Hello darling! Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, and welcome to my little corner of the internet!
I hope you are all well, and your closets are full of pink fluffy tulle, fabulous leotards, and dazzling dancewear. As a reminder, you can check out all my travel exploits and leotard fashion tips over at www.pink-tutu.com!
This month, we're twirling back in time, not to a big glitzy show, but to a time when ballet fashion was less about the flashy costumes and more about the unseen, oh so stylish, undergarment. That's right, my darlings, 11th November, 1904, a day to celebrate the leotard!
My Latest Time-Travelling Outfit
Okay, confession time. You see, I travelled back to this time in a new time-travelling leotard, oh it was divine! Imagine a sparkling, iridescent pink leotard that shifts from deep fuchsia to baby pink depending on the light. It had shimmering sequins sewn in intricate floral patterns, and it flowed beautifully as I waltzed through the bustling streets. It’s definitely my new favourite! (You know, you just have to check out www.pink-tutu.com - I might have added some photos). It seems 1904 thought they were going very futuristic by using shiny, almost reflective silk material and my leotard was perfect for the era. I am obsessed with shiny sequins - who isn't!
A Bit of History
But this blog post isn’t just about me, it’s about the history of leotards! And guess what? 1904, believe it or not, was a BIG year for the leotard.
You see, a young dancer named Anna Pavlova was rocking it in ballet and her leotard was getting attention all across Europe. The woman knew how to work an outfit and those figure-hugging styles were causing a stir! Anna wore her leotards en pointe literally and figuratively!
This leotard thing really became a massive hit. All of a sudden, leotards were considered more than just undergarments. No, they were actual dance attire! They could be seen at private dance lessons and even in theaters. I mean, everyone wanted to be a little bit like the glamorous Pavlova!
Fashion and The Streets
I headed out on the streets of Paris this November, (of course I’ve been to Paris… in every time era) to check out the leotards. The streets were awash with fashionistas. People would actually stop and stare as they watched a dancer glide by wearing an amazing leotard.
These were the most stunning designs, I kid you not! We're talking luxurious fabrics: silk, satin, lace, with delicate embellishments and subtle ruffles, but all beautifully fitting. You know how much I adore a well-fitting garment, right?!
Think vibrant reds, sophisticated blues, emerald greens… there were leotards for every type of ballet performance. And get this… even everyday outfits began to include leotards - oh, la la, talk about versatility! They even featured beautiful, elaborate, floral patterns that made it feel like wearing a work of art.
The styles? Well, there were more choices than ever before. Leotards started with high necks, some even with small standing collars - a nice bit of class, my darling. And we can’t forget about those leg lines. Most of these leotards stopped just below the knee, leaving a generous stretch of the calf for all the world to see. (A little bit of a change from the long-line leotards we often wear these days). There was something truly spectacular about them - the beauty, the versatility, the undeniable elegance.
Of course, some even added little decorative elements like ribbons, bows and a bit of netting, that just made the whole look super elegant. The colors of choice? My beloved pink was absolutely everywhere. It was such a wonderful time for a leotard lover like myself.
Leotards On Stage
But this wasn't all! Paris' theatres and dance halls were just thriving with activity. From opera to ballets, everyone was putting on a dazzling show! Oh, darling, if only you could see the amazing, flamboyant outfits the dancers wore! But more importantly, my sweet, they were all built upon leotards, the foundation of a fabulous outfit. Those delicate and beautiful leotards, they became a piece of showbiz magic, a sort of unspoken truth of ballet fashion.
I even stumbled upon a truly unique show where the costumes had some stunning details. One dancer was wearing a beautiful deep purple leotard covered in sparkly rhinestones! Oh darling, this one made a big impact. It had this stunning neckline that dipped down into a V shape and ended up near the hipline of the dancer, really showing off their body. This neckline? Definitely inspiring new ideas for my designs.
A Time to Dance
It wasn’t just in France! I found leotards dancing across Italy, sweeping through Spain and even finding their way to the US! The world was embracing the elegance and beauty of leotards! I have this incredible memory - imagine a large-scale performance by some of Italy’s top dancers, all clad in gorgeous gold leotards that almost glowed! The dance itself was so full of life and joy that it had to have been about the freedom of the leotard itself!
And in England? Oh my, England seemed to be obsessed with lace. Many of the leotards here had beautiful lace patterns with an almost 'victorian' style. All sorts of beautiful embellishments… just amazing.
What truly excites me is this new wave of awareness for the leotard - no longer confined as an undergarment, it was bursting into fashion history!
Future Fashion Inspiration
It's safe to say that 11th November 1904 was a leotard revelation for me! So, what did I discover about the world of leotard fashion on this trip? Well, it’s important to find what works for your own unique shape, darling, and of course it's the year for lavish fabrics, intricate designs and some pretty incredible cuts. Oh, and don’t be afraid of some eye-catching embellishments. I’ve got some sparkling sequins to start my new leotard design and you know I will be sharing everything on www.pink-tutu.com.
It's time to wave goodbye for now, my sweet! But as always, stay stylish, and keep those pink tutus flowing. Remember: Life's a stage, dance like you own it!
Until next time,
Emma x
