Hello darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling fashionista, back with another glimpse into the fascinating history of the leotard! This month, we're taking a trip back to December 1930, a time when leotard fashion was truly sparkling, in all senses of the word.
I just had to head back to the early 1930s. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this fabulous bit of information – sequins were all the rage back then, particularly on ballet tutus. It turns out 12th December, 1930, was a monumental date in leotard fashion history because it marked the first public performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" by the Sadler's Wells Ballet company (later to be the Royal Ballet). Now, I love ballet and its exquisite leotard fashion, but you see, the ballet world went nuts for sequined tutus that season!
My fellow pink tutu wearers, can you imagine? Rows upon rows of glimmering, jewel-toned sequins gracing the stage, transforming our beloved tutus into dazzling spectacles of light and movement. It truly makes you understand how dazzling a performance with all those sequins can be. Imagine yourself wearing one - simply fabulous, isn't it?
I can just picture myself standing in the wings at the Sadler's Wells, feeling that familiar surge of excitement before a performance. But this time, I'm wearing my sparkly, time-travelling pink tutu - a masterpiece of shimmering tulle and dazzling sequins. You know me - always keen on finding ways to combine fashion and travel!
While I'm there, I'm taking inspiration from all the beautiful, intricate details of the ballet dancers' leotards and tutus - the soft fabrics, the elegant shapes, the way the sequined designs capture the light as they twirl and leap across the stage. Talk about sartorial inspiration, right? I even managed to snag a glimpse of one of the costumes from that very first "Sleeping Beauty" production – a true vintage gem, a symphony of shimmering gold sequins! A real vintage gem and a treasure beyond words for a true lover of the stage, or leotard fashion, or even sequins!
But it wasn't just ballet where sequins were stealing the show. Back in 1930, a flapper would never be caught dead without a bit of glitz on her dress - so you'd find them dazzling every night in the chicest speakeasies and jazz clubs. Imagine the fun!
I had to stop off in New York, of course! The roaring 20s weren't just a thing for a few years – in New York, you felt them way past the 20s into the 30s. I found myself stepping out of the time portal right in the middle of a glamorous party. Just think - sparkling dresses, feathers and boas, dancing in the warm glow of a speakeasy! It was magical! I managed to snag a sequined headband that will be a prized addition to my leotard fashion collection.
Remember, darlings, fashion isn't just about clothes – it's about a feeling, about an era, about who you are, and what you love.
For me, it's about pink tutus. And for you? Let me know what your signature leotard fashion is - you can always message me on www.pink-tutu.com or join my upcoming Pink Tutu fashion tour around the world next month!
So next time you're dancing, remember that your leotard - whether it's a humble practice leotard or a dazzling, sequined showstopper - has a history, a story, a journey through time.
Stay sparkly, my darlings!
Emma
P.S. Have you seen the dazzling collection of leotards in my shop, www.pink-tutu.com? Each one tells a unique story - I simply love fashion!
P.P.S. I’m busy planning my upcoming world tour in November 2023, so keep an eye on www.pink-tutu.com and come and join me for a sparkling adventure in the world of leotard fashion and dance. You don't want to miss this!
