Hello fellow tutu-lovers and leotard aficionados! It's Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire ballerina, and I'm bursting with excitement about today's time travel adventure. It's July 7th, 1908, and believe me, you won't believe the fabulous fashion finds we're going to unearth.
As you know, I'm obsessed with the world of leotards - all shapes, styles and eras. That's why I set up my blog, www.pink-tutu.com, a virtual time capsule of everything leotard, where you can join me on these monthly journeys. Every month, I zip myself into my magical, sparkly, pink time-travelling leotard and dive into a different decade! And, of course, I always keep my pink tulle tutu handy - wouldn't be caught dead in a time vortex without my signature look!
Speaking of the fabulous 1908, I must confess, this decade wasn't known for its leotard extravaganza. It was more about long, flowing gowns and elaborate hats. But as an aficionado, I know that even during times of grand fashion statements, the leotard was still quietly making its mark, a humble foundation for the theatrical and the athletic.
Let's delve into the scene...
London Calling:
Now, imagine my surprise! Even though this was still an age of frills and lace, a real Parisian ballet show was playing at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane! Talk about the thrill! The famous dancer, Anna Pavlova, was gracing the stage, her lithe movements encased in the most beautiful, graceful, custom-designed costumes. I practically swooned over the layers of silk, velvet, and delicate lace that the ballerina wore. Though the leotards under those majestic dresses weren't particularly eye-catching - imagine my heartbreak, my heart went out to those dancers who toiled behind all that beautiful, extravagant design!
The leotards themselves were essentially simple - made of thick cotton or wool for support and practicality. But hey, a beautiful dancer's physique doesn't need flashy attire to be captivating! They were mostly meant to offer the dancers flexibility and ease of movement.
But you can bet your sparkly sequins, my friends, that the fashion in London was still influenced by that delicate elegance we've all come to associate with early 20th century style. You wouldn't catch a single London lady out in public in anything less than perfectly tailored trousers, or maybe even a graceful pencil skirt! Think bold colours, hats and, of course, a hint of lace at the edges for a little flair!
Beyond London:
In Paris, the ladies were strutting their stuff with more flair! Think daring dresses, bold cuts, and dramatic hats! While the Parisians embraced dramatic flair, across the Channel in London, the look was slightly more subtle - more sophisticated, and perfectly sculpted.
You know I had to pick up a few little trinkets on my journey. Imagine my joy when I discovered a vintage hat shop in London - they have the most exquisite feathered and silk concoctions! I grabbed one to take back with me and use in one of my performances - those beautiful shapes!
A Leotard's Place in History:
This era was all about the idea of leotards! Even though the designs might not have been as extravagant or stylish as they are today, they were crucial!
While leotards today are used in dance, gymnastics, and even casual wear (especially the cute little crop tops, sigh...), their use in the 1900s was quite different!
The fashion trend here? Leotards for practical, graceful motion.
Think figure-skating outfits, tight-fitting suits for bicycle races (a growing phenomenon back then, just imagine the stylish lady cyclist whizzing past!) or those revolutionary gymnasts flipping and tumbling with elegance, those lovely athletic outfits would never be complete without a trusty leotard underneath!
Back in my Time, But with the Past Always on my Mind!
Returning to 2023 after my exhilarating voyage, my head is swirling with fashion inspiration. So here's to my little pink tutu! I couldn't possibly dream of living without it!
While 1908 may have been all about sleek and demure elegance, I believe it's a reminder that the leotard is a timeless piece - ever-evolving and adaptable! So here's to the future of leotards and all their playful possibilities!
Keep your pink tutu fabulous and stay inspired,
Emma x
P.S:
Did you know that Anna Pavlova started her career in Russia as a ballet dancer and had an incredibly exciting career before arriving in London? We are talking international tours and breathtaking shows, all while embracing the power and grace of the leotard! How inspirational!
Stay tuned for more time travel adventures and, of course, lots of gorgeous pink tutu posts to inspire your own leotard fashion adventures!
Keep sparkling!
