Post number 537: www.pink-tutu.com
Hello lovelies! It’s your favourite pink-tutu wearing time traveller, Emma, and this month we’re travelling all the way back to September 9th 1903. Fancy a trip to the early 20th century with me? Don't worry, darling, I've got my magical pink sparkly leotard and my trusty tutu – you never know what fashion finds await!
Where's the glamour?
Oh my, 1903 - the world of fashion was changing! Ladies were moving away from those huge, bulky, complicated gowns. You know the ones – the ones that look like a walking marshmallow in disguise!
And who can blame them? In 1903, it was all about simplicity, movement, and a touch of playful freedom! That's where our good friend, the leotard, came into play, but don't think this was a full-on stretchy bodycon situation just yet!
Think of leotards in 1903 more as a light and elegant foundation garment. They were made from silk or satin, hugging the body gently and acting as a base for other layers. They were essentially the shapewear of the era! And the fashion set loved it!
Imagine, dear readers, a shimmering pink silk leotard beneath a flowing lace skirt – it just screams 'I’m elegant, but I can also dance the night away!' And that, darlings, is what 1903 was all about!
Let's go shopping!
For our fashion exploration, we popped by some of the grand department stores in London and Paris, places buzzing with new styles and fashion forward people. Liberty, Harrods in London, and Galeries Lafayette in Paris – they were brimming with leotard delights. I spied stunning silk and satin creations, embellished with lace, ribbon and the odd tiny, elegant bead.
While browsing, a particularly kind saleslady told me all about the influence of the Ballet Russes on this newfound love for sleek silhouettes. Ooh, those ballet dancers - just divine in their tight, elegant garments!
I spotted several shops dedicated to ballet garments and found a simply glorious leotard for my very own collection - a gorgeous crimson silk with a beautiful velvet sash and elegant silk sleeves. I just had to have it, even if I did end up with the 'spend-too-much' feeling in the pit of my stomach (the joy of vintage fashion!)
A taste of Parisian theatre
Of course, no time travel adventure is complete without seeing a show, darling! We were fortunate enough to grab tickets to a show at the famous Palais Garnier in Paris. The Opera house was positively buzzing with anticipation, and I just knew that I was going to see a showstopper performance – and I was right!
As I sipped my hot chocolate and gazed at the dazzling costumes (think feathers, sequins, and decadent layers!), I saw the elegant shapes of those iconic leotard-like creations. You know the ones I mean? The ones that helped birth our modern leotard? And I could see it – that influence on the stage. From simple shapewear to a whole new aesthetic of streamlined beauty - that’s the history of the leotard right there!
And my heart absolutely soared when the beautiful dancers moved with grace and fluidity – a complete embodiment of that beautiful streamlined leotard silhouette! Oh my, that leotard shape really can change the world.
From dance halls to high society
1903, ladies and gents, was a truly revolutionary era for leotards! What was once an underpinning garment was slowly evolving into a fashionable and beloved silhouette, appearing in all the best shows – both on the stage and on the streets.
Remember my lovelies, in the early 20th century, the leotard became a symbol of modernity, elegance, and freedom! It moved away from restrictive corsets and allowed for a graceful range of movement. It was an enchanting combination of the ethereal and the daring and it absolutely delighted all those who laid eyes upon its elegant form!
Think outside the tutu box
1903 was a great time for the leotard, and while it wasn't the vibrant, bold leotard world we know and love today, its impact is absolutely undeniable. This year reminds us, lovelies, that leotards aren't just about dancing - they're about evolving style, effortless elegance, and embracing your own inner diva! I hope you’ve enjoyed our journey through time and hopefully this trip has inspired you to embrace the leotard in all its glorious, transformative form, no matter the era!
Till next month, my lovelies. Keep twirling and don't be afraid to experiment with style - just like I always do! Remember, the world needs more pink tutus and some stylish, sparkly leotard magic!
Love, Emma xoxo
