Hello darling readers! Emma here, back from another time-bending trip, and I'm bursting with excitement to share my latest Leotard History escapade with you. As you know, I absolutely adore time-travelling in my sparkly pink leotard, and this time I took myself back to the oh-so-fashionable year of 1898. Let me tell you, darling, it was a trip I'll never forget!
Now, imagine this: I'm dancing my way through a bustling Parisian street, twirling in my fluffy pink tutu, catching the eye of every passerby, my pink sparkling leotard shimmering in the December sunshine. Yes, itâs truly an enchanting experience! I found myself surrounded by women dressed in beautiful flowing skirts and elaborate bonnets, which were definitely a stark contrast to my own whimsical attire! My arrival created a bit of a stir, darling. You'd think a circus had just rolled into town!
So, Iâm here to talk about Leotards â those darling, skin-hugging pieces of fabric that, even then, were quite the fashion statement. Now, 1898 wasnât exactly the âleotardâ era like it is today. It was more the âcorset-and-flowing-skirts-that-swish-as-you-walkâ kind of decade. Think frills, bustles, and lace.
But even back then, leotards had a distinct presence in the world of dance, my dear! They were being worn by ballerinas like the lovely Mademoiselle Pavlova, who, if you remember from last monthâs blog, danced for Diaghilevâs Russian Ballet, which is known as the 'The Ballet Russes.'
Think for a moment, my lovelies, how amazing it must have been to see a beautiful woman dressed in a soft, almost-invisible garment like a leotard gliding effortlessly across the stage! Imagine that on stage at the 'Folies Bergère' with those glamorous costumes and beautiful women. That must have been a glorious time for Leotards in the entertainment industry!
Talking of ballerinas, a particular moment caught my eye: I stumbled upon a rehearsal for "The Swan Lake" at the "OpĂŠra Garnier" - oh my! That's where my obsession for leotards truly began. Imagine the graceful ballerinas, so elegant and poised, their bodies adorned in soft, flowing tutus, a masterpiece of the dance world. Itâs something that continues to inspire me even today, with a leotard on, ready for the street performance that allows me to continue time travelling to my favourite decades of fashion!
I can still feel the excitement and buzz around ballet in 1898, and for a girl like me, who simply adores all things leotard and dance, this trip was like a dream come true.
The beautiful designs of the ballet outfits that I saw on stage, oh they were something else! A masterpiece of frills and fabric. This really helped inspire the look and feel of the âleotard of todayâ, which in itself is just the best style for my own ballet street performances. My street performances were just starting in those days! It all helps to pay for my time travels and outfits â all made by my mum!
But it's not just the dance, darling. I can't resist taking a peek at the world of everyday fashion â even if I do stand out like a sore thumb in my pink tutu!
My favorite stop? The department store, naturally! Oh, my dears, the hats! The bonnets! And the absolutely enormous dresses that were the fashion rage then. They'd take a whole day just to get into, wouldnât they, darling? So many layers and so many laces - you really could see the true craftsmanship.
Oh, but I must say - they lacked that certain joie de vivre. Don't get me wrong, they looked stunning in a more classical way - but just imagine all the freedom we get with our leggings and jumpsuits these days. Who wouldn't choose the freedom of a simple, yet chic, leotard on a chilly December day!
And let's talk about the shops! Back in 1898, many of the Parisian stores were bursting with intricate lace-trimmed lingerie. All sorts of corsetry for those amazing flowing gowns. My heart still flutters a little remembering it all, darling. The stores felt like a secret little world of exquisite fabric and delicate artistry!
But then I started noticing this other element of the Parisian style. Oh my, what I would call today, âAthleisure' â if you've been paying attention to this month's fashion mags darling, you'll know it's a big one right now! A mix of practicality and fashionable detail in clothing.
Back then, the men would be walking around town in the most stylish of practical trousers and well-cut coats - which today I call âsmart casual' darling. It's the ultimate fashion that never ages â think practical with a bit of an edgy twist.
I do believe they were a step ahead of their time!
Of course, being me, I couldn't resist spending a bit of money - after all, my own âleotard wardrobeâ takes care of itself (thanks mum for your help with all of that). My trip to a delightful little fabric shop yielded the most beautiful emerald green velvet. You won't believe it, but it reminded me of the color of my favourite leotard I found on that trip to 1950âs America. Don't worry my lovelies, that was for last month's post - so much more to see!
This trip, however, gave me a lovely idea: I think I'll try sewing my own leotard out of velvet for my next performance. I must try the design with velvet â it's a statement darling. Just you wait. This time next month you'll see this gorgeous new creation!
But alas, like all time travel trips, I had to say "au revoir" to 1898 and its charming old-world charm. Even as I journey back to my own time, with a whirlwind of 19th-century inspiration in tow, I canât help but feel an excitement brewing about my future trip in December next month.
But oh, how I just cannot wait to take a peek into what Leotard fashion has in store for us all this December, darling! This month my time travel will take me to 1914, where Iâm sure things are about to get even more thrilling! Be sure to join me again next month, my dears. Until then, happy twirling!
Love and lots of glitter, Emma
