Hello my lovelies!
It's Emma here, back from another magical jaunt through the time vortex, this time landing right smack-dab in the groovy year of 1973, on August 8th to be precise! Oh, the sights, the sounds, the styles… and of course, the leotards!
I landed in the heart of New York City, my dazzling pink tutu shimmering in the August sun. It felt a little like being beamed straight into a Saturday Night Fever scene. It’s safe to say everyone had the disco fever in 1973, and I'm not just talking about the dancing!
As I strutted through the streets, my sparkly leotard causing a little stir, I was drawn to the colourful fashions of the day. Bell-bottom jeans, flowing shirts with psychedelic patterns, platform shoes – the spirit of liberation was in the air, and fashion was certainly mirroring that vibe. And, of course, there was no shortage of amazing leotards!
Now, back in my time, Derbyshire, we are big on traditional ballet. I love a classic leotard in black, white, or maybe even navy blue for a more modern touch. But 1973? Well, it was like a kaleidoscope of colours burst out of a sewing machine!
The leotard style in the disco era was all about playful comfort. Stretchy nylon, bright colours, and fun prints - imagine leotards with floral patterns or tie-dye swirls! My personal favourite? The sheer, sparkly ones – perfect for a sassy twist. I’m sure if I had landed on a stage in one of these beauties, I would have gotten a few double takes and cheers.
There was also a focus on the fun of mixing and matching, and leotards were frequently paired with skirts and leggings, creating dynamic silhouettes. I saw several stunning looks - think colourful leotards worn with floaty A-line skirts for a chic, playful look.
But it wasn’t all just vibrant colours and flamboyant styles. While I danced through the city, I discovered something very intriguing at the legendary Capezio dancewear store, one of the big names in dance apparel even back then! There, nestled amongst the sequins and stripes, were minimalist leotards in basic shades of black, white and grey, reminding me that timeless style never really goes out of fashion.
These minimalist designs were often combined with practical separates, like track pants, adding a hint of athleticism to the disco vibe. Now, I know I’m biased as a tutu-obsessed ballerina, but these looks screamed out "powerful female"!
On this trip, I felt completely inspired by the energy and the self-expression I saw on every street corner. As a fellow enthusiast of pink, my eyes widened when I discovered that "hot pink" had already made its debut in the world of leotards. Let's just say it's my kind of pink! It was bolder, more electric than the softer shades of pink we had back then.
My 1973 adventure wasn't just about fashion, it was about immersing myself in the creative energy of the time.
The evening I arrived was marked by a brilliant ballet performance. It was so thrilling! The choreography was expressive, the music, a delightful mix of disco and classic balletic sounds - a testament to the innovative spirit of the era. Of course, I felt quite proud when I caught the lead ballerina in a glittering, shimmering pink leotard! Talk about girl power!
What I discovered was a dynamic movement: ballet was going through its own revolution. Modern dance was becoming even more expressive, pushing boundaries and incorporating a broader spectrum of emotions into movements. And the costumes? Let me tell you, those were eye-catching! They were more about showcasing the dynamic energy of the dance, than a traditional, formal style.
On the very last day of my stay in New York City, I treated myself to some 1973 fashion treasures. I stumbled upon a fabulous little boutique on Bleecker Street and bought myself a vintage turquoise leotard with a bell-bottom silhouette – a real statement piece. You’ll see me sporting this in my next performance! And, oh, don't forget my other purchases, a fabulous disco ball chain necklace and a bright yellow headband for my new tutu!
This was just one example of the exciting fashion evolution happening all over the world. In Paris, designers like Yves Saint Laurent were embracing the spirit of disco, creating dramatic evening wear in glittering fabrics, using a mix of textures and materials like silk and velvet, which you know are essential for an extravagant look, perfect for that red carpet.
However, this time it wasn’t all about elegance and glam. A street fashion movement was simmering. In London, the glam rock scene, heavily influenced by the world of punk rock and the androgynous style, was beginning to take shape. It brought a new edge to clothing - think leather jackets, ripped jeans, and chunky platform shoes, adding a rock 'n' roll vibe that I find extremely cool!
While a bit far removed from ballet, these styles had a big impact on dancewear and fashion. The bold, rebellious spirit seeped into design, adding a sense of fearlessness to outfits, often with bold colour blocking, contrasting prints and edgy, dramatic cuts. These looks perfectly mirrored the spirit of the times, challenging conventional fashion standards and embracing individuality.
As I prepare to return to my Derbyshire haven, my heart overflows with an unbridled enthusiasm for the world of fashion. I truly believe in wearing your heart on your sleeve, or in this case, your body! What I experienced in 1973 was truly revolutionary – it proved that fashion can be both beautiful and powerful, pushing the boundaries of convention and allowing for genuine self-expression. And you know what? The glam of the disco era, it's a look that’s always coming back – but of course with our very own pink twist, darling!
So, what do you say? Will you embrace the 70s leotard trends with a modern flair? I think it's time to grab those bold, brightly coloured leotards, add a pair of funky platform shoes, and rock that confident disco era strut!
Stay groovy, my darlings!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
