Hello my darlings, it's Emma here, back from another time travelling adventure in my shimmering pink leotard. This time, I ventured back to a sizzling hot July in 1896 - a year buzzing with the spirit of the first modern Olympics and bursting with all things dazzling in the world of leotard fashion!
I'm pretty sure you'll agree that finding a pink tutu in 1896 was nigh on impossible! So my lovely leotard loving followers, trust me, a dazzling, pink, sparkly tutu and a time-travelling leotard aren't exactly what you’d expect to see in 19th century England... and yet there I was! I do so love my pink. Even way back in the Victorian era, when leotard style fashion was a little bit more, well... shall we say, practical, I was bound and determined to inject a touch of my own fabulousness.
From the Circus to the StageAs usual, I made my way to a rather fashionable area of London. Think opulent shops and streets thronging with well-dressed gentlemen and ladies, their hats perched atop their beautifully coiffed hair. There I was, swirling and twirling in a soft, ruffled, pink tutu amongst all that Victorian splendour, attracting awestruck looks from everyone! It wasn't too surprising, was it? I think a bright pink tutu in 1896 must have looked pretty extraordinary to most!
My journey took me from the circus rings - where leotard fashion played a vital role for performers - right through to the grandeur of London's theaters. Let's delve into the fascinating leotard fashion of that era.
Leotards for the StageBack then, the leotard was already making its mark in theater. The elegant lines of the leotard gave the performers a fluidity of movement and grace - essential for their demanding performances. The traditional leotard silhouette with its slim bodice and comfortable form-fitting legs was a favorite - especially in tights-like variations of silk or even linen.
Enter the Dance!In my own fabulous time travel adventures, it’s clear the leotard plays a pivotal role. And so it did in 1896 - particularly in the dance world. Leotards for dancers, both women and men, had a decidedly different feel. Think ballet practice! This means lighter and often flowing materials with a particular emphasis on the neckline - high for feminine designs and lower, almost revealing, for the more dramatic men's styles. The colors varied greatly, from pale shades of blues and whites to deeper, luxurious velvet black. But remember, I was after my bright pink!
Leotards in MotionThe world was changing - a dynamic era was just beginning. Just like the dynamism I bring to leotard fashion, I saw new designs and a flourishing creative energy surrounding the leotard - it was on its way to a revolution in women's clothing! In fact, 1896 is a very important year for this revolution. I wouldn't say that this year is the start of the "modern leotard" but it is the beginning of its incredible trajectory from circus and theater into mainstream fashion.
Let's have a look at just why:
*The rise of the athletic leotard: * The sporting world of 1896 was embracing the leotard! Remember those famous first Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, that very year? Well, women were competing for the first time and the leotard was the star of the show. A comfortable, functional and stylish leotard design, often made of soft stretchy fabrics - perfect for everything from cycling to gymnasts. This paved the way for the acceptance of the leotard in a more "day to day" setting and I’m telling you - a pink, ruffled tutu could soon have become quite the acceptable style at the country club!
*Leotard fashion at its peak: * I have to say that 1896 felt like an exciting, fast-paced era of incredible fashion possibilities. In that era, we can already see the leotard as more than just an item of clothing for sports and performance. It's being designed for a variety of reasons, from the practicality of sports to the expressiveness of the theater. In a very real sense, the modern leotard as we know it today, began its extraordinary evolution in that incredible year.
Time has flown, I simply adore 1896! This month's trip to the Victorian era has just been wonderful and, if I may say so, I look extraordinary in a pink tutu in 1896, even in an era of so much elegance, the bright pink tutu really stands out!
Don’t forget to follow my adventures through time! My monthly blog entries will bring the history of leotards and dance fashion right into your own living room! So why not join me and let's dance to a past where the leotard started to make its bold statement?
Remember, as always, I love hearing your feedback - whether it's a favourite time travel leotard design or maybe just a sweet note of appreciation - pop over to my website, www.pink-tutu.com. I really enjoy hearing your thoughts.
Until next month,
With love, Emma
[And, a special shoutout to all of you wonderful people, supporting me on the street and at all of the beautiful theatre performances I get to do! Your generosity fuels these extraordinary trips back in time - a big, heartfelt thank you!]
