#LeotardHistory during 1897 08 August

Hello lovelies! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where I bring you all the hottest leotard fashion news, from the dusty cobwebs of the past to the glitzy lights of the future! This month, I’m taking you on a magical journey back to 1897 – a year brimming with fashion trends, and of course, exciting leotard styles.

You know how much I adore pink, right? It’s the colour of dreams, and well, it's the colour for a proper ballerina! And trust me, even back in the late 1800s, pink was the most fashionable colour in ballet! It seems like my favourite colour has always been making a statement. Now, to properly show you what it's like, let me whip out my own time travelling, dazzling, pink leotard! (Just imagine, sequins that shimmer and shine, sparkles like tiny constellations, a colour as bright as a summer sunset!) Whirr! poof! Here we go, back to 1897…

Oh, wow, just stepping into the bustle of London on this 8th of August is exhilarating. Think of all the fashion inspiration to soak up! Imagine: gas lamps illuminating cobbled streets, charming hansom cabs, ladies in grand gowns with elaborate bonnets, and of course, dapper gentlemen with their walking sticks and top hats. And did I mention the bustling street performers? I am already tingling with excitement just thinking about it!

Right now, I am standing in front of the Royal Opera House. I must pop in for a peek at the latest performances. What are the dancers wearing? Are they embracing bold colour combinations? What leotard styles are the dancers favouring? The world of ballet has always been a whirlwind of elegance and change. Let’s take a trip inside!

Oh my word! They are showing "Giselle" – a timeless classic with a charmingly tragic story, I must say. I'm trying my best to soak in every detail about the dancers. They are performing in traditional white tutus – sigh I love the way they swish with each step. Their leotard designs are quite different from the modern styles we’re accustomed to today, though. They are a little less figure hugging, and more like fitted bodices made from layers of fine fabric. It almost makes you think that they are in their underskirt! They look as beautiful as daffodils blooming in the spring!

The tutus were a bit shorter than what we see today – they go just below the knee. The ballet dancers’ bodices are very ornate with lace details and pearl buttons, very Victorian and refined, wouldn’t you say? They even wear ballet slippers tied with lovely ribbons, almost like beautiful pink bows! I am scribbling notes furiously in my little pocket notebook. Every detail, every movement, I’ll remember them all.

1. Embrace the Power of Pink: It’s the colour.
2. Embrace layers and flowing lines: The bodices and skirts are both delicate and structured at the same time.
3. Less is More: Ballet fashion is still relatively minimalistic and simple. Think: delicate fabric, beautiful cuts, no embellishments, and lots of white.
4. Dance with Elegance and grace: The emphasis is on fluidity and elegant movements, and their tutus gracefully float around their legs, enhancing their elegance.

You know what else I am completely enamoured with? A new fabric that’s becoming popular – tulle. Oh, my dears! Tulle! This silky material feels light as air, perfect for dancing. It creates those fantastic swishy movements in a tutu. So dreamy, it’s like an actual fairy’s wings!

Now that I've seen a bit of what the elite ballet world is wearing, I have to go on a hunt for street fashion in this time period. Where can I see all the latest leotards? I’m a ballerina at heart and my instinct says I should explore all the shops. The London streets are bursting with beautiful fashions! And let me tell you, I'm soaking in the trends as a ballerina would inhale the fragrance of lilacs!

The women have flowing gowns that caress their bodies and reveal their elegant shapes, I simply adore the layers! They accessorize them with pretty ribbons and floral-patterned parasols, creating a touch of drama and a pop of colour! Many ladies have beautiful hairstyles. They are adorned with bows and ribbons! Now that’s the style!

My dears! The men’s fashion is divine, too. Top hats with feathers. A true touch of elegance and charisma! Many of the men I saw today wore dapper waistcoats with ornate embroidery. Some even sported colourful bowties in velvet and silk! Talk about sartorial statement! These men know how to make a memorable entrance!

Oh! Look over there. A pair of ladies with beautifully designed hats, in a fashionable shop. It's like the storefront from one of the finest Victorian-themed tea parties I've seen. They have several gorgeous gowns in colours that bring me to my happy place. Think lavender, robin’s egg blue, and that oh-so-dainty pale peach, all perfect for my kind of fashion blog! My own leotard is gleaming!

Time for me to bid a farewell to this era of romantic elegance and a fashion world with such unrivaled panache. But before I go, one more important point: let's talk leotards in the late Victorian Era. You might not think of this era for its leotards but there was definitely some leotard fashion!

Yes, many women wore fitted undergarments that resembled leotard styles. It’s a beautiful, streamlined style that perfectly highlights the curves of a woman's figure. Now, my darling readers, think back to those early versions of the leotard in the 19th century. The first “Leotards” were designed for men, but the women embraced them too, making the perfect ballet practice clothing! That makes the leotard so powerful, a fashion item worn by men and women for performing, training, and, well, just looking good. It’s no wonder the leotard has stood the test of time and evolved into a modern-day style staple.

Okay! Poof! That's my magical leotard letting me know that I am being whisked back to the future, and back to Derbyshire! Oh, my heart! Now I have some ideas to start sketching right away!

My dears, until next time, do embrace the pink with joy. It’s time for you to find your own style of leotard fashion, be brave with colour, experiment, and don't be afraid to have fun! It’s about creating your own look, your own fashion statement. Be confident in your leotards. Don't let anyone stop you from achieving your own kind of beauty and grace! I hope you find yourself dancing and twirling happily!

Until our next chat, my lovelies. Stay pink. Stay stylish. Stay magical.

And always remember… there's no wrong way to wear a leotard!

See you in a month!

Emma xo