Hello darling tutufarians! Emma here, your pink tutu-loving, time-travelling fashionista from Derbyshire, England, back with another sparkly post from the depths of time! This month, I’m taking you all on a whirl through the year 1913, landing right smack-dab in the middle of December 12th. Now, I know you're all thinking, "Emma, December?! What’s there to see in December?" Well, let me tell you, this is where my love of history shines! December in 1913 was a bustling time in the world of fashion – particularly leotards!
Oh, My Sparkly Time-Travelling Leotard!
This time, I'm zipping through time in a fabulous fuchsia leotard, adorned with shimmering pink sequins, and of course, my signature pink tulle tutu! As I'm twirling through the air, the colours of this time period are swirling around me – deep rich hues of crimson and sapphire, emerald green, and the ever-present ivory white, so fitting for this season. Now, onto the good stuff...
Leotard Fashion in 1913 - The Ballet Scene
Let's talk ballet! While tutus were starting to gain their graceful hold on the stage in 1913, the leotards were undergoing a little transformation, taking on a much more figure-hugging style. Think a blend of classic silhouettes and that elegant curve hugging fit of the era. The leotard had also moved from the purely functional to a piece with artistic expression!
You see, dancers were embracing leotard materials that offered a certain "flow." Imagine delicate silk and even velvet fabrics! Oh, the beauty of those shimmering silks - what a sight for sore eyes, wouldn't you agree?
But it wasn't all just fancy fabric, there was also a shift to different bodice styles and cut-outs, just a hint of peek-a-boo drama underneath the flowing layers. A little extra peek at those strong, beautiful arms? Why, I say, bring it on!
Taking It To the Street!
The streets were just as captivating in their fashion sense back then. Ladies loved their frocks with high necks, ruffled sleeves, and cascading ruffles from their hips to their feet. And the boys were certainly not slacking. Look, no man’s clothes back in 1913 were ever completely “functional”! It’s like they all put thought and time into each layer of clothes, like they wanted everyone to just look at them all day long! (They actually probably did… in their time, dressing and being fashionable was not a quick, 5-minute thing at all - thank heavens!)
London's Bustling Fashion Scene - A Little Shopping Spree!
I must say, London was positively bursting at the seams with its fashion scene in 1913. I wandered into a department store in Knightsbridge. Just look at this magnificent building, you guys – all the intricate architecture! Now, my darlings, the clothing was just as dazzling! Silks! Velvets! They just loved all the flowing textures in 1913, oh it’s just the stuff dreams are made of! I saw gorgeous creations that looked straight out of a theatrical performance – it's truly how you can get inspired by real life when your own wardrobe is built with a few fun theatrical touches. And let’s not forget the hats – absolutely everything was hat-obsessed! A stunning millinery design with an impressive plume of feathers. So posh!
Now, I can't resist, gotta have myself a little shopping spree! I picked up the most exquisite ivory-toned satin dress, perfect for the holiday season, complete with intricate lacework and a stunning ruffled neck. As I paid the handsome gentleman shopkeeper (did I mention everything had to be dapper and sophisticated?) I felt like I’d gone right back into the time-travelling stories of the era. Oh, the delight! But wait – just look, right over there, a pink satin fabric that looks suspiciously similar to my signature leotard colour! I couldn't leave it behind, of course! Now I have an inspiration for a new, timeless outfit. I am bursting with ideas and cannot wait to turn them into fashion-forward realities, just like the wonderful women of 1913.
Time Travelling Through History
My dears, I believe everyone is full of ideas and inspiration - even from a time long past. There's no shortage of amazing outfits to be found in every age. You just have to look! But, let's rewind a bit from those extravagant department stores...
A Visit to The Alhambra – Oh! The Glamour
My little pink tutu heart absolutely soared when I discovered that The Alhambra in London was alive and thriving during my trip. Oh, I must tell you, my love of this era’s shows really is through the roof! They weren't just shows, they were events. The Alhambra, a theater with music hall and variety show style entertainers, was just as big in 1913 as they were in 1900, and this time they even had even more stunning, sparkling costuming than before! And of course, in every one of these dazzling venues there were dancers - I knew the shows just had to be fabulous. From burlesque dancers to the elegant waltzes, it's easy to get drawn in and I loved to spend every moment taking it all in. You could tell the performers were full of passion and delight as they put their all into each movement. It truly inspired me to keep the magic of entertainment alive. I'm just getting goosebumps even thinking about the music, the excitement!
* A Note From The Future*
So there you have it, my darlings – a little bit of pink-tutu-powered time-travel magic right into the heart of 1913. I know my readers have impeccable taste and style – just like the ladies and gentlemen who lived in that time period. So next time you think of a new outfit, take a peek through your fashion history. Just remember the fashion, creativity, and glamour of 1913, because just like everything else - a new trend will just be a throwback of an old idea from a forgotten era! And as for my aim? I still hope one day to see the entire world sporting a pink tutu. After all, life is about adding a dash of colour, grace, and sparkly magic!
Until next month, stay chic! 💖💖💖 -Emma.
Don't forget, to join me next month on www.pink-tutu.com for more sparkly adventures and time-travelling tales. Stay stylish! 💖✨"
