Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-clad time traveller, reporting live from the year 1885! August is here, and with it comes a certain sweltering heat, so you'll have to excuse me for choosing a lighter, airier ensemble than usual – though never, EVER sacrificing my pink! My trusty time travelling leotard is still as sparkly as ever, of course, and the pink tutu is floating effortlessly, like a cloud of sweet dreams!
Now, for those of you new to Pink-Tutu.com (oh, where have you been? The last time I visited 1885, it was quite a different world, I can tell you), let me explain – I'm not just a blogger. I'm a fashion fanatic! A leotard lover! And I adore all things tutu-related, whether it's a shimmering stage ensemble or a casual pink twirl down the street. My time-travelling shenanigans are a constant source of inspiration – the perfect excuse to get out my sparkly leotard, twirl my way back to the past, and soak up all the gorgeous leotard history along the way!
My current travels have brought me to 1885 – specifically, 08 August, 1885 – and while the heat is certainly intense (can someone invent a mini air-con that runs on pink sparkly magic? I'll be your best friend, forever!), it’s been quite the exciting journey. You see, in 1885, it's all about the tights!
You can imagine how delightful this is for a true leotard fanatic like me. No one wants to wear hot, bulky clothes in the middle of a British summer. So it’s the perfect time for leg-baring outfits!
Even for more formal occasions, the women are embracing long-legged beauty. think of stunning silk or wool tights in rich colours like sapphire blue, emerald green, and even the occasional (slightly scandalous!) vibrant pink! Paired with a floor-length dress, or even a shorter, ankle-length gown, they really add an air of elegance to even the simplest of outfits! It's truly a celebration of the female form, all through a little bit of stretchy loveliness.
Speaking of "stretchy loveliness", it was this date in history, 08 August 1885, that saw the debut of a particular leotard-like ensemble that is dear to my heart – the "danseuse" garment. Now, I know, I know... you're probably thinking "But Emma, tights and a 'danseuse garment' in 1885? What are you talking about?". Don't worry! You’re probably envisioning the type of dancer who might wear this garment today. In 1885, the "danseuse" wasn't really the stage performer of today's world – it was about creating the illusion of movement and lightness through fashion, even for everyday outfits.
The “danseuse garment” was more of a simple, lightweight garment that looked somewhat like a fitted chemise. Imagine a loose leotard that sits right above the knee, with frills around the arms and shoulders – not the sleek modern look you may expect!
However, what really blew my mind, was the tights! In 1885, tights were worn by everyone. And let me tell you, darling, in an era of corsets and cumbersome petticoats, these tights were absolute freedom. They were a little tighter, a little less revealing than the long stockings popular in the previous era.
As the sun went down last night, I found myself right in the heart of London, mingling with fashionable folk at a lavish dinner party. They were quite mesmerised to meet a “ballerina” (I had to give them the ‘dancer’ act – time travel still gets quite a lot of stares, let’s just say). But that’s the joy of fashion history, isn’t it? This trip helped me see how important simple items like tights have always been for a touch of comfort, and just that hint of playful daring, in a way! I think it’s quite a brilliant fashion lesson in its own right.
Before I bid you adieu and journey onwards in time, let me share with you my biggest source of excitement. A recent ballet show I saw here – ‘The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo’ at the Covent Garden! Can you even imagine? I had to indulge in some leotard-shopping – this was the most dazzling spectacle of tulle, silk, and of course, those ever-present, exquisite leotards. It's a performance to be remembered, and the costumes truly stole the show.
It seems that the leotard's story, darling, is intertwined with our history of fashion, of liberation and artistry! Now, while it's hot outside, make sure you check out the latest "tights" for all those glamorous garden parties or social events. Who knows, you might inspire your own 'danseuse garment' era. As for me, I'm already packing my time-travelling bag, ready to hop through the years to see what kind of leotard marvels the next date holds!
Keep twirling and stay sparkly, darlings! Emma www.pink-tutu.com
P.S I will be performing a special, impromptu 'Pink-Tutu' performance on August 15th on Leicester Square! Come down, darling! It'll be a joyous whirlwind of colour, dance, and… naturally, my signature pink tutu!
