Hello, my darlings! Itâs Emma here, your resident pink-tutu enthusiast and, well, let's be honest, time-traveling fashionista! Today weâre waltzing back to September 9th, 1862. Grab your tiaras, darling, as we journey to the heart of a bygone era!
The last time I travelled through the annals of time was a little wild, and quite frankly, full of far too many sequins! I think weâre all agreed that less is more, right? It was truly an overwhelming sensory overload, the 1920s. Flapper dresses, beads, feathers â oh my! However, this time around we're venturing to a slightly more, dare I say, civilised decade.
This month's travels took me straight to 1862, a period where leotards were truly starting to come into their own. Imagine, darlings, a time where such fabulous items of clothing were just making their grand entrance onto the world stage!
Now, you might be thinking: â1862, Emma? How terribly stuffy and dull!â And, to be honest, it's easy to get caught up in the romanticized vision of Victorian times â all stiff corsets and teacups. But let's remember that fashion, just like us, loves a good surprise, a splash of colour!
On this specific day, a mere handful of women dared to go out in what were considered more 'sporting' garments. Now, think of it this kind of ensemble: leggings-like, full-length trousers with a bodice of either silk or some fancy-schmancy brocade. Why, some were even made of the most fabulous wool! I practically died of delight! The idea of "performance" wasn't really about leaping across stages and dazzling audiences â think more gymnastics, archery and even the ever-so-fashionable art of horseback riding!
Of course, you know I couldnât resist stepping out in a vibrant pink ensemble â a shimmering tulle tutu with layers and layers of gossamer fabrics, the whole lot cascading around my ankles, with a matching leotard in a pale pink satin. You wouldnât believe the reaction, darlings!
âFancy dress?â They exclaimed, aghast at the sight of me, a vision in pink amidst their grey hues. Now, letâs be honest â there was a bit of side-eye and the occasional gasp. But oh, the giggles! It's a funny thing, I realized â that sense of wonder and amusement at anything new. Perhaps we can all take a leaf out of their book, darlings. A little bit of colour and joy in our lives, and perhaps the odd daring look. After all, who wouldnât want a dash of sparkle, a twirl of delight?
After all, my darlings, we can learn so much from fashion history! This very year, 1862, the very first edition of Harperâs Bazaar magazine was published. Now, if you know anything about vintage fashion, then you know that is like, major news. Just think, darling: that magazine, even now, is like a gateway to the fashion world, and just a little over 160 years ago it started to showcase the styles and trends of the day. Isn't that just the most glorious thing?!
One of the things that stood out to me was the evolving trend of shorter hemlines and how they paved the way for what was to come. Imagine that, little whispers of change that eventually bloomed into entire eras of fashion. Who would have thought that a little hemline change could bring about so much change? I wonder if today, 2023, we are laying the groundwork for the future, like we did in 1862? Just a thought, darlings.
Itâs clear that leotards, though still in their nascent stages in the world of fashion, were making quite the impression back then. As I wandered through the streets of London â my pink tutu billowing behind me - I saw glimpses of these amazing early designs, tucked under bonnets and cloaks. You can imagine the intrigue and curiosity on those faces! It truly gave me a feeling of how the evolution of leotards was happening â one adventurous woman, one daring outfit, one twirl at a time.
Even then, my dears, fashion was not a passive thing â it was a living, breathing, exciting and playful statement. Perhaps what 1862 was telling me, my loves, is that you never know what the future holds, even in the smallest of changes. What is one-of-a-kind today might become tomorrow's fashion staple!
Speaking of âstaples,â it's time to switch to another aspect of this month's time travel. This blog post wouldnât be complete without sharing some insight into my fabulous time travelling outfit! Let's not forget about the pièce de rĂŠsistance â the most important accessory, as far as I'm concerned, in all time travel: my trusty, magical, pink sparkling leotard! Oh, she is such a wonder, my darlings. Just think of it, I get to teleport between eras, continents, and centuries with a mere wink and a twirl. It is, to be honest, pure magic! And for this specific time travel experience, well, I felt it deserved a touch of something special.
It's got that extra oomph! And it sparkles just so, in the sunlight, catching everyoneâs attention! (Donât you just love that subtle showmanship?). In the evenings, I could imagine, it will be just fabulous as I weave through the crowds!
I swear to you, darlings, if I could wear this leotard everywhere, in my normal day-to-day life, well, then, my time traveling would truly be complete! Oh, to feel the tickle of glitter as I cross a street. And, who needs heels, my lovelies? When youâve got a time traveling leotard, everything is about pure magic, comfort, and that fabulous dash of the extraordinary.
There's something magical about time travel, wouldn't you agree? It's a journey through history and, for me, the ultimate way to celebrate all things fashion. My lovelies, next month weâll journey to another, a completely new date, to delve further into fashionâs archives. For now, Iâm off to practise my twirls â and yes, maybe to see a show! Because who needs a ballgown when you've got a pink tutu?
Until next month, my darlings, be fabulous and keep those sparkles shining bright!
This post is for entertainment purposes only. Emma and Pink-Tutu.com do not endorse illegal or unethical activity. Time travel is not real.
