Post #937 - www.pink-tutu.com
Happy New Year, darlings! Can you believe it's already the 1st of January? It feels like yesterday I was twirling under the twinkling lights of the Covent Garden Christmas Market, my pink tutu catching the shimmer of the festive snow. And, well, it sort of was.
You see, dear readers, time travel is rather like that – a delicious whirlwind of "Oh my!" moments. And what a whirl this January has been! My sparkly pink time travelling leotard and I zipped through the portal to, wait for it… 1937!
1937, darlings, was a year of immense fashion innovation. Imagine, just the year before, the first ever nylon stockings had been unveiled. Think of all the legs, oh, the legs, that must have been showcased! And this, my darlings, is where the world of leotard fashion was truly starting to blossom, in both theatre and everyday wear.
This morning, I decided to kick off my year of 1937 fashion discoveries in New York City. The energy was simply electrifying! I joined the throngs of chic ladies, their outfits a beautiful mix of glamorous sophistication and daring modernity. The Art Deco buildings glinted under the January sun, mirroring the sparkle of the leotards, oh so beautifully designed with a sophisticated flair.
One particular leotard I spotted truly stopped me in my tracks, darlings. It was crafted from a rich, shimmering scarlet satin, cut low in the back with intricate straps that gave it a touch of Grecian elegance. The design echoed the bold, yet graceful curves of the Art Deco architecture that dominated New York. Simply divine, don’t you think?
I found myself waltzing through Central Park, a glorious mix of elegant ladies wearing leotards as chic separates with skirts, while others proudly displayed their sleek, one-piece silhouettes, radiating confidence. Even the children were embracing this leotard love, their pink and yellow ones making the park feel bursting with playful joy! It made me think, why do we even consider leotards only for dance and gymnastics? Why not let them loose into the world, embraced as everyday outfits for everyone?
Now, off to the Theatre District! This era was truly a golden age of Broadway theatre and with every theatrical production I witnessed, it became clear to me that leotards were becoming the cornerstone of costume design, both for performers and dancers alike.
I was especially charmed by the shimmering silk and tulle ensembles of the Ziegfeld Follies, and the striking black velvet leotards worn by the dancers of 'Dancing on Air' - an elaborate show about aviation, what a fun time it was to be alive!
Every stage felt electrified by a sea of colourful, form-fitting, silky and beautifully crafted leotards - I was completely swept away. The use of rich colours and daring cuts embodied the freedom and innovation of the era, perfectly capturing the bold spirit of the era’s women.
Now, the thing is, darlings, back then, the leotard's role as a 'separate' was beginning to gain ground. It wasn't just about dance, but also as a bold, stylish statement of modernity. Imagine wearing your sleek leotard with a long, flowing skirt, or a daringly tailored pant suit – so incredibly chic, don’t you think?
But let’s not forget, ballet itself was undergoing a vibrant period of its own in 1937. The great dancers of the time like Margot Fonteyn, were gracing the stages of Covent Garden and The Royal Opera House, ushering in a new era of lyrical, balletic artistry, a perfect match for the grace and sophistication of the time's fashion.
One little birdie told me about a fabulous party planned this weekend. I hear that the dancers are all going to wear sleek white leotards - they look sensational! - with black skirts and fabulous headbands adorned with pearls and feathers. Talk about a night of pure elegance!
From the cobbled streets of New York to the sparkling stages of Broadway, 1937 is showing us that the leotard, a seemingly simple garment, can truly hold a vast universe of style possibilities.
Now, I’m off to find that fabulous white leotard, darlings!
This little ballerina has an exciting evening planned. And guess what? I'm going to make sure to wear my new pastel pink, feather-trimmed tutu with it – it’ll just look divine with the sparkle of the dance floor.
But what are you doing, darlings, this month to celebrate the brilliance of the leotard?
Remember, every day is an opportunity to make a bold, fashion statement. Why not step out in your pink tutu? I dare you to make a little leotard magic. After all, it’s your life to embrace in style.
Until next month, darlings!
With a twirling twirl and a sparkly leotard hug,
Emma
xx
