Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's your favourite time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back again with another thrilling peek into the fascinating world of leotard fashion. This month, my magical pink sparkle leotard and I have whisked ourselves back to August 8th, 1871. Imagine my excitement – I was headed for a right proper Victorian adventure!
The Bustle and the Bloom of Leotards in 1871
As I shimmered through the streets of London in my vibrant pink tutu (I always think a bit of colour adds a touch of sparkle to the greyest of days), I couldn’t help but be fascinated by the way women dressed. Fashion, in 1871, was all about layers, volume and a bit of drama. The bustle - think an overblown bum pad for the Victorians - was still the thing, giving ladies those magnificent hour-glass silhouettes, while full, crinkled skirts were the order of the day. I, however, found myself rather charmed by the women of the ballet. Their outfits were all about elegance, a world away from the over-the-top fuss of Victorian dress.
You see, the leotard, in its basic form, had been around since the 1850s. And here in London, 1871, I discovered just how versatile this simple, elegant garment was. While the ballet companies, of course, still adhered to the classic bodice and tutu combo for performance, you could find leotard styles in both streetwear and sportswear that were absolutely revolutionary.
One of my absolute favourites? The gym leotard! Forget tight-fitting lycra, darlings! Think flowing fabrics and dramatic draping. It's so inspiring! They truly embraced the freedom of movement that these elegant garments offered. Imagine being able to run, dance, or play a game without the constraints of your Victorian corseted gown – such a lovely idea!
A Day at the Theatre: The World of Ballet
Speaking of movement, nothing quite captivates me like a proper ballet performance. It wasn't too hard finding one in London. This month, I made my way to Covent Garden – the heart of London’s theatrical scene. There, I found a theatre in its early stages, still undergoing renovations, a truly magnificent piece of Victorian architecture, the very heart of theatrical elegance.
That evening, I had the absolute pleasure of witnessing a performance by the famed Italian Opera Company, showcasing an opera buffa, “La Serva Padrona, a real treat of wit and satire.” Even the grand waltzes in this performance highlighted how versatile a leotard could be. With a few frills, bows, and maybe even some jewels, the very same garment worn for sport could become an enchanting spectacle on stage.
While I can't tell you how they achieved the impressive movement in these early Victorian productions (something that is often lost on audiences these days), I was blown away by the performers' graceful artistry. And as always, I spent the evening studying their costume styles. Every tulle and every ruffle inspired a new idea for a future pink tutu design! It really was an evening of theatrical delight!
London Shops & Stylish Trends
As much as I enjoyed the ballet, let’s face it, shopping for leotards and ballet accessories was top of my agenda! I spent a good afternoon in the bustling heart of London’s Oxford Street. And while the variety of leotards and ballet gear wouldn't be nearly as extensive as what we see today, I was particularly captivated by the attention to detail in Victorian style.
While most leotard-like pieces for physical activities were made with simple, breathable materials, some shops offered beautiful garments in a selection of fine fabrics: velvet, satin, cambric. All available in a wonderful array of hues and embellishments: ribbons, embroidery, and yes, lace, of course! You could find a lovely assortment of colours, with pink, white and cream topping the list. And there was the occasional daring touch of vibrant colours, like crimson red or even royal blue peeking out among the more reserved colours, giving that bit of Victorian panache.
I found myself drawn to one shop, in particular, on a back street of London – ‘Madame La Boutique’. It seemed a tiny treasure trove of all things ballet, showcasing ballet shoes, tights, practice leotards (even for little girls), silk sashes, velvet and lace-trimmed bodices and a variety of accessories like headbands and elegant gloves. I ended up getting a beautiful, delicate pink silk headband embroidered with little pearl-like beads – perfect for adding a bit of subtle sparkle to my evening ballet outfit!
Emma's Monthly Must-Have
I’ve already mentioned the gym leotard! Imagine yourself dashing through the city streets or the elegant movements at a performance in such a luxurious garment – a true must-have!
My search continues. I know the world of leotard fashion will reveal many more delights – from the extravagant and grand to the simple and timeless. There is no greater thrill for a ballerina than the pursuit of style, history, and all that lies in between!
Keep on dancing and be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more of my fashion adventures and time travel stories! And please don't forget to tell your friends about my pink tutu journey! I hope to inspire everyone to find their inner ballerina and maybe even embrace a touch of pink!
