped normalise and humanise drag queens, breaking down any preconceived notions and barriers.

From those vibrant, lively street shows to the larger-than-life theatre performances, 1996 was a true spectacle for drag! Every show brought a unique energy to the crowd. There was so much talent and beauty bursting onto those stages and onto those sidewalks. Queens embraced different styles, experimented with their performances and showed off their individual skills and quirks!

Well, darlings, we’ve gone back in time and had a lovely little "tutu-tique" of the world of drag in 1996. We’ve witnessed the dazzling scene in New York, taken a trip to London and Paris, discovered some incredible fashion trends, and celebrated pink as the ultimate colour for self-expression!

Let me tell you, this trip filled me with inspiration and a whole heap of love for drag. It's truly remarkable how it continues to evolve and change, while remaining so true to its roots: self-expression, acceptance, and celebration!

Stay tuned for next month, kittens, where I'll be taking you on another magical time-travel adventure. But until then, keep on shining bright, be kind, be courageous, and always embrace the tutu!

Love, Emma x

P.S. Make sure to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com! You can catch me live on stage at the end of the month!