#LeotardHistory during 1985 03 March

Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus reign supreme and pink is the colour of dreams! It’s Emma here, your very own time-traveling leotard aficionado, ready to whisk you off on a sartorial adventure to the glorious 80s.

As usual, I’ve donned my magical, sparkling pink leotard, the one that shimmers with an almost-electric energy and carries me through time. This month, we’re stepping into the vibrant world of leotard fashion on the 3rd of March 1985.

Buckle up, because this era is brimming with the most fabulous, playful, and daring leotard styles imaginable. From neon brights to bold geometric prints, 1985 was all about pushing the boundaries and expressing individuality – just like my love for the perfect pink tutu, of course.

This month, I'm bringing you some juicy fashion finds from the world of street performance, and we're heading straight to Broadway, where some real legends are making their mark on the world of theatre fashion!

Now, it’s no secret that I love a good show! But there's something truly magical about being transported back in time to a Broadway show and watching those stars shimmer in their iconic leotards. It's just so much more special when you know the impact they've had on fashion!

This March, I’m catching the dazzling performance of “Cats” – those furry, feline friends always make for a dazzling spectacle! They’re all wearing bold, contrasting colour blocks and stripes, bringing a fierce but elegant edge to their performance. You can practically see the glitz and glamour leaping from the stage! Imagine - leotards designed to perfectly showcase those athletic, captivating movements. I just adore the power that the right leotard can possess, both on and off the stage!

Just around the corner, a ballet company called “New York City Ballet” is showcasing their incredible skills in a stunning performance of George Balanchine’s “Diamonds”. A symphony of sparkles and elegance, it’s easy to see why this particular show is making waves in the dance world! This style of performance is just divine! I feel completely enthralled by the sophistication and delicate femininity, every single time I watch. These women are so incredibly elegant, and their sleek, body-hugging leotards accentuate their movement with so much poise. The fact that these are all designed in elegant monochrome is simply exquisite. I must find myself a new black leotard, or perhaps a crisp ivory... Oh, the possibilities are endless!

Of course, being a travelling leotard fanatic, I just had to squeeze in some time at one of the most prestigious dancewear stores, "Capezio". Stepping through that doorway was like entering a wonderland of silks, stretch fabrics, and everything sparkly imaginable! It was an absolute haven for my inner leotard-loving soul! This place is full of history and has helped to shape the look of dance fashion! It’s clear that their high-quality fabrics and beautiful cuts were an inspiration for many of the legendary leotards I saw worn on stage that evening.

Oh, how I long to be a fly on the wall in their design room! To witness the crafting of such incredible garments, that elevate performances and express the most amazing artistic ideas. That kind of energy is absolutely infectious! I always feel so empowered, so creative, and full of vibrant colour whenever I visit somewhere steeped in the history of fashion like Capezio!

Of course, it wouldn't be a complete trip to 1985 without venturing beyond the glitz of Broadway to see what the street-style scene was up to! Now, 1985 was a time when leotards weren’t just for the stage, darling! They were becoming more accessible, more versatile, and were finding their place in everyday life, much like our beloved tutus.

I’m absolutely fascinated by how fashion ebbs and flows. It feels so incredibly cyclical, but that doesn’t mean that each decade doesn’t have its own special flavour and charm! I find the leotard particularly adaptable to change, as it reflects all the colours, fabrics, and cuts of its time. And in the 80s, leotards were definitely having a moment.

People were experimenting with everything from legwarmers to bold colour palettes. They’re looking fabulous, effortlessly showing off their personal style through the medium of leotards and, most importantly, tutus! It’s incredible to see the different lengths, colours, and textures embraced by women back in the 80s, it truly inspires my love for colourful, flamboyant fashion!

The coolest thing about this decade’s street style? It’s so unashamedly bold! Bright neons and bold geometric prints, they’re pairing those gorgeous leotards with vibrant layers like bomber jackets, leggings, and a truly incredible array of oversized knitwear! It’s bold, it’s fearless, and it's completely empowering - my absolute dream of a style!

You know what? They're just so full of personality! Each leotard feels as though it is brimming with energy and ready for anything! There are bright primary colours for days, alongside those incredibly gorgeous, flowing patterned fabrics! Imagine: shimmering emerald, hot pink, vibrant purple, and turquoise! So incredible! Those fabrics bring a sense of confidence to any outfit. They are completely captivating, with their vibrant colours and their bold cuts.

As much as I love to see tutus everywhere, it seems that the 80s had a real passion for tights too! I spotted these fantastic tights made from colourful striped and geometric patterns - some with bold, contrasting colour combinations, while others are wonderfully bold yet wonderfully subtle. The incredible combination of colours and textures just blew me away. It’s so clear that these were worn by people with a strong sense of self, people ready to stand out from the crowd. The more daring the better, a complete embrace of creativity!

As usual, my street style explorations have inspired me to take a step back and consider the boundless possibilities for self-expression through clothing! There is always so much to learn, and 1985 really was a bold era when it came to individual style. These people were showing the world their unique personality through bold leotards and playful patterned tights, and I'm incredibly excited to see that spirit in the fashion scene today.

It’s true that fashion isn’t always just about clothes, but it’s about making a statement! You see it on the stage, on the street, in everyday life, leotards truly have a magic power. It’s not just about comfort or looking glamorous, it’s about finding the joy of individuality. The history of fashion really comes alive in these little moments of exploration!

Now, let's move forward together to the world of 2023. This blog post was just a small glimpse of the ever-changing world of leotard fashion, and the joy of pushing those creative boundaries. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore! Join me in expressing your personal style! Don't be afraid to wear your pink tutu, be bold, be expressive, be colourful! The possibilities are endless, so make your statement with grace and a touch of glitter. Until next month, stay sparkly, darlings!