Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu clad, time-traveling fashionista! This month I'm whisking you all back to 1970, 5th May, to delve into the captivating world of leotards and discover what fashion wonders were happening that very day!
Now, as always, let's begin with the quintessential leotard accessory, the magnificent tutu. Oh, how I love the twirls, the twirls! This month's adventure started with my pink-sparkling leotard working overtime as I whisked myself off to London's Covent Garden to see what sartorial treats awaited me. Now, back in the seventies, the iconic tutu was still the mainstay of ballet performances. But it was undergoing a transformation. Those classic tulle skirts were getting daring with new cuts and more revealing designs. The Romantic era with its grand-scale tutus, still had its fans, but those iconic 19th-century creations were getting some fabulous, fun, more contemporary twists.
I spotted a magnificent ballerina called Dame Margot Fonteyn on the stage of the Royal Opera House that evening - absolutely enchanting. Margot was famous for her classical style. However, that night I spotted some serious contemporary leotards on display too. It was all very exciting! You wouldn’t be wrong in thinking I immediately shimmied over to the Royal Ballet store afterward for a look-see at the new collections, although those outfits could have only been purchased by dancers and professional institutions at the time. But I still managed to catch a glimpse of some stunning tutus! They're absolute works of art. The way they catch the light... pure magic!
Speaking of magic, my sparkly leotard brought me right to London's iconic department stores next! Harrods and Liberty had a plethora of colorful leotards, and in some ways they reminded me of my time back in 1960s New York. But back then the leotards weren't just for ballet. They were popular with dancers of all genres and athletes too! Even fitness was adopting the leotard trend! My diary shows a record of this amazing new innovation of the 'fitness craze.' I was mesmerized. So many exciting new fashion trends - and this was just in London!
To see what leotards were inspiring in other countries, I hopped into my magic leotard and next thing I knew, I was in Paris, home to the glorious House of Chanel. This iconic label brought leotards to the runway, mixing them with bold prints and edgy fabrics! Chanel loved to be a little different and she was doing it so effortlessly on the French scene with these unique creations that really embodied the modern feminine spirit. You could just sense this new wave of freedom coming. The late sixties had really taken off and things were definitely getting funky in fashion, so the change to a more playful vibe in ballet fashion made sense.
I spent a marvelous afternoon window shopping at Printemps, a department store on the Boulevard Haussmann just across the road from Chanel’s main store in Paris! Everything about the fashions seemed incredibly bright and chic, just as the Parisiennes seemed to be too. All I wanted was to dress like them! So after watching some ballet shows and enjoying some exquisite Parisien fashion shopping, I danced into a fabulous Parisian cafe and sat down, feeling so delighted that my very own magic pink leotard had enabled me to have all this fun in such an exciting city.
And finally, the very next day I ended up in a New York dance studio, the place where everything exciting in the world of dance seems to start! Back in 1970 New York was buzzing with new leotard styles! So I started dancing with everyone, including a troupe of American dancers, just to make myself a little at home! I mean, when a leotard is all you wear, it can definitely feel a little warm in that American climate!
Oh, my stars! You really couldn’t call New York dull in the world of leotard fashions. Even the dancers at this particular dance studio told me, it was about to be "a very hot summer for leotards" in the American metropolis. And this, you guys, was only five days in to the month! I know, I know. The American obsession with all things pink was just beginning in earnest back then - just like I always knew it would.
So let's recap! Pink-tutu-tastic trends in 1970, 5th May. The London ballet stage embraced more daring designs and embraced new innovations from Europe's dance elite. There was lots of vibrant new color going on, not just in London, but Paris and the U.S. too! And we all saw it: a growing love for the pink aesthetic! (Who else remembers the gorgeous pastel leotards? I love how those delicate tones look so perfect against dancers' lithe, lovely limbs!) That vibrant and fresh color of pink that brought an exciting burst of colour to the leotard landscape. There were just so many gorgeous outfits that even I couldn’t keep up with. The whole leotard design world was a huge swirl of change and excitement in 1970. There was something in it for everyone.
It was absolutely clear: The era was full of experimentation and fun - just like me and my amazing magic pink-tutu time travelling leotard!
I always say that "leotards speak a universal language." From the stage to the studio and even the street, this is a garment that empowers every woman. Just look how many times it’s been worn in countless creative ways over the last 70 years and look at how its still making an impact today. So if you are looking for an opportunity to be bolder or even to make a big statement with your style, don't hesitate, slip into that gorgeous leotard you've been eyeing up and see for yourself what a fashion miracle you can become!
And darling, do keep coming back to the Pink-Tutu.com website, to keep up to date on my future adventures.
This month's journey ends right here for now. I just can't wait for you to see what awaits you on our next time travelling adventure together. So let's all go and get those tututists ready to whirl! Until next month. xx
