Hello my gorgeous fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, back with another dazzling adventure through time. This month, we’re waltzing our way to 10th October 1869, my sparkly pink leotard shimmering with anticipation for another fashion adventure. Oh, the places we go! The pink tutus and leotards I've encountered - it's a fashion wonderland out there!
1869 - A Leotard Timewarp:
Imagine my excitement when I landed in the year 1869! The streets were bustling, carriages clopping along cobblestone roads, ladies in bonnets, and dapper gentlemen in suits. And as my eyes adjusted, I spied a shop with a curious sign: “Leotards & Tights.”
How glorious to be in a time when the humble leotard, now an iconic garment for dancers and gymnasts alike, was just beginning to make its debut. In the 1860s, leotards were still relatively new, thanks to their inventor, the daring French acrobat Jules Leotard.
While the Leotard's roots lay in a very masculine, acrobatic, and somewhat risky environment, I had my sights set on its feminine transformation! As I delved into this sartorial time capsule, I couldn't help but feel a strong connection to its very beginning.
Pink, It's My Thing, Even in 1869!
Now, imagine my delight - despite pink not being a trendy colour just yet, a few brave ladies were venturing into the pink territory! One particularly daring seamstress, Mrs. Beaumont, told me all about her fascination with this shade - she felt it symbolised femininity, joy, and a sense of freedom. This beautiful lady, with her big pink ribbon bow in her hair, was already on my list of inspirational Pink Tutu pioneers!
The streets of London buzzed with activity. It was such a wonderful blend of Victorian elegance and the first hints of the “modern” look that was on its way. The theatre was, of course, at the heart of it all!
I spotted the Royal Opera House and decided to indulge in a night of spectaculars. The ballets were dazzling – intricate costumes, dramatic performances, and music that made my soul soar! Sadly, there was not a single pink tutu on stage, but there were delicate tulle and lace skirts adorned with pearls, a little hint of future pink tutu vibes!
But there was even better – during a rather fabulous rendition of "Giselle" I witnessed the incredible talent of Carlotta Grisi, an Italian ballerina and my own personal hero. She embodied everything that a ballerina should be: graceful, elegant, and captivating, with her movements infused with a divine lightness. Oh, to be able to share a dance with her – it would be a ballet legend!
Discovering Hidden Pink Tutuless Treasures:
You know how I am - can’t resist a bit of fashion browsing! I snuck into a local tailor shop. It was bursting with bold velvet fabrics, lavish embroideries, and an intoxicating perfume of cedar wood and lavender. The gentleman who ran the shop, Mr. Higgins, explained that most of the women’s attire included corsets, bonnets, and voluminous gowns with many petticoats, and there were still a few years to go before ladies began wearing "Rational Dress."
And as he discussed the current trends with gleeful passion, I couldn't help but think: Where were all the pink tutus? But as he pointed out, the leotard was starting to be seen as more than just an acrobat's uniform. He told me he was already making "modified" leotards for certain actresses who needed more freedom of movement on stage. Could this be a small spark of the tutu revolution that was about to take the world by storm?
That evening, under a velvet cloak of a London twilight, I joined a crowd of theatre goers at the Haymarket Theatre. As we stood outside, waiting for the doors to open, I listened to chatter about a play called "The School for Scandal". And you know, the leotard may have been starting its journey as a stage garment, but the true star of the evening – the pink tutu - wasn't on the scene just yet!
It was quite the exciting evening, however. I was fortunate enough to attend an event celebrating a popular performer, Mr. Henry Irving, and a talented woman called Ada Cavendish who were both creating a sensation. Their outfits featured velvet jackets and daring, knee-length skirts which would've felt quite radical for a Derbyshire girl! I could see the fashion landscape beginning to shift. Perhaps I was witnessing the subtle beginnings of a new era of expression where fashion and performance would become even more intertwined.
Fashion Inspiration, Timeless & Trendy
That was 10th October, 1869! The year when the leotard began to shake off its utilitarian persona and take a leap towards something elegant, something beautiful. As I sat here in my time-traveling pink leotard, reminiscing about the 19th century, I thought about how we're all connected to a fascinating timeline of fashion evolution. From the simple beginnings of the leotard to the breathtaking spectacle of the ballet and theater, each era holds its own treasure trove of creative genius. And I can’t wait to see what next month’s leotard journey brings!
So, keep your tutus ready and don’t forget to share your leotard love and photos on Instagram, #PinkTutu. I'll be on the hunt for even more inspiring stories from the history of leotards.
See you in November for another exhilarating pink tutu journey!
Love, Emma xx
