Hello my lovely Leotard Lovers! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another fantastical journey through time. As you know, my aim in life is to make pink tutus a global fashion phenomenon, and every month, I shimmy, shake and time-travel in my magical, sparkling leotard to inspire the world!
This month, my trusty pink tutu has taken me back to 7th July, 1975. The sun is shining, and Derbyshire feels warm, like a delicious cup of afternoon tea.
I'm walking down the bustling high street in a flurry of pink feathers, feeling a tad like a whimsical fairy, my tutu billowing around me. People stare, some with wonder, some with amusement. But I don't mind - a bit of attention never hurt anyone! My heart flutters with excitement - I'm on a mission, ready to explore the fashion scene and soak up the sartorial inspiration of the 1970s!
My first stop? A quaint little shop filled with rows of colourful fabric, a tapestry of swirling patterns, vibrant textures and delicate laces. It's called "Fabrications" - what a fitting name!
I'm absolutely giddy with the textures, the colours, the potential! You see, 1975 was a time of experimentation and liberation, and that extended to the leotard scene too! This era saw the rise of "disco-fied" leotards, bright and bold, often adorned with sparkles, fringe and sequins. The styles ranged from minimalist to dramatic, with plenty of daring cuts and inventive silhouettes thrown into the mix.
And wouldn't you know it, the shopkeeper is a dear woman called Miss Daisy, a vision in a vintage polka dot dress and a big, kind smile. She helps me rummage through the fabrics, pointing out "Liberty print" - a beautiful cotton print design featuring exotic florals and geometric shapes, beloved in the 70s. "This," Miss Daisy chirps, "was a true leotard fashion favourite - perfect for creating custom designs and those sassy, swirling, disco shapes." I immediately buy a meter or two of a luxurious Liberty fabric in vibrant emerald green and shimmering gold.
Speaking of the disco scene, my next stop takes me to the heart of it all. It's Saturday night at "The Tropicana" discotheque. As I enter, a wave of electric energy washes over me. The music throbs, the strobe lights flash, and bodies are in motion, lost in the rhythm. It's a whirlwind of flamboyant colour and passionate energy.
I quickly realize that the 70s were not just about the bold, brash colours of the disco. There's an air of soft femininity around, too, expressed through muted tones and flowing silhouettes. I'm watching some of the dancers on the floor. They're all rocking amazing, intricately embellished leotards. There are high-cut styles, body-skimming forms, and long sleeves adorned with luxurious silk fabric. One woman catches my eye in particular; she's in a sleek, black leotard that practically hugs her every curve. A single, silver earring glints as she effortlessly spins, the light reflecting off it with hypnotic allure. A perfect blend of style and sophistication, her elegance captivates me!
My adventures continue with a visit to a theatre production, a ballet that has transported me back to the heart of the Romantic era. The graceful ballerinas are dressed in classically elegant leotards, their smooth movements like ribbons flowing through the air. Each fold, each arabesque, every twist, it’s pure poetry in motion! These graceful forms have so much elegance, but the costumes are not just for beauty, they highlight the athlete within - the control, strength, and artistic expression of ballet.
The beauty of ballet inspired me to look for local ballet classes later in the day. A short trip in the magic pink sparkly leotard and I find myself surrounded by a group of giggling girls dressed in their beautiful, practical practice leotards. There is such purity and a lovely simplicity in these ballet-class costumes; there are none of the fussy extras of theatre. Each movement is enhanced by the sleek simplicity of their attire. My presence throws the class into a flurry of delighted excitement - but, let's face it, pink tutus have that effect on people.
By the end of my time-travelling adventure in 1975, I have collected enough leotard inspiration to fuel my own fashion projects for months. It’s a testament to how much can change in style and yet how many of these styles make a come-back and get reinterpreted - they are simply classic for a reason. And, in my mind, there's always space in any era for a little bit of pink, a touch of glamour and a generous sprinkle of magical, twinkling leotards!
That’s all from me, my darling readers. Until next time, stay sparkling, stay twirling and keep dancing your way to happiness, whatever your choice of leotard might be.
And remember, it’s a pink tutu kinda world.
Love and sparkles,
Emma x
This post is dedicated to all the dreamers, dancers and style adventurers who embrace their own individuality, who are bold enough to follow their passion and to live life with a playful heart. Keep shining bright and know that the magic of time travel is only a twinkle in your eye away!
What are you waiting for? Find your pink tutu and go forth and twirl!
