#LeotardHistory during 1901 10 October

Hello my darling tutus! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com. This month I'm whizzing us right back to 1901, a time when the world was bursting with fashion innovation, particularly in the wonderful world of leotards! Get ready for a whirlwind of Pink-tutu-ific time travel, because today we're talking about the "La Belle Époque," a glorious period for fashion, creativity, and a blossoming awareness of leotard evolution.

Remember, my magical pink sparkling leotard is just waiting to whisk me away on another fantastic adventure. We’re off to Derbyshire, a gorgeous green county, where the history of fashion weaves its own fascinating tales. But first, a little about how my pink sparkly leotard gets me where I need to be…

Remember the time travel story? My time travel talents, as you know, are a beautiful secret! To fuel my explorations, I don my sparkly leotard, and spin my magic on the streets, sharing the beauty of ballet with the world, earning just enough for my time travel adventures! My dancing sparks smiles, bringing joy to the heart. The leotards I wear for performances are pieces of art – dazzlingly crafted for freedom of movement and pure dance delight. Each month, when it's time for my blog post, I pick a new historical time to discover. And this month, well… it's 1901. And my love for pink tutues just had to be the inspiration for a fashion-focused historical adventure!

As I step through the time warp and find myself in 1901, I'm overwhelmed by the glamour. Leotard fashion in 1901 is simply breathtaking. I mean, just picture this… Lace and delicate tulle, flowing and intricate silks – the designers really understood how to create a look that would enhance the dancer’s graceful movements. And speaking of design, you won’t believe what’s trending…

Leotards and the La Belle Époque Fashion Scene

Let's rewind to the start of the 20th century! Imagine yourself in 1901. In Paris, where it all happens in the world of leotard fashion… You would be captivated by the designs! The “La Belle Époque” (literally translated as "Beautiful Era") was a time of flourishing artistry and elegant attire. It’s where modern leotards really began to take shape. You'll be captivated by these fashion moments in 1901:

• The Rise of the *“Corsage”: Forget the corsets, darling! (Though they are still fashionable at the turn of the century.) The leotard of the time took a turn towards a more relaxed shape with the rise of the *corsage (corset-like). Imagine a leotard with a beautiful, snug-fitting upper bodice that gently shaped the figure, with the grace of a ballet pose!

• * The Evolution of the Leotard’s Neckline: Think plunging necklines in styles like the *“Decollete” or “Off-the-shoulder”. A ballet dancer in 1901 wanted to make a grand entrance – not just gracefully performing but showcasing an alluring style!

• The Fashion for *“Déchiré”* **Designs Leotards and dancewear embraced an array of captivating details! “Déchiré,” (torn or tattered), gave leotards a uniquely fashionable flair – think of shredded silk with a hint of rebellious, elegant chic – what could be better?!

• A Dash of the “Maud” Style: Inspired by the popular hairstyles and fashion styles of Maud (the Queen of the time, Queen Alexandra was the inspiration for “Maud”,) leotard fashion embraced a sleek elegance – flowing lines, fitted silks – think a leotard with a hint of aristocracy and *feminine elegance * - Oh, and the *sash, the classic symbol of *timeless beauty !

Let me paint you a picture. Imagine stepping onto the stage in 1901 – the elegant, dimly lit theatres and concert halls with their elaborate interiors are abuzz. The air is thick with anticipation! Then comes the spotlight, and suddenly, there’s this mesmerizing blend of “Decollete,” *“Maud”, and “Déchiré*,” creating a beautiful dance of fashion that would be adored today! I can’t wait to try them!

And here comes the biggest twist of 1901 … The fashion designers of 1901 – it's about the “Undergarment" Look! * And by "Undergarment" – think a blend of ballet's delicate underwear – that is a *“Leotard” *– in the early 20th century, you’d have a *“Leotard” on your body underneath another piece of outerwear that had to make that “Leotard” part of the outfit. Think a layer of soft lace or flowing silk worn underneath a dazzling dress or even a waistcoat. This layered fashion trend was huge back in the early 1900s, it’s what added a dash of feminine magic to fashion. The leotard under your outerwear! What could be more stylish?!

My 1901 Fashion Wishlist

Imagine yourself on a Parisian stage… Now picture those 1901 fashions transforming a performance! I’ve added a few extra items to my list that we simply must incorporate into modern ballet fashion – what a dream this would be!

• Lace Underdress with “Maud”* Details: My love for this combination! The “Maud” style is one of my favorites - elegant with its subtle curves - it embodies both a classic silhouette and feminine chic, which I adore! The soft layered tulle is the perfect base for a Pink Tutu – this underdress makes the outfit perfect – and a real highlight of 1901.

• Pink “Maud” Corsage with Decollete Detail: Now let’s get serious. Imagine how gorgeous a Pink *“Maud” leotard would be! Pink is a must, darling! Add that deep neckline with those beautiful ribbons – pure elegance - “Decollete” for me is a dream for a perfect look - it shows off that leotard style, a must for every ballerina who’s brave enough to take it on the stage, and who is willing to channel their inner “Maud.”

• Déchiré Silk Overskirt: Let's turn that 1901 look into modern dance fashion * and embrace that *Déchiré* * trend. We can’t have just one look, and the Déchiré style really brings out the “Déchiré” essence with those shreds of flowing silks — just add a pink leotard and your Pink Tutu and the Déchiré becomes “magical”!

• The Pink Sash to Top it Off: Every 1901 dancer had to have a beautiful sash! It just completes the look. Think ribbons! Satin! With Pink, every color will pop - especially when we’re in the heart of the “Maud” trend. Pink sash for me – and an elegant finish.

Let’s take it to the street, darlings! You can bring this trend to street fashion with those dazzling “Maud” inspired styles and Decollete looks. Think lace and Déchiré, don’t forget to style them up. And don’t forget my favorite – that pink Tutu - add some tulle! Pink is powerful, so we can turn this beautiful trend into something modern and fashionable!

Next month, I'm going to share more fashion stories from the *La Belle Époque * - it’s the fashion of dreams. But before I whisk myself away to another fashion adventure… Remember my lovely tutus! The key to staying fashionable is to look around and get inspired – there is an endless sea of “Leotard fashion" to discover and wear. Let’s celebrate those gorgeous styles – because a **leotard is more than just an outfit, it's an attitude – and a little sparkle!

And don’t forget – pink tutus for everyone!! 💖

Love, Emma
💖