Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another magical journey through time, spinning tales of fashion and twirling tales of the past in my sparkly, pink time-travelling leotard. September the 9th, 1868 - can you believe it? It's a date that brings us face-to-face with some fascinating fashion moments. Today's blog is all about leotard fashion - and of course, a splash of pink for good measure!
Let's step into the elegant, yet slightly Victorian world of 1868. Imagine a London afternoon with horses clopping on the cobbles and the scent of freshly-baked bread in the air. I wouldn't have been dancing in my bright pink tutu at a street performance just yet – that kind of boldness wouldn't come around for decades. But even though my flashy, sparkly pink attire was way ahead of its time, it wouldn't be entirely out of place in this world.
For 1868 saw the early, dare-I-say, 'revolutionary' steps in the evolution of what we now recognise as the leotard. While they wouldn’t be called “leotards” just yet, a forerunner of this sleek and practical piece of athletic attire emerged! You see, back then, women’s clothing, especially for active wear, was a lot more restrictive and less… practical. But times were changing and the need for movement, especially for new, emerging physical activities, was sparking a fashion shift! Think, gymnasts and actresses - those adventurous pioneers of modern fashion who yearned for a bit more freedom. I'm pretty sure I'd find a new bestie in one of these pioneering ladies!
So what exactly did this pre-leotard look like? It was essentially a tight-fitting garment covering the torso and legs, offering an improvement over the long, billowing dresses that hindered women’s movements. I'd probably have to ditch the pink tutu for this outing! The pre-leotard, as it's being called now, might not have had the full-body sleekness we know today, but it definitely paved the way for what would eventually become the stylish leotard of today!
Remember those daring gymnasts and actresses I mentioned? Well, they definitely had a hand in creating a fashion sensation that eventually made it off stage and into daily life. It was one of the very first examples of activewear adapting to a changing social landscape.
Talking of stage and performing, my heart goes fluttering with anticipation for the theatrical delights of 1868! The world was a different place then, a stage set for theatrical grandeur, and oh, the costumes! The plays that year brought about new trends, with ladies adorning elaborate gowns in shades of jewel-toned greens, regal blues, and opulent, golden tones, all adorned with lace, silks, and maybe even a feather or two!
In the theatre world, a new kind of fashion was blossoming, and it wasn't all frills and flourishes! Think about it - in 1868, a trend of simplicity started to creep into fashion, a direct counter-cultural reaction to the extravagant and ornate designs of past decades. So imagine my delight when I found this elegant pre-leotard in shades of dusky rose worn by a dashing stage actress I met during my travels! It was a moment of shared joy for both of us – a peek into the world of freedom and practical beauty, all wrapped up in a soft shade of rose, not too far off from my beloved pink! It was a delightful sight, a vision of effortless beauty. It wouldn’t have been pink, of course – that trend would have to wait for my arrival in the 20th century!
Speaking of the 20th century and pink, you'd never believe what happened next! The amazing, magnificent evolution of leotard fashion through the 20th and 21st century would unfold right in front of my very eyes. I twirled and danced my way through the decades – from the streamlined designs of the 1930s to the playful patterns of the 1980s and then onto the incredible variety of leotards we have today!
So, I may have had to leave my dazzling, pink tutu at home, but the journey to the past, to see the roots of this incredible, sleek piece of athletic attire, was truly a thrill. As you can imagine, a lot of time travelling means a lot of fashion research. My favourite, however, is always the leotard! This wonderful little piece of fashion history holds a place of importance in my heart – because, just like me, it embraces that beautiful intersection of art, practicality, and, most importantly, the boldest and brightest colours!
Now, remember that bit about changing times and new, dare-I-say, rebellious styles? The pre-leotard that was gaining momentum in 1868 would eventually take its place alongside a trend that I’m totally behind! It was all about freedom of movement and expression – a bold move in a world that often embraced a rather conservative dress code!
Speaking of bold statements, the ballet world in 1868 was a magnificent sight, even though my beloved pink tutu was absent. You’ll find me taking in all those grand, traditional dance productions during my future visits – ballet costumes with long, swirling skirts and, of course, beautiful corseted bodices that highlight those graceful curves. These are all part of what I would later see in fashion history - and they’re absolutely amazing! But I am more excited for my travels that take me to later times – because that’s where I know the world really starts embracing the full pink, frilly glory of the tutu!
And on that delightful, dreamy note, it's time to sign off! Don’t forget to keep up with my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com because I’m always on the go! Remember, I’m always happy to hear from you!
Lots of love and sparkle,
Emma xx
P.S. What are your favourite leotards? Share your thoughts and dance memories with me in the comments!
