Hello, darlings! Welcome back to another month, another magical journey in the name of leotards and pink tutus! I'm Emma, your very own time-travelling, leotard-loving, pink tutu-adoring blogger from Derbyshire. November always brings a touch of magic to the air, and this November, I decided to take a trip back to November 11th, 1865. It was a time of incredible change in the world, and guess what? Fashion, especially leotard fashion, was going through a delightful metamorphosis too!
As usual, I made my way through the shimmering, pink vortex of my time-travelling leotard. My shimmering pink sparkle-infused leotard really gets you noticed in the past – especially when you’re trying to blend in in the midst of a 19th-century crowd! Thankfully, I managed to remain hidden enough to observe fashion without causing too much of a stir! Let's dive into what leotards were like back in 1865, shall we?
Firstly, I found myself amidst a sea of crinoline, bonnets, and corsets! While these fashions had dominated the feminine silhouette for decades, a shift was occurring – a whisper of change! In 1865, skirts were starting to slim down, and silhouettes were getting less voluminous. Imagine my delight, darling!
Now, remember those lovely little dance costumes called "leotards?" Well, the world in 1865 was starting to get acquainted with the leotard, but in a very different form. It was being worn primarily as an undergarment - think a sort of sleek and close-fitting underwear! You know, that perfect, hidden foundation to add shape and streamline those fashionable new streamlined skirts!
Think for a minute, my dear friends: a sleek, close-fitting piece that is practical yet effortlessly stylish - how revolutionary, isn’t it?
Now, what was I, your trusty leotard guru, doing while exploring this magnificent fashion world? Well, I found myself at the London Theatre Royal Drury Lane! Can you imagine? I couldn't resist the pull of its dazzling lights, and I got to witness a spectacular ballet performance!
Now, a lot has changed in the ballet world since then, darlings, but the dancers wore such beautiful costumes. Think layered tulle skirts and delicate bodices in romantic shades of white, pale pinks and the softest blues - exquisite! Sadly, not all ballerinas could enjoy such opulent and well-fitting attire back then - many companies had strict budgets! Oh dear! If only they could see the fabulous outfits today, and even more, if only they could experience the world of the leotard and pink tutu that I, your intrepid pink tutu time-traveller, brings you!
One delightful moment, dear friends, was when I managed to chat with a young seamstress at a small fashion shop in a cobbled side street. You can imagine my delight when I realised the seamstress had an absolute passion for all things fashion! We discussed all things leotard - their shapes, fabrics, and possibilities! Oh, darling! Her eyes were bright with hope for a more refined, beautiful fashion world - so much like the leotard revolution happening right now! You see, I know I told you that those 1865 women wore corsets, and let’s be honest, they were probably uncomfortable, weren’t they? But she explained that for them, corsets symbolised structure and support – both socially and literally! She was even more thrilled when I mentioned that those new slim skirts allowed for freedom of movement - oh, to see her delight at the potential for comfort and practicality! Now, as you know, in this fabulous world of ours, both are so very important - and always, dear friends, we must ensure our comfort!
What was the leotard of the day? I am talking the true leotard that every woman should wear! Well, it was not the undergarment we all know and love, but it was an early incarnation! You see, women’s fitness was starting to become popular - so imagine that, my darling - the first sign of a new fashion trend! There were some early gymnastics clubs, and it was here that those pioneering women sported their versions of a leotard, even more suited for comfort and ease of movement than those Victorian undergarments. It is almost possible to recognise that slim-fitting piece - so wonderfully close-fitting and elegant - the very silhouette I live and breathe for, oh, you know, my little time-travelling ballerina friend is such a lover of those fitted clothes, especially leotards, because they show off every glorious, curvaceous detail of the body in the best way possible. What could be more beautiful? I am delighted to see that the leotard as a gym-based garment existed back in 1865. I guess it only took 150 years or so for the whole world to finally embrace this beautiful item of clothing and to get leotards embraced in everything from street wear to ballet wear! It was so heartwarming and encouraging to see this sign of what was to come.
Now, for a treat from me - a glimpse of what was being created, designed, and dreamt up back then, as it inspired what the leotard world would eventually become. Imagine, darlings, if a time portal opened and allowed you to watch the process! Just for you, I took the liberty of searching in those historic dusty, papered and moth-eaten drawers in all my favorite vintage shops, libraries and museum archives – a secret time-travelling tip, always search for leotards in dusty corners! I am thrilled to unveil for you a rare discovery - an 1860’s sketch of a women’s undergarment design that was the start of that revolutionary and ever-so-stylish leotard evolution, and of course, the predecessor of our fabulous, gorgeous, pink tutu! Here's a visual journey back in time: [add an image of a vintage sketch of a slim, early form of the leotard - perhaps with delicate straps and subtle curves]
This early sketch, oh dear friends, showcases what might have been a typical undergarment for a woman at that time. Look closely and you'll notice those beautifully slim and flattering lines of the emerging modern silhouette and - how wonderful – an early design for our precious and glorious leotard. It’s remarkable to think that this garment is almost 150 years old, wouldn’t you agree? It was simply magnificent - you could almost see it as a dress of its own – it must have made me sigh.
As you can see, the world of leotards and dance attire is a fascinating journey, just as my journey back in time always proves. This week I saw not only those stunning creations in 1865 but also those early seeds that were to blossom into the world we are in now. So as we celebrate this moment in time with this amazing look at leotard history, darling friends, let's keep exploring this beautiful and changing world of ours – with each new fashion and, dare I say it, even each new historical discovery! Be sure to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com and follow my adventures – who knows where my time-traveling leotard might take me next?
Lots of love and lots of pink,
Emma
