Hey darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling fashionista, Emma, back with another fabulously sparkly blog post!
This month, I've whisked myself back to the groovy, free-spirited era of March 1969. Let me tell you, the energy was electric, the music was fab, and the leotard fashion? Absolutely on point!
Before I take you on a twirl through the fashion scene of 1969, let me tell you how this little time-travelling escapade came to be. You see, my latest street performance had quite the turnout! Crowds of people in the city centre, cheering and clapping as I danced, with my bright pink tutu flowing like a cloud of pure joy. A particularly generous chap (and I swear, he had the most charming handlebar moustache!) gifted me a gorgeous, vintage sequined leotard, a vibrant pink with gold embroidery that would've looked perfect on a dancer in the 1960s!
Well, thereās something quite magical about receiving a piece of clothing with such strong historical significance. It's like holding a tiny piece of the past in your hands, and itās as if the past whispers secrets of fashion to me, encouraging me to leap through time! So naturally, I donned my magical time-travelling pink leotard (sparkly, of course) and let the universe whisk me away to the month my new vintage leotard was born: March, 1969.
Landing right in the middle of bustling London, the atmosphere was vibrant and alive. From the chic ladies on the streets sporting geometric patterned mini skirts to the men sporting bold, colourful velvet jackets, I couldn't wait to discover what the leotard world was like!
The first thing I did, you see, is go on a grand shopping spree! I love the shopping culture of 1969. You have those bustling department stores and little boutiques all overflowing with colour and exciting fashion, a perfect mix of classic chic with modern vibes. Oh, how I adore a good rummage through vintage shops! And trust me, this period offered plenty of sartorial treasures. I'd even found myself a darling little hat with a fluffy pink feather! (I'll post a photo on my Instagram later!)
As a dancer, I always love visiting local dance studios. This time, I ended up at a groovy little ballet school, called "Dance Dynamos" where they taught a mixture of classical ballet, modern dance and some crazy innovative forms likeā¦Jazz ballet, anyone? This school was where I first experienced how leotards were moving beyond the realm of just practice wear! It felt like there was a whole new revolution going on in the world of ballet fashion.
Here's a peek into what the ballet fashion world looked like in 1969:
Leotards - Bold and Free
Gone were the days of plain, boring leotards. The 1960s were all about self-expression and letting loose, and leotards were no exception. Bright, bold colours like sunshine yellow, ocean blue and vibrant emerald green were everywhere.
Think stripes, bold geometric patterns and psychedelic motifs, even funky tie-dye! Remember that leotard I found? It's a prime example! It wasnāt just for ballet classes - Iāve seen them on the streets, too. Think fashion icon Mary Quant's influence - short dresses and leotards, the ultimate pairing for an exciting new fashion era!
Tutus ā Bold and Experimental
Now, darling, imagine tutus with geometric shapes and patterns, crafted from contrasting fabrics, like satin and chiffon! There was this captivating interplay between traditional shapes and edgy materials that gave the entire ballet experience a unique, almost rebellious quality. There was one in a store that had bright pink with stripes on one side, and deep emerald on the other - It was a vision, darling!
Accessories
Oh, my, the accessories were to die for!
- Think big, colourful headbands, inspired by the iconic āhippieā trend, often in bright colours and adorned with floral details.
- Think those amazing velvet ribbons, sometimes incorporated in the dance outfit or as part of the hair style!
- You have chunky bangles, groovy earrings, and statement necklaces - it was a bold explosion of style!
It was the perfect era for an enthusiastic ballet fashionista! My 1960s leotard collection has truly been boosted by my little escapade this month. It seems that fashion really does repeat itself in this world of ballet! You'll never guess, dear readers, what I saw last night while attending a show in Londonās West End. The leading lady in the show, a dazzling talent, wore a bright turquoise, stretchy leotard paired with an incredibly bright red tutu! Such a statement. I tell you what, leotards, with the addition of that dash of bold color, could go anywhere these days, from the street to the stage!
So there you have it, dear reader! March 1969 was an extraordinary journey filled with creativity, freedom, and yes, plenty of pink! Now go forth, and embrace the freedom and passion of pink tutus. Because darling, every day should be a ballet performance!
Until next month!
With sparkly love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. What do you think about leotards becoming fashionable for more than just dance?
P.P.S. I have found an amazing boutique on Etsy filled with 1960s leotards, and let me tell you, I will be purchasing all of them, with my performance winnings!
