Hello darling! Emma here, your very own leotard-loving, time-travelling, pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome to another monthly journey through the wondrous world of leotard fashion! This month, I'm whisking us back to February the 2nd, 1864 – a time of elegant gaslight, flourishing creativity and, wouldn't you know it, some truly delightful leotard-esque attire!
As you know, my dear readers, a little twinkle in my magical, pink, sparkly leotard and I’m off! Poof! There I was, transported from my Derbyshire cottage to the heart of Victorian London. I had a few shows planned for the week ahead to fuel my travel fund - it’s hard work keeping this passion alive, you know. Street ballet isn’t exactly a lucrative career.
Speaking of London, the very air seemed electric with a vibrancy I'd never witnessed in the Victorian period before. Why, you ask? The theatre scene was positively humming with a play by a new playwright named W. S. Gilbert, no less! (That's a name that's going to be huge, trust me). The buzz about this Gilbert gentleman’s satirical comedies was infectious.
This February 2nd was really exciting because Gilbert’s The House of Double Dealing was a big premiere night - a little soirée just for the London elite. Naturally, I had to blend in! This meant my sparkly leotard was swiftly exchanged for a discreet, beautifully beaded silk gown, a fine pair of white gloves, and, of course, a delicate ivory bonnet, a nod to the stylishness of the era. But fear not, dear readers! Under this beautiful attire, I wore a soft pink leotard of a silken-soft fabric and lace trimming, a whisper of pink hidden under all those layers of exquisite attire!
The Fashion of 1864
This time period is truly a fashion enthusiast’s dream! The bustle is starting to replace the cage crinoline (the latter still lingers, of course, for those who can't resist its impressive proportions) and you have ladies adopting the so-called "London look" - a decidedly svelte and chic shape.
Speaking of a look I adored: the "princess line". Gone are the tight-laced corsets of the 19th century! Ladies have a new kind of freedom in their clothing – flowing gowns with soft shapes and subtle details. Imagine, if you will, an elegance with just a hint of athleticism and you've got the 1864 fashion aesthetic. It’s almost as if these designers were foreshadowing a future trend - the freedom of leotard wear, don't you think? It's a delightful reminder of how even when we embrace historical elegance, the desire for movement and comfort lives on.
Leotard Inspiration
I wandered down to Covent Garden in the afternoon - a must-visit for any aspiring dancer! This was a time when ballet was more grounded (pardon the pun!) with less aerial artistry than we know and love today. But the graceful movement and attention to costume and silhouette still held so much charm.
Leotard Spotlight I particularly fell for a company that day! The Parisian Opéra de Paris was staging a production of The Sleeping Beauty. Their dance costumes, influenced by French designs, showcased those wonderful flowing lines - the same graceful and dramatic silhouettes of those Princess line gowns! Imagine! Ballet dancers clad in elegant tutus, beautifully flowing skirts, with accents of velvet, lace, and delicate satin – the ultimate combination of fluidity and elegance. It truly inspired me, as I was certain those dresses were inspired by the leotard. It was the early days, perhaps, of a very fashionable transformation, don’t you think?
But beyond the stage, I observed another kind of dance - the "Clog Dancing". It’s a rather fun little art that involves...well... you guessed it! Wooden shoes, and the art of tapping those heels against the cobbled streets. It's a form of energetic entertainment and a lovely display of footwork that reminded me a great deal of the rhythmic quality of the ballet leotard – that feeling of complete freedom of movement.
Showtime!
As night fell, I stepped into The House of Double Dealing. It’s such an important date for me: the play by W.S. Gilbert (that brilliant young chap) launched the man's very successful theatre career! As for the fashion, oh, it was quite the show! The men, of course, donned formal dress, but the women looked quite fabulous with their Parisian inspired hairstyles. (It's a classic for a reason).
And those ladies wore some wonderfully detailed costumes. They included a variety of "Princess line" gowns with the aforementioned flowing shapes - you know, that feminine yet practical flair! It gave me such an idea for my next outfit for a street ballet performance! You see, with those long lines, they remind me so much of those long, billowing leotard skirts that I adore. A ballerina with a twist on historical elegance... yes! I could imagine my ballet dress, featuring flowing tiers of fabric that would almost dance alongside me on the street, like a swarm of pink and iridescent butterflies!
The fashion and style of the night resonated so beautifully with that underlying feeling of grace and confidence, much like I felt when I wear my favorite leotard.
Sharing My Pink Inspiration
Oh, dear readers, I really do believe there is a lot of inspiration to be drawn from this particular time in history - for all kinds of fashions and particularly for the world of leotard wear! If you want to channel a Victorian Valentine, think about combining modern pieces like leotard-inspired leggings, flowing tunics, and a dash of lace – the "princess line" will suit you beautifully, my dears! Add some dramatic headwear and there you have it, the look of a true fashion time traveler - just like myself!
That's a Wrap
Well, there you have it, my darlings! A taste of leotard fashion back in 1864, an exciting time full of burgeoning innovation in every art form – and especially in style! Don't forget, if you wish to join me on these extraordinary leotard fashion journeys, head over to www.pink-tutu.com and keep up with my monthly blog adventures. You never know where we might travel next!
I'll be twirling on the streets of Derbyshire and bringing some "pink-tutu" fun to my corner of the world until next time! Remember, you don't need a magical time travelling leotard to have a grand time, a bit of whimsy and creativity will do just fine!
All the best,
Emma xoxo
