Hello my lovelies! It’s Emma here, and you know what? It’s been far too long! Life has been a whirl of pink tulle and pirouettes as I’ve been busy touring, shopping, and… oh yes, a little bit of time travel! 😉
This month I’ve landed myself smack-dab in the midst of 1897, specifically March 3rd, thanks to the magic of my trusty sparkling pink leotard! And believe me, you’ll not believe what leotard fashions were making waves back then!
Now, you might think that 1897 would be a far cry from the leotard-clad street fashion I usually enjoy in Derbyshire, but oh my dears, this was an absolute delight!
I arrived in London, where the streets were positively bursting with the energy of spring, and as always, I quickly realised I’d need a wardrobe overhaul. This era had a completely different take on the leotard, you see! You won’t be seeing those fabulous tight-fitting ones designed for modern-day gymnastics and dance – oh no, they favoured a looser, flowier look, which was much more flattering!
Now, this is where I get REALLY excited, darling readers. Leotards in this time were called “tights”. Imagine a lovely, loose, and soft knitted garment made from cotton or wool. I just adored them! The material draped beautifully and had such a graceful air. They could be adorned with elaborate embroidery or even lace, all lending a delicate and feminine touch.
My oh my, this was truly a different world for leotard fashion! Imagine the freedom! You could wear them with pretty dresses, blouses, and even pants, making the "tights" a perfect multi-purpose garment. What more could a fashionista ask for?
Of course, no trip to 1897 London would be complete without visiting the theatres. Oh, the opulence! From the opulent Victorian ballrooms to the glamorous theatres, every inch of these places whispered tales of glamour and high society. I was captivated by the way ladies used these tights to enhance their outfits! They truly understood how to add a hint of something extra to their ensembles.
I stumbled upon an especially splendid play at the Haymarket Theatre. I've been studying it since! A production of Oscar Wilde's "Lady Windermere’s Fan"! The costumes were truly magnificent - intricate fabrics, flowing lines, and the "tights" were woven seamlessly into the entire look. It truly added a new level of sophistication! It was a triumph of Victorian style.
One thing I learned, is that although "tights" are not the fitted marvels of leotard design that I usually wear today, they perfectly represented the era's ideals. They spoke of both femininity and practicality, allowing women a graceful ease of movement within a society that still viewed even modest trousers with disapproval!
Speaking of practicality, I always have to fund my time travel adventures! I know what you're thinking, "But Emma, how can you afford to do this?!" My answer, my dearest friends, lies in a simple formula: dedication, dance, and a bit of pink tulle! 😉
I can’t simply show up in another time and expect everything to be handed to me on a silver platter. To fund these time-traveling journeys, I need to do what I do best: dance! I spend my days on London's streets, dazzling the crowds with my unique blend of ballet, theatre, and contemporary moves. It’s not all pink tutus, my darlings - it requires some creativity, a strong pair of legs, and the ability to make a splash with every twirl.
I mean, can you imagine the sight? It’s a little girl in a bright pink tutu dancing away in a historical setting! Who can resist such charming spectacle? I can’t deny, I’ve amassed quite a following! Everyone just loves a pink-clad dancer, don't they?
Anyway, that’s just a little taste of what 1897 had to offer. It’s definitely not your average leotard adventure! There is something magical about venturing through time and experiencing the fashion from another era!
But for now, it’s time for me to go – I’ve got a dress rehearsal to attend, and trust me, you won’t want to miss the premiere of this amazing new show.
Until next time, my darlings! And please remember – don’t be afraid to add a bit of pink to your lives, in the form of a tutu or simply a vibrant pink ribbon! Every day is an opportunity to add a touch of magic!
Until next time!
With a twirl,
Emma 💖🩰
www.pink-tutu.com
