Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of leotard fashion and fabulous time-travelling escapades. This month, we're heading back to the Victorian Era, specifically February 2nd, 1866. Buckle up, because this trip's gonna be a whirlwind of history, style, and perhaps a little bit of scandalous gossip!
As always, my faithful pink sparkling leotard whisked me away on this trip, transporting me from my Derbyshire home straight into the heart of Victorian London. I was just about ready to unleash my own brand of pink tutu flair upon the streets, when I saw something rather curious - an ad for a new "gymnasium" for women! Can you imagine?
This was an era when women were largely confined to the home. While the men were allowed to participate in all manner of sport, women were largely encouraged to be more "refined." But, times were a-changin', and some women were starting to yearn for more physical activity, and so the idea of a "gymnasium" specifically for them began to take hold.
Now, before you think that I, Emma of the Pink Tutu, would be disappointed by a lack of leotards, let me assure you, the gym clothes of the Victorian era were no less delightful! The key element was modesty, naturally, but I think that lends itself to a whole new kind of allure!
Leotard fashion circa 1866:
- Imagine a layered, almost tiered silhouette of bloomers under long tunics - like a very early predecessor of the modern gymnastic dress.
- The materials? Think fine linen, crisp cotton, even velveteen! The women were starting to experiment with a wider array of fabric options.
- The colour? Mostly muted tones. No bright pinks or neon greens. Imagine pastels, delicate florals, or deep rich reds and browns - quite the change from my beloved, bright pink leotard!
But wait, what's this? A "Leotard"? Did someone say "leotard"??
My ears pricked up. This could only mean one thing... I had to find out more about this intriguing "leotard" and see if it held any relation to my own leotard legacy.
So, off I trotted into the bustling Victorian city, with my ever-present pink tutu shimmering like a beacon of optimism against the backdrop of grey brick and cobbled streets. I started with a visit to a few of the dressmakers, where I inquired about these "leotards". Turns out, this "leotard" was a totally different animal altogether. This particular garment was meant for men - more specifically, a new sort of male athletic wear. It was tight-fitting and made of thick wool, designed for cyclists.
Can you imagine! These gentlemen of leisure, in their tailored suits, opting to wear this, this leotard, while they cycled! It's certainly a far cry from the glamorous world of the dance, the bright, shimmering, leotards of today! And my pink tutu? Well, it was as if it were a whisper of something truly different and magical amidst this era of practicality!
My little pink heart sank just a bit. My heart desired a vibrant connection to history, a lineage of leotard styles! But it was not to be found this time around. Oh, the agony! The âleotardâ of 1866 was a world away from my bright, bold, and, of course, pink, world.
Despite the setback, I was undeterred. After all, my mission was not solely about the leotard; it was about experiencing history, spreading pink, and celebrating the fabulous evolution of style, be it a little less flashy this time!
Taking it to the Streets:
With the help of some generous time travelers, I quickly got a performance put together. You canât go back in time to Victorian England without some entertainment! I decided to pull together some simple choreographies, focusing on movement and grace. I gathered a small group of dancers (don't worry, they were enthusiastic volunteers), and after some practice in the privacy of a beautiful but very proper Victorian parlor, we ventured out!
The reactions were mixed.
- Some ladies gasped in horror! Tutus were unheard of! The thought of âlegs showingâ was a shocking sight!
- Some of the men scoffed. A little sniggering, a little shaking of heads. What was all this frill?
- A few of the children, especially the little girls, were entranced. I think I even saw some happy giggles. And those were the ones who caught my heart. It's always about those who are brave enough to be different, to stand out.
You can bet your bottom dollar that the whole thing made headlines. Scandalous! Shocking! An attack on decorum! I felt the eyes of every gentleman following us - some curious, others outright appalled. But me, in my glorious pink tutu? I waltzed on!
That night, at a little pub near our makeshift âdance studioâ, I sat down with some curious folks who were eager to chat about the day's happenings. It was the ultimate "after party" experience - even if we weren't actually drinking any proper alcohol! A bit of Victorian ginger beer was certainly the safer choice in this scenario!
As I recounted our âdaringâ street performance, I also got some insider intel on the world of fashion in this era. It seems that in those âgymnasiumsâ, there was an increasing fascination with exercise and the pursuit of healthy living. This had started to impact women's fashions. While full skirts and restrictive corsets continued to dominate daytime attire, looser garments for exercise were gaining popularity.
I'm not gonna lie - the âfashionâ back then, for the most part, was not as flattering, as far as my fashion sensibilities are concerned. Think long, heavy gowns, constricting corsetry. Not exactly a leotard-lover's dream, especially when it comes to the freedom of movement and expressing a sense of individuality. But... I had a flash of an idea, and who am I to not try to push my pink tutu vision?
Perhaps in the next trip, I can travel to the Victorian era to promote a bit of... pink tutu inspiration, and hopefully, give these fine folks an eye-opening experience! Who knows, maybe someday I can convince them to ditch those drab colors and embrace some pink in their wardrobe! And hopefully get more people into leotards! Iâll have to figure out a way to bring that sparkly leotard to the Victorian era without looking...out of place. Hmmm...
Whatâs in store for future trips?:
I've been itching to visit the 1920s and witness the glamorous era of the Flapper Girl and their beautiful loose, short dresses! I hear that some even wore "tutus", but in the form of full skirts! And can you imagine? They were all about jazz, freedom, and dance! This era, I am confident, will be an era bursting with fashion possibilities. And of course, it won't be without my pink tutu and plenty of time-travelling shenanigans.
Be sure to check back for more updates on my latest time travels and fashion adventures, on my website www.pink-tutu.com!
And remember, darlings, you are all perfectly lovely and fabulously unique. Donât be afraid to express yourselves. So grab a tutu and some sparkles and spread your wings of confidence. Because when youâre in a pink tutu, the world is your stage!
Love and sequins,
Emma xoxo
