Hello darling Leotard Lovers! It's Emma, your favourite Derbyshire pink tutu time traveler, here, ready to whisk you away to a wonderful whirlwind tour through leotard history.
This month we're swirling back to September the 9th 1865! Can you imagine?! My magical pink time-traveling leotard just loves a good time hop and I've got a right bobby-dazzler of a date lined up for us today, with a right dose of fashion and a pinch of intrigue too! It's time to explore what the world of leotards and tutus had on offer nearly 160 years ago.
Let me take you to the year 1865, a time of change and development, in fashion, just like in leotards! This era saw the beginning of what we could call "the leotard renaissance!" The little garment which started as a simple one-piece design for performers, is starting to find its way into more everyday fashions, with the fashionable ladies in Europe just beginning to explore the leotard’s practicality and elegance! My sparkling, time-traveling pink leotard, shimmering with sequins and just a hint of rhinestones, practically buzzes with anticipation to see how things have changed for leotards.
As usual, the French seem to be at the cutting edge of fashion. Paris was buzzing with all things theatrical as they showcased "The New Woman" , an innovative idea for the time, a woman who could be both fashionable and independent. This is just what I am trying to promote with my Pink Tutu Movement! I aim to spread the message that fashion is not just for a stage performance - it’s an extension of self-expression. I believe every woman should be free to express themselves, wearing tutus and dazzling leotards if they choose, and I know the French fashion set are right behind me! Their style was all about simplicity and sleek elegance. It seems leotards are starting to appear on the scene – as part of fashionable riding habits, swimming costumes (oh yes! Those daring ladies! Imagine! A leotard with a splash of colour on the beach!) and yes - even as a design element within the more casual attire worn for an energetic picnic or walk in the countryside.
Think "The Lady in the Pink Tutu". Imagine, you have your hair wrapped up in a little net wearing a stylish and practical, fitted knitted leotard made with natural fibres like wool, and a soft, flowing skirt worn over the top. This new fashionable trend for a streamlined, sporty yet elegant outfit for everyday life was starting to gain ground as this kind of "The New Woman " style outfit caught on with the ladies and became a way to make an appearance at afternoon social gatherings!
Remember though, my lovelies, that even as early as the 1800's these leotards for ladies would likely have been made from less “ stretchy” fabrics than what we are used to today! So my darling little leotard fans, don’t imagine stretch cotton or polyester! Think wool! Linen and even cotton that hasn't been processed to be as stretchy as it is in the 21st century! The ladies in the 19th Century would need a different approach to leotard style to create that flowing look on their garments. These fitted outfits were definitely a step in the right direction to showing off the feminine curves! I can just see these ladies going "Ooo la la! This looks oh so divine, but does this skirt feel too long? Oh! maybe it's better this way after all..."
If I am being honest with you darlings, I am just bursting with pride for how much the world of leotard fashion has progressed! In the time I have been time traveling I have seen a truly fascinating evolution from the early leotard designs made for performing, to today’s everyday wear – including everything from glamorous party attire to comfy everyday sportswear!
But where am I in all this? You might be asking... What did September the 9th 1865 have in store for your little Pink Tutu time traveller?! Well, it’s always a good idea to check the local playbills to see what is on in the local entertainment venues of the town. Now, remember my dears, I travel on a strict budget, so my tickets always have to be for a really exciting show which offers a fantastic value for money! That is what has got me travelling so much, being able to watch great performances and exploring the fashion - but always looking out for a real bargain. You might say "Emma is on a budget for the show" but not when it comes to leotards! I have found myself completely smitten with a magnificent crimson leotard in the "costume design sale" of a traveling theatre company a couple of months ago and now it sits in my wardrobe back in my home in Derbyshire, ready to be worn on stage again whenever the right show comes along. So what to look for this time around then? The theatrical events happening on this date were limited in the rural English villages of the 19th century but as luck would have it, the "Little People Theatre Troupe" had put on a grand performance in a hall of the "Derby Inn", showcasing some beautiful, dazzling leotards. Imagine! Some of those little ones must have been dazzling! But where are they now?! The performance might be long over but my research indicates there might be some "treasure" that may be uncovered! Now to investigate this in more depth - I'm not talking a whole "hunt for red October" or any spying or drama. But an idea to check with local museums, maybe an archive at Derby Library, could uncover some incredible leotards hidden away. Just picture it - beautiful handcrafted costumes waiting to be rediscovered. The theatre hall is no longer there! In its place - now there are shops! A cafe! Maybe there will be a little shop owner who remembers stories from a bygone time of performances? "Back in the day" they used to say - well maybe that's just the place to go and seek some real leotard history!
Remember that we are just beginning to explore how much more of this fascinating world of fashion and its impact on life has to offer, so do join me next time when I journey even further into leotard history. Maybe we'll even take a peek into the 20th century!
Until then - why not explore our own version of time travel and find some fascinating leotards from history right in your own area. Let’s celebrate the power of imagination and the unique, vibrant and inspiring world of the leotard – the little garment with the big, bright impact.
Keep dancing, keep dreaming and remember: It’s never too late to start wearing a pink tutu!
XOXO Emma
