Hey darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, back with another exhilarating time travel adventure from www.pink-tutu.com! This month, we’re heading back to the glorious year of 1912, where tutus, leotards and all things frilly were just as fashionable as they are today!
Before I take you all on this pink-tastic journey, a quick reminder, dear readers, about how I fund these extraordinary excursions. If you haven't already, do check out my Youtube channel. I regularly perform street ballet dances across Derbyshire, usually wearing a super-sparkly, brand new pink tutu. (Honestly, I couldn't perform without one! How could you? A tutu is life.) Every coin you drop into my hat sends me zipping back through the ages!
Anyway, back to the trip! Imagine a pink sparkle that's almost as fabulous as a tutu - that’s the kind of dazzling leotard I'm sporting for this journey, darling! It's truly spectacular - just the right level of shimmery for taking on this journey!
This time, I've chosen a slightly different date - the 10th of October. You might wonder why I choose these dates? Well, this is what happens: each month, I just pop onto my time machine and type in a random date, click 'go' and then go on an amazing leotard discovery spree.
Now, this trip was certainly interesting! Firstly, 1912 was a truly wonderful year to be wearing tutus and leotards. Everything was a little bit extra, shall we say? A little more ruched and gathered. I mean, let's face it, nothing looks as flattering as a perfectly placed frill, right? You can just imagine, lovely flowing, ruffled sleeves. A plethora of soft, pleated lace and of course, every kind of ribbon, everywhere you looked.
Just imagine it! Me, rocking a fluffy pink tutu, dancing on the street. All the ladies around me were so stylish in their lovely ruffled skirts and pretty silk blouses - just divine. And it just struck me! Why did women ever abandon such graceful attire for such boxy clothing in the 20th century? It’s a real fashion mystery.
Speaking of mystery, can I talk to you for a minute about that extraordinary Parisian fashion show on the 10th October. (It's on the 10th because, of course, that's what I've time travelled to! Isn't this time travelling a blessing? It certainly allows you to make a good selection, doesn’t it?) So, darling, it turns out that the Parisian elite gathered in the Salle de l'Avenue des Champs-Élysées to watch an unforgettable fashion show put together by the fashion visionary, Paul Poiret. His work at the time, a stunning and modern use of supple silk and fabrics. What’s more, it's widely regarded as the turning point of women’s fashions from a decade of heavy and stiff corseted garments. Honestly, such beautiful garments on display! What joy!
And of course, I had to join the party, too, and I’ll tell you, the crowd was amazing!
You won't believe the dresses, the colours, and all those beautiful details! Think lavish satin skirts, frilly tops with sheer details, and a general feeling of freedom of movement - perfect for some energetic dance moves!
Now, it just occurred to me! Why do we spend our time obsessing over 'the little black dress'? This collection was a symphony of color and beautiful feminine textures. It was a time when silk was queen. I found myself staring enchanted at so much stunning silky perfection. All this lovely feminine dress style, it felt like a really lovely feminine way to dress - nothing like the style that came after, that felt rather constrained. It seemed so restrictive, darling. Why would anyone want to wear an unstylish corset? It seemed so, unnecessary.
Imagine the dancing potential! Women looked amazing and carefree - so light and flowing - just perfect for whirling and spinning to the waltzes and foxtrots of the era! There were just so many amazing leotards, even though no one called them that then. I thought some of the leotards worn by the dancers during the fashion show, were positively magical! These garments were so lightweight and so free-flowing - with that ethereal charm I find so fascinating.
However, it's interesting to see that Poiret's designs really captured the movement of the time! And in some ways, a few styles were so close to our modern streetwear: for example, one of his more relaxed 'evening' looks included, wait for it.... trousers. And we can't forget his beautiful embroidered and pleated 'Oriental’ outfits. So fascinating! His collections seem very influential today - I must go and visit a museum soon and check these out! I imagine these designs would look even more beautiful and elegant on display today, and I bet the clothes could stand as inspiration for amazing new leotards and dresses. The influence of his collections on contemporary design today must be considerable!
Another little something that got me very excited - there were also a few 'dance ensembles' that showcased some rather daring leotards. I really don't know where modern designers are getting their inspiration - as the dancers of 1912 were real fashion risk-takers. Some leotards with so much embellishment and sparkle, some that even went without skirts! The use of a little tulle, here, and there was very fashionable. Some dancers had what they called ‘petticoats’ made from an amazing variety of soft netting materials, but with such interesting cutouts and decorative trims - definitely on trend! They're like little pieces of tulle heaven! Some even featured pretty frills and flounces.
Of course, there were lots of skirts at the time. Skirts came in so many fabulous styles - I adore how women used color and patterns! They seemed so much more willing to experiment with new colors and shapes. (Just remember what I’m talking about! 1912 is what inspired all these crazy and colorful 1920s fashions, which influenced a century’s worth of fabulous garments. Imagine how it could inspire us today.) We all know that it's essential to get your look right, for an evening out or an impromptu dance floor adventure! The best look in town, or around your Derbyshire street corner! It’s all down to picking the right colors and styles! This journey to 1912, has reminded me how exciting it is to experiment and to explore new ways to create stylish, elegant and exciting designs. There are so many things that I found out that I’ve never been able to access in our 21st Century stores. It is really wonderful to think that our fashion journey will continue, with every month that passes, bringing us exciting new looks from past fashion pioneers such as Poiret!
Just one last thing. On a slightly more practical note, as this journey took me to the heart of fashion, you know I've been doing a little shopping. It really did spark my creativity. I’ve found some pretty fabrics which are going to be perfect for designing new leotards. Now that I’m home in Derbyshire, my latest ballet fashion collection will feature some brand-new looks. You may not realize how difficult it is to get some amazing fabric for those amazing ‘leg o’ mutton’ sleeves which I’m using!
It’s so wonderful to be back home and surrounded by beautiful nature, I don’t think there is any place as beautiful as the rolling hills of Derbyshire. So as it's my time for some new dance routines for the next time I hit the streets with my favourite pink tutu! Keep your eye out for my brand-new ballet fashions coming to www.pink-tutu.com - very soon!
See you next month, darlings. And remember, keep rocking your tutus! It’s time to put the sparkle back into fashion! And maybe some pretty ruffles too. xx
Emma xxxP.S. I've recently found a fantastic fabric store called, ‘The Little Dress Shop’. You can find it at [link to store]. There are so many inspiring colors! Why not stop by next time you’re passing, or simply visit their online shop.
