Welcome back, lovely readers, to my monthly Pink Tutu Travels blog! This month, I'm taking you right back to the dawn of a new century, January 1st, 1902. As always, my trusty time-traveling, sparkling pink leotard has whisked me away to a new era and, as ever, I’m absolutely giddy with the fashion finds I've uncovered!
This time, I've landed right in the midst of Edwardian England, a time of exquisite beauty, delicate elegance and, as you can imagine, simply stunning leotards! I've already managed to see some amazing performances, both on the stage and out on the streets. Oh, you wouldn't believe the sheer exuberance and joy of seeing ballerinas in their sumptuous, flowing tutus swirling around a Covent Garden stage - a truly captivating experience!
But, darling, let's dive into what’s hot in the leotard world back in 1902, shall we? The Victorian era was certainly leaving its mark on the leotards of the day, although, you know, a little more… graceful. Long gone were the restrictive styles and heavy fabrics. This is where the real beauty shines! Think soft, flowing silks and velvets, adorned with delicate lace and ribbons. Think subtle embellishments, like little pearls or embroidered florals, and exquisite necklines, offering just a glimpse of delicate shoulders. The colour palette? Delicate pinks, blues, and whites, creating an air of ethereal elegance that would leave even the most seasoned leotard lover, well, speechless!
But, here’s the truly interesting part. This period in history is marking a massive shift, a change in how women view and wear leotards. You see, women are beginning to venture out more, pushing the boundaries of their social spheres, and naturally, their fashion choices are reflecting this evolution.
And how better to embody this newfound sense of independence than with a leotard that perfectly embraces both practicality and glamour? For this era saw the birth of the leotard, not as the structured, formal dancewear we see today, but a revolutionarily flexible and easy-to-wear garment, ideal for those burgeoning women's activities like cycling, horse-riding, and even the burgeoning craze for golf! It wasn't just for ballet and stage performances anymore! This practicality combined with elegance makes these leotards the ultimate example of both feminine power and fashionable chic!
You know, I can almost feel the pulse of change in the air - it’s almost as though a new era in women's fashion is about to break, and it’s all starting with leotards! What an exhilarating thought, darling!
Oh, I almost forgot to mention, this month's Pink Tutu Travels coincides with the start of London's glittering theatre season! It's a simply fantastic time to be here - I can't wait to share my leotard discoveries and performance experiences with you. And guess what? To keep those sparkling pink tutus twirling, I'm taking a break from my usual blog and heading off on a little adventure – imagine, dear readers, a little shopping spree for vintage leotards! (I'm already swooning thinking of the stunning silks and velvet I’ll find.) You can expect my next post to be overflowing with sartorial treasures!
Until then, I hope you’ll join me, virtually of course, in wearing those bright pink tutus and celebrating this beautiful, evolving world of leotards!
Love, Emma
P.S. This post is number 517 in my Pink Tutu Travels blog, a month-by-month journey through time and leotards! Make sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com to see my latest fashion finds and stories!
P.P.S. You know how much I love sharing my love for ballet, right? Every penny earned from my street performances goes directly into supporting young dancers in my Derbyshire community. If you’re in the neighbourhood, make sure to stop by for a show – the smiles on the children's faces are simply the most magical reward!
