Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things leotard-fabulous! This month, we're taking a trip back to a time when corsets were queen, bustles were king, and ladies' legs were strictly off-limits! That's right, we're going all the way back to March 1890!
Ready to Travel in Time with me?
You know the drill, my dearest readers! I slip into my shimmering pink time-travelling leotard, grab my sparkly bag (full of vintage costume treasures!), and voila! We're whisked away to the Victorian Era! The air is filled with the smell of coal smoke and gaslight, and the sound of horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping through the cobbled streets.
I find myself standing in London, at the grand Covent Garden Opera House. It's buzzing with excitement as Londoners flock to see a spectacular performance of Wagner's 'Lohengrin' - a true operatic behemoth!
But what's with the costumes?
Let me tell you, darling, the leotards were not the highlight of the evening! Think voluminous, layered dresses with massive puffed sleeves and mile-long trains! You know I love a dramatic gown, but even I wouldn't wear something so restricting for an evening out! As for the ballerinas… well, let's just say the tutu wasn't exactly their "thing." We're talking more structured, voluminous skirts, and very little leotard showing. Talk about hiding those amazing legs!
Why oh why no tutus in 1890?
Remember, my dear readers, we're just emerging from the strictness of the Victorian Era! Back then, a woman's ankles and even knees were considered indecent! Sadly, it's simply not the era for my signature pink tutu! Imagine the gasps of horror from the well-heeled audience! It would be an absolute scandal!
What is happening with leotards back then?
Now, the leotard itself - although not worn publicly - was gaining popularity amongst the dancers. Imagine - the precursor to the "en pointe" ballet, known as the "Russian style," was beginning to revolutionize dance. Ballet became a form of expressive athleticism! Now that’s what I call progress! While dancers weren't seen publicly in our beloved leotards just yet, they were certainly experiencing their power, albeit backstage!
More than Just Leotards in 1890!
This period also brought the rise of a new craze! It’s all about “fashion illustrations!” Now, imagine an illustration of a beautiful woman dressed in the height of Victorian fashion, with an absolutely divine pink tutu flowing from her skirt! I think I'm inspired, ladies! Perhaps our time-traveling friend could bring some much-needed tutu glamour to this era!
Stay tuned!
Now that I'm in 1890, my fashion research must start! What did the well-dressed Victorian women of the day wear? I can already imagine how beautiful and dramatic a pink tutu would look against a backdrop of those iconic Victorian fashion pieces. Just think of it: the voluminous dresses, the delicate lace, and a burst of vibrant pink! It would be utterly glorious!
Join me next month on Pink-Tutu.com for another magical time-travelling adventure, dear readers!
Until then, remember to always wear a smile as wide as a pink tutu! And don’t forget to keep that fashion sparkle going, darlings!
Emma xx
