Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling leotard aficionado, ready to whisk you away on another fantastical fashion journey! This month, we’re shimmying back to 5th May 1916, a date etched in my memory for its delightful leotard-related discoveries!
Now, you know I love my pink tutus, but for this trip, my magical time-travelling leotard needed a bit of a vintage makeover! Picture this – shimmering pink sequins, cascading to my ankles, a swirling tulle skirt reminiscent of the flapper era, and a delicate pink ribbon tying it all together. Perfect for dancing through the streets of 1916, wouldn’t you say?
Speaking of dancing, my first stop was naturally the world of ballet! Imagine my delight at discovering the rise of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, the epitome of glamour and avant-garde artistry. This troupe brought a revolution in dance, not just through their daring choreography but also their breathtaking costumes. Leotards? Absolutely! But with a dramatic twist – imagine vibrant colours, sumptuous fabrics, and flowing lines that emphasized the grace of the dancers.
Remember, darling, this was an era of experimentation. While traditional tutus were still in vogue, we’re seeing the birth of a more daring silhouette. Imagine sleek leotards in rich velvets and silks, designed to hug the body and accentuate every move. A peek of flesh, perhaps a bit of lace, and always a splash of colour - these leotards weren’t meant to be hidden!
Now, onto the street! And oh, darling, 1916 was full of delightful surprises! Even then, leotards weren’t just confined to the stage. You’d be surprised to see them popping up in sporting arenas, particularly in gym classes! The trend towards practicality was blossoming, and leotards were the perfect choice for those engaging in vigorous activities. Think sleek knitted numbers in neutral colours like navy and grey, giving freedom of movement while maintaining a stylish air.
Don't think for a moment this was limited to men. The "Athletic Bloomers", which were pretty much like leotards that covered legs and bottoms were a fashionable addition to women's sportswear! Now that is a leotard you wouldn't catch me wearing, I like to see a little skin, as long as it's tasteful, of course! But I gotta give props to the bold women sporting this, it was definitely avant-garde for the time!
Naturally, no fashion adventure is complete without a bit of shopping. Oh, darling, 1916’s shops were a symphony of beauty! I stumbled upon a charming shop overflowing with the most stunning lace, silk, and velvet. Imagine the most exquisite designs waiting to be transformed into leotards - my heart almost skipped a beat! This, darling, is where my creative juices began to churn! Leotard history is fascinating, but what truly captures me is imagining the infinite possibilities for modern interpretations of those vintage styles.
This month’s time-travel spree has left me brimming with inspiration! I can’t wait to incorporate some of 1916's leotard chic into my own street performances, with a dash of modern pink-tutu glamour, of course!
Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this whirlwind tour through 1916’s leotard world. Have any of you seen plays with incredible costumes that transported you? What are your favourite vintage leotard looks? Do you ever catch yourself wanting to experiment with some 1916 styles? Share your fashion fancies, darling, in the comments below.
Until next month, when we embark on another exciting leotard-filled time travel adventure, may your days be filled with sparkle and, of course, pink tutus!
Love,
Emma x
