Hello my darlings! Welcome back to another whirlwind adventure with Pink-Tutu! This month, I'm taking you on a dazzling journey toā¦wait for itā¦1958! Now, I know what you're thinking, "1958? Emma, haven't we done this one already?". And you're right, we have! But hear me out! I have a hunch this trip is going to be oh-so-much more fashionable.
Remember, dear readers, Pink-Tutu never quite goes where she's planned to! Thereās always a spontaneous pirouette to be taken, a unexpected pas de deux, and that's what keeps my time-travelling adventures so, so thrilling.
As you all know, my magical pink leotard isnāt just a whimsical wardrobe choice ā it's my key to all the glitz and glamour. So, a flash of sparkle later, Iām whizzing through the skies like a sugared dream, leaving my Derby studio and landingā¦ in the heart of Paris!
Just picture it: a Parisian cafe, bustling with charming waiters, a symphony of chatters, and an irresistible aroma of coffee and croissants! Oh my, itās simply delightful.
But, before I get lost in the croissants, we're here to talk leotard history, darling! You know how much I love a good historical fashion dig, don't you? So let's explore what the leotard fashion scene had in store for Parisian ladies on the 7th of July 1958ā¦
The Paris Ballet Opera had an absolute triumph, boasting stunning performances with a stunning line-up of ballerinas all sporting beautifully constructed costumes. I must admit, the designs were more than a little austere compared to what I see in the modern ballet world ā a little bit too many layers, if you ask me, especially when they werenāt embracing a āballet pinkā and more neutral colours were the order of the day! They didn't seem to know that "a little pink goes a long way." But I have to give them points for dedication to detail - each dancer's leotard was expertly sewn to fit their unique frames. You know I adore that sort of artistic precision! There was definitely a hint of vintage flair in their choice of long tulle skirts that gave the performances a regal elegance that you simply donāt see nowadays! And then I noticed some beautiful lace and velvet panels adorning the leotards which certainly gave a luxurious feel. I mean, it isnāt Paris for nothing, right?
And speaking of luxury, letās delve a little into some of the fashion houses dominating Paris's style at this time. Designers like Balenciaga were changing the landscape of fashion ā youāre all aware of my absolute obsession with classic designs that can elevate even the most modest leotard to a sartorial statement. Of course, Chanel was at her best in '58, a timeless elegance in a chic and practical sense ā the kind of classic you could dance all day and still be dancing a few decades later, even if it means a little repair, which reminds me!
Do any of you have old leotards in your closets that need a bit of Pink-Tutu love? It's a classic. Maybe a little tweak on the leg cut here or there and perhaps some modern-day additions of sparkle ā there's no need for a magical leotard to transport your leotards into a new era of style.
I couldn't help but feel that a hint of colour, specifically a lovely shade of pink, was missing from the fashion scene. You see, dear readers, I'm not just about ballet, Iām about ballet fashion, about spreading the love of pink and inspiring all the ladies to embrace their own personal pink tutu. It's a mission, really!
My mission to inspire more dancers to adopt a little āpinkā in their wardrobes certainly made me feel like dancing through the streets. Of course, this being Paris, I had to be sure that I was staying safe, you know the paparazzi and all, I canāt even begin to tell you how much I want to encourage all of you to break free and let those tutus flow! But this Paris fashion was definitely worth seeing. I couldnāt wait to go on a little spree! I have to admit, even my favourite vintage pink tulle looked a little bit drab in the company of the fine couture. But we can't forget, that all things in fashion must come around ā a vintage trend might be gone for a while but thereās always the hope that it will return! In the world of fashion, one girl's ātrashā can be another girl's "treasure", and what we might view as classic can also be seen as "vintage", the cycle is endless. So, my darling fashionistas, just remember: your unique fashion style, with or without pink, deserves to shine!
Speaking of shine, darling! Now, letās talk a little about performance in Paris ā remember when I told you that this time travel was all about dancing and not croissants? Itās true.
I decided to try my hand at busking in the street (with permission, of course! We all need to respect the law). And guess what? I think I discovered the Parisian appreciation for a pink-tutu performance! I had a little performance spot, right outside a local baker, and what a treat it was! Thereās something rather poetic, really, about showcasing a beautiful craft like ballet on the street, with passers-by pausing, mesmerised, and of course, who could resist a generous applause for a time-travelling, tutu-wearing ballerina? It was a lovely, unexpected turn in this particular Paris adventure!
It was just what I needed to give a burst of Pink-Tutu colour to this trip ā the Parisians embraced me as if I was a local; that Parisian fashion sense seems to translate so easily to the street performances.
So there you have it! Paris in July 1958, filled with Parisian fashion glamour, inspiring a pink tutu loving ballerina and a love of vintage leotards. Who knew that a bit of ballet, pink, and Parisian charm could create the most wonderful dance-filled escapade? Let me know if youāre ever visiting, and if you are, tell them "Emma" from Pink-Tutu says hello.
Until next month, my darlings, stay fabulous!
Emma, Pink-Tutu.
