Hello, darling readers! Emma here, back from another thrilling trip through the time-space continuum! November 11th, 1866, my loves, a truly captivating date, and what better way to mark it than with a glorious journey into leotard history!
As always, my trusty time-travelling pink-sparkling leotard (yes, I know it's the most fabulous, sparkly one ever) zipped me right back into the heart of the Victorian era. Now, if you think your tights are a tight squeeze, imagine the sensation of petticoats galore, layered and woven around the ankles like a glorious, but potentially sweltering, tapestry of fabric!
Imagine my delight at arriving in this era, feeling as if I'd tumbled right into a sumptuous novel. There I was, surrounded by beautiful carriages, cobblestone streets, and elegant ladies in flowing dresses.
But first, some sartorial splendour, because every fashionista needs a good ol' leotard history lesson, and let's be honest, a new outfit to compliment our travels!
My quest led me straight to London's opulent haberdasheries, those wonderful boutiques of the 19th century where every fabric known to man shimmered and sparkled. Now, I can tell you one thing - leotards in 1866 were a little different from our current interpretations. There weren't the tight, body-skimming designs we associate with ballet, the freedom of movement, or the delightful diversity we find in today's leotard world! But, oh my, were they ever a symphony of colours and textures. Imagine silk and velvet in exquisite shades, all expertly gathered and layered, for a look that could only be described as "swathed in sophistication".
I discovered that Victorian ladies were absolutely obsessed with what we now call “tights” - think sheer, delicate hose worn with everything from everyday wear to fancy gowns. A key element of that elegance was the corset, a veritable sculpting force shaping the figure into a delightful silhouette.
And here’s the best bit, darlings, my inspiration for this month’s look! 1866 witnessed a rising trend of sheer lingerie becoming fashionable and incorporated into evening wear.
So, today's look is a magnificent pink ballet tulle skirt paired with a delicate ivory satin corset adorned with glittering beads and a sheer bodice - a modern take on the 19th century’s take on "tights", wouldn't you agree?
But hold onto your hats, because 11th November, 1866, wasn't just a date on the calendar, it was a day that shook the world of music!
The London Philharmonic Orchestra was performing Giuseppe Verdi's opera, 'Don Carlos'! My love for ballet took me on a wondrous trip to London’s Royal Opera House (originally the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, what a grand name!), for the performance, and the grandeur was, well, grand! I just knew I had to join in with the excitement, and where better to start than with a bit of impromptu street ballet, naturally!
Can you imagine the delight on the faces of London’s elite as they saw this petite ballet-dancer (me, of course, with my glorious tutu) bounding out onto Covent Garden market and pirouetting with the precision of a hummingbird!
Everyone was transfixed! I danced for them, twirling like a ballerina bathed in the golden light of the Victorian era. As my pirouettes captivated the crowds, the echoes of "Don Carlos" resonated across the city. Truly a magical performance.
After a triumphant night under the Covent Garden moonlight, the next morning I headed to the Theatre Royal, hoping to soak up the excitement of a world-renowned operatic performance, a touch of 19th-century glamour with a sprinkle of artistic brilliance.
Imagine, darlings, the thrill of it all! My favourite opera, Don Carlos, with its heart-stopping arias, the beauty of Verdi’s melodies and the masterful drama that took everyone to another realm.
That evening, I went shopping for some fabric that mirrored the elegance of this grand occasion. It was truly a sight for sore eyes! Delicate chiffons, satins shimmering with embroidery and glorious silk ribbons, a sight fit for royalty.
Of course, I needed something for my pink-tutu.com blog! I'm a firm believer that style knows no boundaries, not even those of time. I love the colours, shapes, and fabrics from bygone eras! So, I found myself picking up a magnificent antique piece: a black lace shawl with intricately designed floral patterns, perfect for adding a dash of vintage elegance to a modern outfit, don’t you think?
I ended my stay in 1866, feeling so inspired! The Victorian era's fashion and dance styles provided a feast for the eyes, a symphony of style that left me spellbound. So here's to that! And here’s to every ballerina, and fashion-forward individual! Let's dance with a touch of history, a splash of pink and, oh, a lot of sparkly tutus!
Pink-tutu out, until next time, darlings!
