Hello, darling Leotard Lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of leotard fashion history, served with a sprinkle of pink magic and a generous dollop of tutus!
This month, we're taking a time-hopping trip back to 5th May, 1886! Buckle up, babes, because this month's fashion journey is all about the fascinating world of leotard history and discovering what fashionable ladies were wearing back then!
Remember my trusty time-traveling pink sparkling leotard? She's been gleaming like a supernova and sparkling like a galaxy of pink glitter ever since I discovered this magical gem, tucked away in my grandmother's vintage dressing chest! I love that this special leotard transports me, instantly whisking me away through time to any date I choose – so exciting!
After my last street ballet performance outside the Albert Hall, my sparkly pink time travelling leotard whirled me through time. With a shimmering, swirling flash of pink light, I found myself deposited – in a whirlwind of pink – in the grand city of Paris, 1886!
Now, as much as I love tutus (don’t we all?) – the year 1886 is all about the corset. Not for me though, darling – too restrictive and not at all flattering, wouldn’t you say?
Corset Couture
Fashion, back in this era, was all about cinching in the waist. I had to stifle a giggle at the ladies in their boned corsets, with their skirts swishing out behind them like an elegant mushroom cloud. These tightly-laced gowns gave the silhouette of the hour, making the lady's torso look almost –dare I say it? – sausage-shaped! Not the kind of look I'm going for. A nice little pink leotard under it all would certainly help. It would be lovely to travel back and persuade everyone to go for a leotard look! It would definitely add a lot more freedom to those flowing Victorian dresses.
But let's not get distracted by those fascinating corsets! In the early stages of the late 19th century, women were wearing full skirts and blouses with long, tight-fitting sleeves, usually in fabrics like silk or velvet, and often accessorised with delicate jewelry. Now, we have to admire them for braving these incredibly elaborate and restricting clothes! They do, however, represent a fascinating stage in fashion history!
And I can see how this would actually make the wearing of leotards beneath their clothing super attractive, not to mention incredibly comfortable. As much as I love seeing all these long layers of beautiful clothing and accessories - I couldn’t possibly be seen on stage in such attire! There is something much more comfortable and free-flowing about a simple leotard! This was before women's sports wear – but the corset, and the voluminous skirts worn in those days certainly highlight the benefits of leotards, I think you'll agree. I have always said – nothing beats a leotard and a pink tutu in any era, let alone in 1886.
A Ballet History Side-Trip:
To learn more about dance, I wandered over to the iconic Palais Garnier, the most gorgeous opera house you'll ever see. It was breathtaking! I could almost hear the sweet music filling the air. While ballet was in full swing across the globe during this time period, it was definitely going through a period of intense creativity and excitement – what could be more exhilarating? There are actually many ballerinas of this period who still resonate to this day, such as La Belle Otero and, of course, the exquisite Fanny Elssler - just the mention of her name sets my heart aflutter!
I couldn’t imagine being in her tiny, intricately laced up satin shoes – but at the same time - her performances, they truly take the breath away, no doubt! There’s something captivating and dramatic about ballet of that era, and if we’re honest with ourselves, ladies, it’s that exquisite dramatic impact which gives us inspiration for our leotard choices for street ballet, right?
Exploring the Shopping Scene in Paris
This period, of course, saw the birth of the Department store, something which makes every girl’s heart beat faster – a world of fabrics, styles and, naturally, a chance for the most gorgeous of pink tulle to be spotted! I do love a good spree in a shopping haven. Even today we can still buy leotards of such exquisite beauty in many different fabrics - the possibilities for ballet dance fashion are endless!
I did try to chat with a few of the fashionable ladies but my poor French skills sadly let me down. (I was hoping they might join me in a street ballet performance!) Alas, it appears they found my tutus somewhat … confusing! However, all those flowing ribbons and beautiful materials - I must say, a simple leotard beneath all that fashion would definitely make dressing more of a joy! Perhaps they would even adopt it - and maybe that's what makes me want to travel through time! It would be so much fun to help others find that perfect pink tutu - they are truly a force for joy!
The 1886 leotard scene was certainly not about tiny pink tutus - no, darling, it was a very different time and very different world. But we, the Leotard and Tutu fashionistas, we get our leotard inspiration from everywhere – don't we?!
So remember, whether we're waltzing back to the 1800s or strolling through the shopping malls of today – leotard fashion remains eternally magical! It brings a smile to every dancer's face, and adds a touch of pure joy to every heart.
Don't forget, my lovely Leotard lovers – a pink tutu can brighten any day, anytime!
Until next month, keep your eyes on those fashion trends – and never forget the power of a little pink!
Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
