Hello, my darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling leotard aficionado. This month, I’m taking you on a whirlwind trip to Paris, France, all the way back to September 9th, 1897! Buckle up, because it's going to be a dazzling journey through the world of ballet and fashion!
As you know, my love for tutus is bordering on the obsessive, but don't think that it's just about fluffy layers of tulle! I'm obsessed with the history of the tutu, and this passion drives my time travelling. Let me tell you, a trip back to 1897 has given me so much to ponder. It's a time of change and exciting new possibilities!
Imagine this: I’m waltzing through the bustling streets of Paris in my trusty sparkly pink time travelling leotard (because, what's a time-travelling ballerina to do without a dash of sparkle, right?) Honestly, it's all quite magical! I love watching how fashion in Paris, even in this period, is already beginning to explore new styles and daring designs! It’s a vibrant contrast to the Victorian styles we have in Derbyshire, although to be fair, I’m not sure anyone back home would want to admit to liking a splash of Parisian colour. Just imagine a big bright pink tutu in a church hall in Chesterfield. Now that's a performance that would be talked about for years to come!
Paris, France: A Flourish of Feathers and FlairI made my way to the Grand Opera House, just to be swept away by the artistry of La Belle Époque. There was a beautiful ballet performance that left me truly in awe. The dancers were breathtaking! Their elegance and grace were utterly enchanting. Their movements were so beautifully expressive and delicate. What struck me most was their elegant tutus. Oh, my! These tutus were so intricate with lots of layers, so many tiers and flounces of sheer fabrics. They were quite a change from the long, full tutu of the 19th century! Some of them even featured feathers and drapery, oh how utterly chic and glamorous. This shift from the older, romantic style, which I love dearly, to this new "classical tutu" is truly fascinating, and I can’t wait to delve into the history further.
My research has shown me that in 1897, Luigi Manzotti a costumer and ballet teacher from Italy is at the forefront of this design evolution! He's pushing boundaries and inspiring a new generation of ballerinas with his innovative tutu creations. Think layered tulle, delicate and flowing silhouettes, a hint of sparkle, all set to a stage of breathtaking beauty! Manzotti even uses silk chiffon, silk gauze and taffeta, it's simply sumptuous! He really understood how to accentuate the beauty of the human form through movement. Just try imagining a beautiful ballerina, her tutu catching the light of the stage, and the beauty of her elegant movements… It truly is exquisite!
Beyond the Ballet: Fashion on the Streets of ParisBut it wasn't just ballet that was capturing my heart in Paris. The city is alive with fashion! It’s buzzing with colour and creativity on every corner, from lace-trimmed dresses and high-necked blouses to the beautiful bonnets and hats, the vibrant silks and brocades, the elegant tailoring, even the men were dashing!
This is an era when the fashion houses are flourishing and the designers are pushing boundaries, introducing innovative patterns and intricate detailing, and exploring new materials like velvet, taffeta and lace. If I can ever find a time-travelling fabric shop (a little fantasy never hurts, right?) I'd be in seventh heaven! I am thinking, how beautiful would a sparkly velvet pink tutu look on stage? A tutu in purple satin, perhaps with some intricate lace trimmings. The possibilities are endless!
Pink Tutus & The Future of FashionMy travels are really about finding those little inspirations for my tutu dreams. I believe pink is a beautiful and uplifting colour that makes every leotard and every performance look exquisite. If I can get just one more person in the world to put on a pink tutu and feel happy and fabulous in it, then my time travel mission will have been successful! I've already persuaded a few young ladies at home in Derbyshire, my favourite niece, even my granny - although hers is a lilac colour (just slightly too close to purple for my liking!), and a nice lady at the local market who says pink makes her think of strawberries and cream, so it’s certainly spreading! The pink tutu, with a bit of flair and a generous dash of time-travelling optimism, can be truly liberating.
Until next month, darlings! Stay stylish!
XOXO,
Emma
*(Website Link): www.pink-tutu.com *
