Hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com!
It's been a while since we've had a trip through time in my magical, sparkling, pink leotard. Where to go? Oh, the options! January 1st 1863 has caught my eye - what better day to start a brand new year than by exploring the world of leotard fashion in the Victorian era? Let's twirl through history together, shall we?
As the mist of a chilly Derbyshire morning gives way to the sunrise, I slip into my dazzling leotard. The sparkly fabric shimmers and shimmers with the promise of adventure. The thought of being surrounded by layers and layers of beautiful lace and elaborate skirts almost sends me spinning before I even hit the time travel button!
Time to sparkle! My little pocket-watch is ready. 1863... here we come!
Arrival: The Buzzing Streets of London
Blimey! I landed right on Oxford Street! The air is buzzing with horse-drawn carriages and dapper gentlemen in top hats. The street lights glimmer softly against the backdrop of elegant shops, and ladies in elaborate gowns flutter by like butterflies. I've never been anywhere quite like it - and the sense of Victorian fashion is just brimming over.
But for the most part, the ladies in this era have no idea of the wonder of the leotard! My outfit definitely turns a few heads. Itās all so very "revealing" by today's standards!
But wait! Something catches my eye...
A charming little shop called "The Parisian Belle" is nestled between a butcherās shop and a haberdashery. Inside, a cornucopia of colourful fabrics spills out onto the cobbles, beckoning me with their richness and elegance.
āGood morning, dear. Fancy a look?ā a lady with a warm smile, a bright pink bow, and a charming dimple invites me. She calls herself "Millie," and I instantly know she's the perfect companion for a bit of leotard discovery in the Victorian world.
Millie informs me that in 1863, ladies mostly wore corseting with several petticoats - under a multitude of skirts, in a dazzling range of colours and textures. I have to say - even with a twinkle in my eye, I confess to the allure of a fine gown or two... but as soon as we begin rummaging through fabric bolts of beautiful cotton and silk, Millieās gaze locks onto something that brings a knowing gleam to her eyes.
"Look here," she says. "We have been trying some new, lighter materials and thisā¦ is exciting! Look - it stretches beautifully!ā
A Peek Into 1863 Leotard Fashion
Millie holds a soft, cream-colored fabric - much lighter than most I have seen - and the feel of it makes me think itās woven from wool, not the heavy silk used for skirts. Sheās delighted by my obvious love of fabrics.
"Why this is... a revelation! It is calledā¦ "knitwear."
My jaw drops, just a tiny bit.
"You see, with knitting you can make wonderful, elegant undergarments for ladies," Millie continues. āThereās even talk of wearing these āunderthingsā in places where someā¦ looseness of fit is required." She pauses, looking around, and then lets out a whispered, "Perhaps some dancers, or actresses."
Well, wouldn't you know it, here is the beginning of the story of the leotard in this time! These stretchy knitted pieces, still hidden in plain sight, are paving the way for a future in the realm of fashion...
The first practical, practical leotards we know of appeared later, for the gymnasts, then dancers, but this glimpse into what they were calling knitwear really got me thinking... what will the world of the leotard look like in just a few decades?!
"Oh," Millie adds as an afterthought, "Of course it all depends on the season, but if you have a good day you might find some fine examples of knitwear with intricate hand-crocheted designs for decoration in the shops of Covent Garden. ā
We take a walk, me and Millie, through Covent Garden's market and a whirlwind of smells and sounds envelop me. The scent of spices and the roar of bustling crowds... such vibrant energy, this world holds.
As dusk approaches and London's lights start twinkling, Millie calls out, āI must rush home, love, but please stay on in my city, and do take in a show. There are wonderful performers in the theatres tonight! The music hall on Piccadilly has some fine ladies in ... well... quite 'show-stopping' costumes indeed."
So, off I twirl, eager to witness more 1863 Victorian fashion magic. And what a surprise to discover that it wasnāt only knitwear for āinner-garmentsā that Millie was on about. This new, revolutionary āstretchy knitā is used in āBloomersā, and even, gasp some trousers worn by women at the Theatre Royal, a popular place to see a āBurlesqueā!
Now... that is the talk of the town indeed!
As the sounds of laughter and lively chatter swirl around me, I feel the glimmer of my own shimmering pink leotard reflecting the street lamps, a tiny symbol of a fashion journey that hasn't even begun to unfold yet. I can just imagine the joy and comfort that leotards would bring in the coming years, offering freedom of movement and style... a delightful thought to linger on!
But until next time, my loves... remember... you donāt need a magic leotard to time travel ā all you need is your imagination and a love of fashion. So, step into the wardrobe of history and see what amazing stories unfold within those dusty fabric shelves!
Until we meet again, keep twirling!
Emma xoxo
