Hello lovelies, and welcome to another installment of Pink Tutu Travels! This month, I’m taking you all the way back to February 2nd, 1950!
You’ll not be surprised to hear that my journey began, as always, with a glorious, sparkly performance on the cobblestones of Bakewell, my hometown in Derbyshire. My sparkly pink tutu – the one with the diamanté roses, you know the one – sent passers-by into a flurry of pink-tinged happiness. I felt the pure joy of dancing under the Derbyshire sun, filling hearts with wonder and joy! I felt as if the whole town was being bathed in a blush of happiness, because well, isn't that how we should all feel? The very best feelings come wrapped in a pink tutu, you know!
But then… poof! It’s time for a leap across the ages! As always, it began with a swirl of shimmering fabric. A sudden shimmer in the pink, and there I was, ready to explore the leotard fashion scene of February 2nd, 1950, and let me tell you – there’s much to tell!
Now, in 1950, leotard fashion was moving through a transitional phase, you see. The days of the simple, practical leotards designed for athletic wear, were giving way to a whole new era, an era full of creative expression, glamour and style. And honestly? Who can resist a splash of pink tutu fashion magic in that glorious era?
So, what were leotards like back then?
* Ballet - The Flourishing Flower*
Ballet leotards in the 1950s were still very much tied to their original purpose – the need for practicality on stage. This is before those stretchy, second skin types we have today, you see. These beauties were made of silk and satin, oh so delicate and so chic, and while often very plain in shape, you can imagine the lovely drape of such luxurious materials – divine!
You see, this is the golden era of Margot Fonteyn and Alicia Markova, with dancers in those beautiful white tutus and silk leotards… all those incredible leaps and fouetté twirls in their graceful silhouettes! Just the sheer power and femininity of the style still gives me shivers!
In ballet schools, meanwhile, the simple lines were a real contrast, so simple! Imagine the most delightful shade of pink, you can almost see them dancing through time, like little princesses, full of grace and potential. And remember the classic black and pink combo was an iconic classic of the era, so full of drama, and so effortlessly beautiful!
Beyond The Stage
The 1950s saw leotards take the plunge and leap outside the stage! Leotards, now becoming a style icon, weren't just for ballet anymore. Fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar were all over the new leotard, now reimagined for day-to-day life! It was the birth of something wonderful and powerful. The everyday leotard as a style statement. You can just imagine my joy!
One of my absolute favourite designs that had us all going "ooh la la!" in the 50s? The cabasar leotard! This gem of a leotard had long, slim arms with an elongated neckline and oh so elegantly covered a part of the waist and bottom, while the legs flowed into fitted, flattering lines.
And think of the colours of that decade… pastel tones, delicate pink, bold blues, bright yellows, that elegant grey… it’s almost like the world of 1950 fashion was waking up to the beauty of all the hues, a beautiful awakening!
My Time Travel Fashion Finds:
For this trip to February 2nd, 1950, I'm channeling the cabasar trend. Oh darling, let me tell you about the masterpiece I discovered! I stumbled upon an original vintage piece! Imagine, my lovelies, a luscious shade of baby pink, with soft satin lines that just caress the body! It even has a lovely little keyhole cutout detail in the back! The whole design has this wonderfully graceful drape and flows with each movement. Pure magic, it’s truly a dream come true!
I had to try it on! Imagine, standing in that vintage dressing room, the scent of old lavender clinging to the air, the sun shining in through the dusty window and catching the shimmering sequins of this vintage cabasar leotard... the perfect little piece for this day!
Oh, my time travels have given me an absolute hankering for some gorgeous vintage shopping. Now that’s a pink tutu goal I must conquer! I already have my eye on a certain 1950s-style cabasar leotard. Oh my dear, this could be a leotard I’ll be holding on to forever!
A Leap to the Modern Day
It’s amazing how fashion history circles back, you see? The influence of the 1950s style in contemporary fashion is undeniable, especially in the dancewear market, where many new leotard designers find inspiration from that vintage era. Think of how these stunning cabasar style leotards, which I have so come to adore, are showing up everywhere, from vintage-inspired catwalk looks to the new trends in ballet classes. I love how history keeps spinning!
But you see, fashion in the 1950s was very much tied to strict rules of how to dress. You had to present a certain feminine ideal! Today, it’s such a glorious change – everyone has such amazing choices and leotards in so many fabulous shades of pink, blues, and purple – oh so fabulous and daring, but most importantly… with a focus on comfortable, practical and flattering! This is why I’m forever advocating that everyone needs a pink tutu in their life! It reflects freedom and joy!
Now darling, this is just a snippet of what 1950 leotard fashion holds, so don’t forget to come and visit www.pink-tutu.com where I delve deeper into this incredible world! What do you think of 1950s fashion? Are you inspired? Tell me in the comments below. Let's keep that leotard spirit alive!
Until next time!
Emma xxx
