Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we delve into the delightful world of leotard fashion throughout the ages. It's your favourite Derbyshire girl, Emma, and I'm so excited to share this month's adventure with you! This time, I zipped back to a particularly charming May Day in 1928, all thanks to my trusty pink sparkly time-travelling leotard, of course!
I landed right smack in the middle of London's bustling Regent Street, feeling a touch of pre-war optimism in the air. This time, I wasn't just here for the vintage leotards (though believe me, they are divine). My time-travelling mission? To find out what was hot in leotard fashion for the women of 1928, especially on this special May Day celebration.
I admit, it took me a moment to get used to the streets, teeming with beautiful flapper dresses and an abundance of the colour "flapper green," a shade that reminded me of springtime. The fashion world was a riot of feather boas and bold, geometric patterns that seemed to dance along with the jazz music spilling from the shops. The air hummed with energy!
While the term “leotard” itself hadn't yet become popular in 1928, there was certainly no shortage of elegant one-piece garments for women, particularly in the dance and theatre world. This era saw a fascination with streamlined, minimalist shapes that embodied the movement and freedom of the era.
Let's start with ballet! I was fortunate enough to catch a performance by the famed Pavlova at the Royal Opera House. The dancers wore stunning tutus, designed by Karinska, featuring an array of pale pastel colours, flowing silk, and exquisite beading. Think shades of lavender, apricot, and rose, all lending a touch of whimsy to the dancers’ movements. The delicate, feminine shapes of these tutus, crafted from lightweight fabrics, spoke volumes about the era's emphasis on ethereal elegance.
Meanwhile, on the stage, a trend I'm thrilled to report: colour blocking was all the rage. From stage shows to the ever-evolving world of athletic fashion, designers experimented with vibrant hues, pairing strong contrasting colours in sleek one-piece outfits. Imagine bright cerise and sapphire blue juxtaposed against emerald green - talk about striking!
These outfits were perfect for displaying athleticism, with their tight-fitting shapes offering freedom of movement for performers who danced, exercised, and even played tennis in style.
Now, where could a time-travelling ballerina find some inspiration for her own wardrobe in 1928? You guessed it: Liberty London. They had it all: exquisite silks, delicate chiffons, and gorgeous geometric patterned jersey, ideal for a modern-day dancer-turned-vintage-enthusiast! The colours? A dream: rose, azure blue, and even a vibrant scarlet that just screamed for a sparkly pink leotard companion!
I can't resist the chance to try something on, of course! I found a beautiful shade of jade green jersey, draping it over my time-travelling pink leotard for a whimsical, contemporary twist on the 1928 fashion scene. To my delight, the shop assistants didn't bat an eyelid - the fashions were truly bold and daring in 1928!
My day in 1928 wasn't just about shopping and catching a glimpse of ballet history. It was a chance to mingle with the locals and feel the pulse of a London undergoing dramatic change. I joined a local dance class in the West End, where I learned a little foxtrot and discovered the allure of the Charleston, with its playful, fast-paced moves and fringed flapper dresses. It was intoxicating!
For dinner, I enjoyed a delightful meal at the iconic Savoy Hotel, and my senses were once again overwhelmed with the colour and opulence of the 1920s. You could almost taste the Roaring Twenties, and everyone was full of joie de vivre.
Of course, my adventures didn’t stop there. I visited the prestigious Madam* Tussaud's, captivated by the incredible waxworks, each frozen in time. A truly immersive experience that allowed me to see, almost firsthand, the grandeur and flair of those early 20th-century decades.
On the streets, I caught a glimpse of women rocking those daring ‘bathing beauties’ outfits - elegant swimsuits often with bold striped patterns, revealing a new era of playful, carefree fashion.
But amidst the glitz and glamour of London's vibrant nightlife, there was a growing movement that I was thrilled to observe: athleticism and physical empowerment were at the forefront of social progress, a tendency reflected even in the styles chosen by these bold women.
All this talk about 1928 has gotten me in the mood to design a few new leotards. I envision my creations with flowing silks, hints of those beautiful pastel hues from Pavlova's tutu, maybe a pop of jade green jersey, and some intricate, geometric designs for an unmistakably Art Deco feel.
As I time-travelled back to my own time, I realised that leotards were more than just clothes in the roaring 1920s – they were symbols of self-expression, of embracing change and dancing your way through life!
But even with all those wonderful insights from my 1928 adventure, I’m sticking to my mission to get the world rocking pink tutus. Don't worry darlings, I'll be here sharing the latest trends, my time-travelling escapades, and everything pink you could wish for! Keep sparkling and keep dancing,
Emma xx
P.S. Make sure you check out www.pink-tutu.com to find a fabulous new leotard for your next adventure!
