Hello my darling darlings! Welcome back to my monthly leotard travelogue, the only blog that's both fabulously fashionable and a whirlwind through history! Today marks post number 349 of my exciting adventures, and this time we're venturing all the way back to January 1st, 1888! Buckle up, my little ballerinas, as we dive into a time when leotard fashion was taking its first graceful steps towards the stage and beyond.
My heart beats a little faster when I can feel a bit of history swirling around me, and the pink sparkle of my time-traveling leotard just amped up the excitement this month. Stepping out of the Time Portal and into the crisp Victorian air, it's like stepping onto a stage set for a theatrical production!
The Victorian World of Leotard Fashion
Think full-skirted, flouncy gowns with a little less bust-emphasis than we're used to today. Oh, and I almost forgot – no showing a leg, even in winter! The Victorian ladies covered themselves in layers of fabrics, from boned corsets and heavy skirts to petticoats galore. It wasn't a look designed for the quick, effortless movements that we love for dance, and it certainly wouldn't have helped you show off your graceful arabesques.
However, the whispers of change were in the air, and it’s a change that led us to the iconic leotard we all know and love.
Leotards and The Rise of Gymnastics
As a ballerina at heart, I can't deny my fascination with the graceful movements and athletic prowess of gymnastics. Back in 1888, the first hints of organised gymnastics were beginning to appear, particularly in Germany. And it was here that the very beginnings of the leotard as we know it came into existence.
This was a simpler time for gymnasts – they were called ‘turners’, and their outfit wasn't quite a leotard as we know it. Think a close-fitting top with a low neck and long sleeves paired with loose pants, mostly crafted from simple, practical materials. The comfort and functionality of these outfits started a chain reaction, and it’s the reason we have the leotard as a versatile and stylish dance staple today.
The Inspiration
Let me tell you, being back in this period filled me with the same excitement I feel when I discover a vintage leotard in a charity shop. It's about appreciating those first steps – a moment when fashion was about to break free from tradition and embrace the freedom of movement, expression and style.
You can just feel it in the air – the excitement of the possibilities, the evolution of the leotard as a comfortable and functional piece of dance attire was imminent.
The Pink-Tutu.com Vision
Oh, you know what inspires me? Imagining a Victorian woman discovering a colourful, stretchy leotard, the freedom of its design. You can just imagine them taking a peek at my pink tutu as they passed by. Would they be curious? Or maybe a bit terrified? I wouldn't be surprised if the older generation threw their corsets and bustles at me! But there's just something so appealing about taking a step into the unknown, don't you think?
It's about bringing my world, my pink-tutu fuelled passion for dancing, fashion and the leotard, into their world.
Dancing Back to the Present
After a quick dance down a quiet, cobblestone Victorian street (and a little peek at the Queen's jewels! Can you imagine my surprise!), it's time to hop back into my sparkling pink time-travel leotard and journey back to the 21st century. But, my dears, don't forget to stay tuned. I have a new leotard arriving next week, a real beauty for my next adventure!
In the World of Leotard Fashion Right Now
Here's what's trending in the leotard fashion world! The vintage look is big this season – think 1980s pastels with bold leg cutouts! There are some seriously beautiful ballet shoes on the market with incredible detailing – ballet slippers with satin ribbon bows, lace-up styles, or some simply stunning pointe shoes.
My mission? Keep exploring, keep dancing and keep wearing your pink tutu, darlings!
Until next time, Emma xo
www.pink-tutu.com
