Welcome back, my lovely leotard lovers! It's February 1st, and your girl Emma is here, buzzing with excitement, ready to whisk you away on a time-travelling adventure.
This month, we're pirouetteing back to 1917. Imagine, dear readers, the world was a much different place - men were off fighting a global war, women were leading the way on the home front, and, oh my! - fashions were simply delicious!
Now, I, Emma, love fashion - especially when it involves twirls, a generous helping of sparkle, and of course, my beloved leotards. You all know I time travel in my special, sparkling, pink leotard – always a showstopper! - and this month I've found myself waltzing into 1917, ready for a dose of historic glamour.
Let me tell you, 1917 was a beautiful year for leotard fashion. We're not talking about the snug, sporty ones we know and love today, though they did exist, and some would have been oh so perfect with a dash of pink and some playful cutouts. I mean, just imagine, darling, dancing a tango with a bold, crimson, cutout leotard beneath a swirling, flowy skirt! Sigh Simply fabulous!
But, for this particular journey, I'm not in my dance-ready, sparkly leotard, but rather, a glamorous, floor-length, cream gown, trimmed with sparkling sequins! This dress has all the charm of a dance costume without the constraints of tights and a tight-fitting leotard, giving plenty of freedom for a swirling, waltzing performance.
While in the city that never sleeps, I was struck by a breathtaking Broadway performance. The dancer wore a stunning costume - a flowing chiffon dress over a pale pink tulle leotard, perfect for that floating, ethereal movement, you know? It's this type of exquisite style that has me so smitten with 1917's dance fashions. The effortlessness of it all! The beauty of flowing fabrics and graceful moves, perfect for that glamorous era of music and romance.
Even more, 1917 was the era of the can-can. Just picture those long, graceful legs kicking out with sassy style. They were usually adorned with colourful, frilly bloomers worn over a leotard, often made from silk and adorned with ribbons and lace, adding a touch of extra elegance. I simply dream of seeing such a performance, twirling my pink tutu in the crowd, surrounded by such glamour.
I can't resist mentioning that the fashion in 1917 also incorporated those gorgeous, bodice-like styles we adore, creating the ultimate feminine form. And don't even get me started on the amazing hats and gloves! They added that touch of class and refinement to the whole ensemble, a symphony of colours and styles! I am just dying to see one of these spectacular costumes live, and when I get a chance to travel back to the 1910s - my sparkly pink leotard and I will be ready for a truly magnificent journey!
While the streets may have been filled with simple garments like loose blouses and long skirts - those elegant garments hid so many beautifully constructed and adorned undergarments. They were like secret leotards, hidden under the fabric, just waiting to be unveiled and admired. Even if you weren't on stage, you could still enjoy the underpinnings of style!
Here, darling, you can see where the origins of a trend lie. Just look around, and you can see glimpses of history everywhere. Those sleek, figure-hugging ballet styles we know so well, that effortless movement? They were forged in a world of flowing chiffon and delicate embellishments, all meant to accentuate and celebrate the female form. The underpinnings of today's dance fashion, like the humble leotard, can be found in a world of corsets and gowns. It truly shows how far the humble leotard has come, and the inspiring journey that led it to where it is now.
1917 might seem a world away, dear readers, but, if you think closely, the fashions that we know and love, those flowing dresses with just a peek of a tutu, or the simple, chic leotard and a flowing skirt? They're rooted in this fabulous decade that's full of hidden history! The dance world of 1917 is an ever-lasting inspiration, proving that style can be everlasting, with every twirl and every graceful move!
So, remember this, lovely readers: every twirl, every leap, every move in your leotard, be it pink or purple, tell a story, a story of style that sparks joy, beauty, and confidence. And for that, I shall forever be grateful!
Stay gorgeous,
Emma xx
