Hello, fellow fashionistas! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballerina. July is here, and it's all about celebrating the colour of happiness - pink, naturally! So, settle into your favourite comfy spot, grab a cuppa, and join me as we jet back in time to the groovy 1960s for a dazzling fashion fix!
I love that this month's blog coincides with a momentous occasion! It's 1967, the year of peace and love, psychedelic prints, and mini-skirts! The world was in a whirlwind of change - from the civil rights movement to the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album, it was a year brimming with fresh, vibrant energy. It's hard to imagine a time when leotards were only for ballet dancers! It was a different era, you see - the world was still learning how to embrace the leotard's versatile allure!
And speaking of leotards, did you know July 1967 was an extraordinary month for leotards in fashion? Think sleek, modern lines with playful pops of colour! Fashion houses like Givenchy and Courrèges were showing off striking designs – leotards paired with chic mini-skirts and long, flowing jackets, offering a glamorous silhouette. The modern leotard, even back then, had truly broken free from the traditional ballerina mould.
This was my moment, darling! I decided to ditch the grand ballet stage for the cobbled streets of London, showcasing my pink tutu and a vibrant, eye-catching leotard – a bright turquoise design with whimsical butterflies flitting around. The look drew quite a crowd! Imagine, strutting around Carnaby Street amidst the flamboyant styles, the scent of perfume, and the electric vibe – it was a sensation! Every passing head turned my way, whispering “Look at that dancer in the pink tutu!”. I felt like a true street performer, radiating joy and spreading the pink tutu gospel!
Naturally, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see a real fashion show. That evening, I ventured into the heart of the West End theatre district and found myself at a London production of "Hair" - the revolutionary musical that challenged the norm, defying the boundaries of what was considered theatre. It was a perfect example of how the leotard, so closely tied to the elegant ballet world, had begun to blossom as a piece of everyday fashion, reflecting the youthful, independent energy of the time.
In fact, I think that leotard, as versatile and practical as it is, played a key role in ushering in this era of individuality and expression. The vibrant colours, the simple yet striking designs - leotards embodied the spirit of freedom. And that, darling, is precisely why I feel a deep affinity for this amazing garment. It represents a shift in the perception of how women dressed. It was a liberation from restrictive, overly decorated styles. Leotards offered freedom of movement, and a certain level of boldness – the courage to express oneself through a single piece of clothing.
That brings me to my current project! I’m trying to recreate a vintage 1960s leotard, using a bold floral pattern that I found in a vintage fabric store. The leotard has long sleeves, a scooped neck, and a flowy skirt – I call it my 'mod flower' design. You can find the patterns and instructions on the pink-tutu.com blog. It’s my little way of bringing a piece of the 1960s magic to the present day!
And darling, if you are looking for the ultimate leotard statement – there's nothing better than a pink tutu, right?! It just screams fun and joy, and it makes every single outfit more playful! It's no wonder it’s becoming so popular. The pink tutu has transcended the world of ballet – it is now a fashion staple.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this trip down fashion memory lane! Don’t forget to check out the new leotard designs and the upcoming 'pink tutu street dance' workshop on the pink-tutu.com blog! Until next month, keep on dancing! And if you are thinking about a little pink tutu addition to your wardrobe – you know what to do, darling!
Lots of love and pink sparkle,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
