#LeotardHistory during 1996 07

Hello darlings, it's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another trip down memory lane. Today's date? 1996, July - the hottest month for leotard fashion, I think you'll agree.

Now, you know how much I love a good dance, a beautiful leotard, and of course, a fabulously fluffy pink tutu. But, it's not just the glamour, darlings. Leotard fashion tells us so much about a moment in time, a snapshot of culture, a story in fabric!

And 1996 was, as we shall see, a year packed with amazing dance performances and absolutely stunning leotards. Buckle up, babes, as we journey back to July '96 and explore the wonderful world of leotard fashion!

You know, I have a real soft spot for my time travelling leotard - it's a proper magical creation! A pink, sparkly masterpiece with intricate sequins and delicate, hand-sewn crystals, all brought together with that gorgeous shimmering finish that always makes me feel like a princess (with a sprinkle of sass, naturally!). The best part, though, is it’s almost invisible – I can be there one minute, gone the next, which is incredibly useful, wouldn't you agree, darling?

You all know that I fund my time-travel expeditions through the joy of my street performances. (Yes, that’s right! Emma the Time Traveller? She's also a street dancer – gotta pay for those glitzy leotards, babes!) There’s something absolutely captivating about bringing a little joy to the bustling streets with my dazzling twirls and graceful movements – people are always charmed! They tell me to go for it, follow my dreams - and let's face it, how can you resist when a beautiful pink tutu is involved?

Right, back to July ’96… I landed right outside the Royal Opera House in London, feeling like a pink glitter bomb of delight in the summer heat! What was on the schedule, you ask? Why, the opening night of a fabulous new production of “Giselle.”

Now, if you don’t know, “Giselle” is a classic ballet full of dramatic passion, with exquisite, expressive dancing – a real treat for the senses! In '96, the Royal Ballet gave it a stunning new interpretation, the costumes - exquisite.

For Act I, we see the classic romantic costumes, elegant, graceful - perfectly fitting for a story about village maidens. Imagine layers of white tulle and exquisite ribbons, and beautiful, delicate leotards that highlighted the ballerinas’ movement, creating a true visual delight.

Now, the grand reveal is in Act II – the spectral ballerinas. The colours in the costumes - breathtakingly beautiful! I’m talking light and airy ethereal white, accented with the lightest hint of grey – like a mist in the morning light. Imagine, darlings, delicate fabrics fluttering and swirling with every movement - oh, it’s almost as if you could step right into the story! These costumes – simply perfection, with a design that beautifully captured the eerie mood of the story – such creativity, I'm simply blown away.

After my ballet-fueled delight in the London stage, I was feeling a little hungry, so, off to a wonderful Italian restaurant in Soho. Soho was brimming with an amazing blend of creatives. Artists, singers, designers – it was alive with colour and excitement. There was a real sense of individuality, which was perfectly captured in the clothing choices of the crowds. Oh, the vintage-inspired jeans, the floral patterns – so fabulous, my darling! And I can’t help but add, Soho, with its bustling mix of people from every background – that's where leotard fashion, dance, and music all come together, to make it such a vital part of the 1996 London scene.

Speaking of trends, darlings, what about leotards themselves? It seems '96 was the era of “the bigger, the better,” with bold, bright colours really taking centre stage. From deep jewel tones like emerald green to striking, confident blues – everything went. Imagine bold bright stripes for extra pizzazz, geometric designs to highlight athleticism. And a touch of gold and silver - just to add that extra sparkle. I love how these designs celebrated the strength and power of female athletes.

Leotard designers started really showcasing different textures in 1996, which I absolutely loved. We’re talking velvets and silks that brought an exciting, glamorous, almost couture look to gymnastic leotards, but they also brought the practicality of staying breathable and light – perfect for active gymnasts.

Oh, but of course, we can't forget about those tutus. You know how much I love my tutus – a dance floor favourite, they are. In 1996, those iconic tutus for ballerinas – they started getting bigger. Imagine, tiers and layers, bringing a touch of fairytale magic to every ballet performance. A ballerina’s movements - they just took on a new life with those tutus!

Of course, a visit to 1996 isn't complete without my pink tutu, right, darling? So, here is my pink tutu outfit of choice for a summer day in London in '96!

Leotard: Let's keep things breezy – we're talking a lavender pink leotard with elegant, slightly ruched shoulders, bringing a modern flair. For a touch of nostalgia, I'm thinking delicate straps that go back down the neckline.

Tutu: Now, here's where it gets fun! A three-tiered, full-circle tutu made with a soft, silky pink tulle that billows effortlessly with every twirl. Let's keep it classy – subtle sparkles will do.

Accessorizing with Glamour: A silver chain belt for that perfect touch of 90s glam. And we're finishing it off with those stunning butterfly hair clips with shimmering pearlescent wings. Oh, they'll definitely be making a comeback this summer, I can tell.

Now, a little story time…

It was my last evening in 1996 – just a couple of hours before heading back to the 21st century - when I wandered into an exciting little dance store in Notting Hill, called “The Tutu Tree”. The owner – a fabulous, energetic woman – gave me all sorts of fascinating advice on 90s leotard trends, and it was clear, she loved to see her customers wearing their outfits with joy and passion, and you just know this is where true fashion thrives – a love for design, for the way the clothes feel, a real feeling of expression!

Oh, you all know how I adore those little boutique discoveries, those independent treasures, just begging to be found, just begging to inspire! I love the thrill of those moments when you stumble upon that one thing – whether it’s an old theatre poster, a quirky accessory, a beautifully designed leotard – that spark your creativity. And that's what The Tutu Tree was – a sparkling, fabulous reminder that Leotard fashion isn’t just about being in the latest trends – it’s about telling a story – your story.

And, darling, this passion – it’s what drives my adventures in time! So next time you spot a tutu – on stage or in the streets, just take a moment and think about its history, about the stories it has to tell, and the people whose hearts it has captured!

You see, it’s a time-travelling fashion symbol - this beautiful creation of fabric, ribbons, sparkles - and you never know when the next adventure awaits. So let’s go on a tutu adventure, and we’ll tell that story together, with a pink tutu and a smile.

Until next time, darlings – stay sparkly!

Emma,

www.pink-tutu.com