Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, reporting live from, well, I canāt really say! š
As you all know, this month marks a rather momentous date in my time-travelling career. October 10th, 1887. Can you imagine a world without the beautiful leotard? I shiver just thinking about it! I'm currently stranded in a world where dancewear isn't quite as glamorous. Just imagine: no lycra, no fancy embellishments, no shimmery fabrics...just plain old tights! How shocking, I know!
But, even in these, shall we say, less glamorous times, fashion, like leotards, still knew how to take centre stage! The ladies are absolutely dazzling!
You see, dear readers, this little trip has been all about exploring the world of the āAesthetic Movementā, a rather elegant period in art and fashion that took hold in the late 19th century. Just the kind of trend I can get behind! The key elements? Delicate lines, exquisite textures and soft, romantic colours. Oh, how it would make my time-traveling heart skip a beat, had there been pink tutus in this era!
It seems this movement favoured silk, velvet, and lace. I do love a bit of lace, even though I donāt always wear it myself ā all that ruffling just takes too long to iron, even when using magic! (Yes, the sparkling pink leotard comes with a lot of cool side-effectsā¦ š)
What struck me most was the obsession with Japanese culture at the time. Women, it seems, were obsessed with the kimono ā long, flowing, beautifully adorned gowns of silken wonder. So luxurious! Think the early designs for the āTutu-Kimonoā, I imagine ā that's a thought to tickle my fancy.
Imagine walking through Londonās streets, seeing elegant ladies gracefully glide past in soft, pale colours, with their delicately woven hairstyles. My, what a beautiful scene. And then you look upā¦ and see them. Those bonnets, the huge ones! My love for headwear knows no bounds, but that's a different story. You know, those tall structures, almost likeā¦ little hats? They do bring me back to my beloved hats and headbands. Sometimes, my favourite pink tulle turban has saved my life when traveling through the mists of time. My travel companions tend to get veryā¦ surprisedā¦ when a giant pink turban materialises from a small black hole and wraps around my head. I do so love a good pink moment!
I actually happened upon the most beautiful ball in one of Londonās grandest mansions ā not a proper palace but something akin to Buckingham House or Lancaster Houseā¦ imagine my delight! The women's attire, it must have been an exquisite symphony of light and color. I even had a delightful conversation with a beautiful young woman wearing a lovely sapphire dress! Now, I must confess, a beautiful leotard might not always look amazing with that sort of attire. Thankfully, in 1887, there was no dress code, and my own magic ensured I was looking particularly elegant! I believe they called it āBelle Epoqueā. Sounds just as charming as a ballerina's name!
Speaking of dance, itās almost impossible to leave the topic of this particular period without acknowledging the influence of French opera on English theatre. You see, darling, these elegant Parisian ladies and gentlemen just had a penchant forā¦ ahemā¦ leotards. Of course, they didn't quite resemble our modern marvels! They were, how do you say, ratherā¦ suggestive, I guess? Imagine if a modern leotard came with all that elaborate frippery that could distract an audience! All I can think is: "thank goodness we have simple, practical styles nowadays!ā I know, you're all picturing that little number I just wore to the last performance ā shudders! Well, at least it wasn't for this trip, right? My darling time-traveling pink leotard is simply too delicate to be used as a corset. š
Even with these charming fashion statements, the Victorian age ā yes, this is Victorian times! ā wasnāt all about grand balls and artistic expression. The day I arrived, I could feel an undeniable energy of change brewing in the air. I even stumbled upon a group of women at a suffrage rally, boldly campaigning for their right to vote ā oh, what an incredibly inspiring moment! It reminded me why it's so important to stay connected to the power of my leotards. Itās a constant reminder that even the smallest act, the smallest dance step, can change the world. I just need to find that big enough leotard to contain all those magnificent emotions!
That was my little journey into 1887, a fascinating glimpse into the elegant era where even dance wear needed a good āaesthetic' make over. I'm back in the comfort of my own time now. Though I might have missed some stylish fashion options this time around, this journey reminded me of how powerful the power of a leotard is.
I just wish my 1887 audience hadn't been so taken with my pink tutu, it really disrupted their evening! You see, darling, sometimes even magic has its limits ā not even my pink tutu can fully bridge the gap between then and now. And, the most hilarious thing: after a performance in an elegant squareā¦ oh, where do I even begin?! ā¦ A group of boys dressed in long velvet jackets suddenly tried to recreate my exact pink tutu style. One of them actually brought out a pair of my magical time traveling pink tulle ribbons! That night was pure magicā¦ I even left my new friends some tips for the future of the Tutu. You just never know when a pink tulle-tastic revolution might strike!
See you all next month with another exciting time-traveling adventure! Until then, don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com ā it's a beautiful, vibrant space dedicated to the art of ballet, fashion, and, of course, all things leotard! Let me know in the comments your favourite pink tutu looks ā whether it be my pink ballet ensembles or the ones I've seen in our time travels.
Until next time, darling, remember: youāre not fully dressed until youāve got a pink tutu on!
Your ever-so-stylish time-travelling ballerina, Emma xoxox
