#LeotardHistory during 1928 06 June

Hello my darling fashionistas! It's Emma, your resident Pink Tutu traveller, bringing you another peek into the incredible world of leotard fashion history. As always, I'm flitting between centuries in my trusty, sparkling pink time travelling leotard - it never fails to make me feel glamorous!

This month, we're heading back to June 6th, 1928, a time when the world was abuzz with innovative fashion and daring styles. Oh, and darling, the leotard scene? It's a whole new ball game!

Now, if you’re new to my blog (welcome, darlings!) I’m Emma, your average Derbyshire lass with an extraordinary passion for pink tutus, leotards of all styles, and a little something called time travel. My days are a whirlwind of fabulous, full of street ballet performances (always a chance to showcase a new leotard) and daring trips into history, all in the name of sharing the joy of leotard fashion with you. And just so you know, the goal is world domination! Pink tutu world domination, of course.

As I step out of the swirling stardust of my time travelling leotard and land in 1928, the first thing that strikes me? Oh, my dear readers, the 1920s is just bubbling with creativity. We're talking flapper dresses, drop-waisted styles, and a general move towards a lounger, looser look, oh so glamorous. But before we delve into those gorgeous dresses, let's focus on what’s really at the heart of fashion, isn’t it? The leotard, darling.

In the world of 1928 dance, the leotard was a bit of a wild card. We're talking primarily for practical purposes, like ballet and gymnastics (much like the early 20th-century designs, you'll find discussed in previous blog posts.) It wasn’t yet seen as a statement piece like we’ve grown accustomed to. There's a sweet irony in that, don't you think? We’re on the precipice of leotard liberation!

While I do a bit of shimmying around in my vintage leotard, checking out the looks at the gym, one trend sticks out. It's all about the "gym leotard", darling. We're talking about snug-fitting, body-skimming leotards made of stretchy fabrics (now this is something I’m excited about - that stretch makes all the difference! Think of the possibilities!)

The "Gym Leotard" was meant for just that: the gym! Physical activity, dance lessons, and sport – a leotard’s a perfect piece of kit. These days, it’s mainly about being stylish and comfortable, and these 1928 styles really do show the potential.

Here’s a quick rundown on what made the "Gym Leotard" in the late 1920s a fashion darling:

• Fabric: Knitted cotton or wool. Think of how snug-fitting and flexible those fabrics would be, perfect for stretching and leaping. Imagine the glorious dance moves in a piece of comfortable, well-fitting attire!

• Sleeves: This is where the real magic lies! Think long-sleeved, short-sleeved, sleeveless, or with straps, the options are varied and fabulous. That range of styles really shows the 1920s embrace of individuality.

• Necklines: The 1920s saw an exploration of necklines for the "Gym Leotard”. We have the ever-stylish round neckline, as well as daring V-necks. The beauty of those styles was their versatility - perfect for ballet, gym, or simply strolling around the city (who am I kidding, of course, I’m always in my pink tutu when out and about!)

• Colors: While black leotards reigned supreme for their practicality, don’t think that colour was out of the picture. In 1928, a brave dancer could experiment with colours like deep reds, rich greens, and royal blues. Dare I say, a pink leotard might even be making an appearance - the colour is a little like a time traveller, it's everywhere but never quite here!

Now, back to the gym. It's where I get the most amazing glimpses of leotard fashion. Watching dancers in the "Gym Leotards" made me feel like I had stepped straight into a silent film. Imagine the graceful, fluid movements, the lines of the body accentuated, and the perfect dance of colour against the neutral tones of the gym floor. Pure poetry in motion.

One of the best things about time travelling is the opportunity to do some fabulous shopping. In 1928, I'm hitting the shops with gusto! Now, who would dare visit any shop but Selfridges, the legendary haven of style, nestled right in the heart of London. It was truly a wonderland of fashion. It's not a surprise the grand, dramatic displays, along with the innovative fashion offerings at the department store became a true symbol of fashion, innovation and, of course, the 1920s.

A dash through the bustling crowds and I’m whisked into a section of Selfridges teeming with stunning sportswear. There, a symphony of fabrics and colours, showcasing an abundance of "Gym Leotards"! You name it, they have it - from basic cotton in classic colours to more adventurous pieces in bold silks, chiffons, and chiffons – the leotard as art, darling!

Oh, the thrill of exploring those "Gym Leotard" displays! The shop was alive with mannequins sporting the latest leotards, every detail accentuated for maximum fashion impact.

In my search, I come across some real gems, even amidst those “Gym Leotards". There’s an exquisite dance outfit - imagine, a luxurious, flowy skirt in soft velvet, cascading down over a shimmery, sleeveless leotard – a masterpiece in pink. (Of course, I snag myself a beautiful picture for the blog - every little ballerina needs to get a taste of that pink elegance, right?)

It's time to unwind after a shopping spree, darlings! This evening is all about soaking up some theatre magic at a fabulous performance of "The Beggar's Opera" in London, a captivating satirical masterpiece. I have to say, the theatre in 1928 is a captivating mix of styles, so exciting and diverse! I'm just a little itching to check out the fashion, don't you know.

As I stroll into the theatre, it’s a world of swirling flapper dresses and feather boas, a sight that has me yearning to create my own, unique pink-tutu infused version! The elegant dresses accentuate the elongated lines of the female form, a trend that's making its mark everywhere in 1928, including on those "Gym Leotards."

As the stage comes alive, I spot the performers. Some of the leading ladies in “The Beggar’s Opera” are adorned in elaborate costumes, while the supporting ladies in the ensemble wear sleek, simple dresses in contrasting hues. And do you know what catches my eye? The graceful movement and vibrant choreography of this period just amplify the simple beauty of a leotard, and, it brings to mind the incredible ways dancers are redefining the possibilities of the piece, it’s just too thrilling to not share with my wonderful, stylish audience!

The leotard is, truly, an emblem of female strength and grace. And as I sit, spellbound, watching the play unfold, I can't help but wonder if this trend for sleek and sophisticated leotards is on its way to becoming a staple in women's fashion - you know it would be an absolute masterpiece.

Until Next Month, Fashionistas!

And as the stage lights fade and the echoes of the theatre's energy settle around me, it’s time for my favourite part – a quick shimmy in my trusty pink-sparkling leotard and a flash of stardust and I'm back in my time!

Don't forget to subscribe to the blog at www.pink-tutu.com! There are even more fun facts and amazing looks to explore – I'm sure we’ll find an amazing way to merge leotard fashion, pink tutus, and the beauty of history to help you find your own amazing personal style, darlings!

Let’s keep the conversation flowing – what leotard-inspired look are you rocking this month? What are your thoughts on the fashion of the 1920s? Share them with me in the comments! I’ll be looking forward to hearing all about your fabulous style inspiration!

See you next month for more time travel shenanigans, darlings!

XOXO, Emma