Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-wearing time traveller.
November is such a beautiful time of year. The crisp autumn air, the scent of bonfires, and of course... all those dazzling theatrical performances to catch! This month I've travelled back to the 11th November 1893. Just imagine – that was just a little over a century ago! What was the leotard fashion world like back then, I hear you asking? Buckle up, darlings, because this journey's a right royal twirl through time!
I arrived in my magical pink sparkling leotard in none other than Paris! This was the hub of artistic brilliance, so naturally, I was eager to see what the theatre was all about. That evening, I headed to the Opéra Garnier to witness a production of "Carmen". Now, you all know I adore a good operatic spectacle, and the leotards were just breathtaking! The ladies in the corps de ballet were all dressed in the most fabulous silk tutus, all varying shades of pale peach and soft cream, adorned with intricate, hand-stitched beading and feathers. They twirled and leaped with such grace and elegance!
Now, I'm a firm believer that pink is the most divine colour for a tutu, so naturally, I felt a bit of a pang in my pink-loving heart. But let's be honest – they looked like absolute goddesses, so a touch of white certainly wasn't a bad thing, right?
But it wasn't just the opera that was catching my eye. Stepping out of the theatre, I felt a buzz of excitement for all things Parisian. From street-corner vendors showcasing their latest creations to bustling department stores crammed full of lace and velvet, I was positively overwhelmed by the opulence.
Just picture it – I waltzed along the Avenue de l'Opéra, the cool November air tingling my skin, while gazing at these elaborate leotard displays! Oh, the joy! Now, don't be mistaken, this era was before leotards were actually worn by ballerinas. I can already hear the gasps from some of you! They wore full-length gowns back then, sometimes made of layered silks with decorative trimmings, almost like the beautiful stage costumes we see on opera singers today! And even the fashion-forward women on the streets had taken their cue, embracing those beautiful flowy fabrics.
Of course, as the world has been so quick to embrace modern fashion in recent years, it's easy to forget those fascinating historical garments.
Let me share a secret – back in Derbyshire, there’s a museum of fashion history. Every year, they put on a fantastic exhibit, showcasing historical garments like those worn back in 1893. Imagine the beauty and delicacy of the fabrics, and the painstaking hours of craftmanship that went into making each dress. These leotards are pieces of art!
Speaking of museums, I have a treat for you! As a gift from me to you, I’ve found a museum in Paris, right there in the Latin Quarter, called the Musée Carnavalet. I found the most fascinating information about the fashion world from back then! Apparently, women even had fashionable undergarments! Who would have thought?
Of course, I made sure to try some of the delicious Parisian pastries. This trip truly inspired me to embrace the art of making and consuming delicious food and leotards, as well as spreading awareness about how those little leotard details connect with bigger picture, historical elements in life!
Before I go, I’ll leave you with this – remember to always try your hardest to see beauty in everyday objects and appreciate their history and culture. You never know what secrets you’ll discover when you start taking notice of things around you, and perhaps one day, you'll be able to time travel too, just like me!
Now, darling, remember to get yourself out there and experience the wonder of leotard fashion history in your own town, city, or museum. Maybe you'll find some hidden gem right around the corner!
Don’t forget to visit Pink-Tutu.com next month for a new time travel adventure! Until next time, happy twirling!
Love,
Emma
xxx
