Hey my darlings, it's Emma from Pink-Tutu.com and it's time for our monthly trip back through the glittery annals of leotard history! This month we're whipping up our magical pink sparkle leotard and zipping off to November 1997, just as the leaves start turning crisp and the nights are drawing in – perfect weather for snuggling up in a comfy tutu, wouldn't you agree?
This month’s post, number 1667, marks my 57th trip through time, which honestly makes me feel a bit old. How can I keep this all a secret? (I’m looking at you, Mum!). It can be tricky finding ways to fund the fuel for the magic sparkle of my leotard. That’s why this month, I spent all week down in the cobbled streets of Derby doing impromptu ballet performances - oh, the tutus I saw! My latest favourite is a fabulous ruffled turquoise masterpiece, I must tell you about it another time, it was almost as lovely as mine, and you know mine is the prettiest, of course!
But enough about me, let’s delve back into the fashion history of the leotard!
The Leotard World in 1997 – Where did we last leave it?
The 90s! Can you even believe it? (My gran thinks it's all too recent, she used to dance in the 40s you see - so stylish!). So many trends are coming back now: neon, chunky boots, platform trainers. They said we would get over these styles in our 20s. Well, I still wear it all, even the neon. My wardrobe is a 90s kaleidoscope of fun – especially when it comes to my leotard collection. And speaking of those… November 1997 sees a major shift happening in leotard design. There was still a whole lot of ballet to be had (as a girl has got to, mustn’t you agree?!), but more casual and sporty styles were also making their mark – we see leotards with sleeves, or strappy backs, sometimes in the most brilliant colours you ever did see! (Don’t forget those iconic colour block numbers, remember? It’s almost 25 years ago!). And I don’t even have to mention those delightful neon numbers. So bright and beautiful!
*Where can we find a time-travelling fashionista like me in 1997? *
The answer, my dears, is – EVERYWHERE! The world of dance, from Broadway to the cobblestone squares of Europe, is practically buzzing with these fantastic new styles. Imagine me waltzing around a Parisian street, in my pink sparkle leotard and the very most perfect, delicate ruffled tutu you can possibly picture. You don’t believe me, do you? Maybe one day you’ll just have to take a peek for yourself and watch a show.
But in the world of ballet, there's a very special and grand performance happening in the very heart of London. We are, of course, talking about the legendary Royal Ballet at Covent Garden! Oh, to see that beautiful historic theatre. Oh, and it’s so much fun to see the changing fashion of these amazing dancers, I can't wait to share this spectacle with you all. In 1997, it is an eclectic season: the premiere of The Dream, a haunting ballet by Kenneth MacMillan (which I simply adore for its theatrical use of light), as well as the charming spectacle of a triple bill. I just love those big numbers and, as a good Derbyshirian, I also can’t miss a visit to see the wonderful The Nutcracker – a classic that never grows old. These ballets all have some beautiful costumes that are true highlights of the 1997 fashion scene – in the truest, grandest tradition of classic ballet. These beautiful tutus, of course, need beautifully cut leotards! (Did I mention I’m a real leotard connoisseur? They say this is the height of my fashion passion. Perhaps it is – how lucky for all of us! But for those of you not quite as interested, there is still so much else that’s fabulously fashionable about the leotard).
And did I mention fashion magazines? Imagine them all so glossy. What an amazing fashion treat to go and visit a magazine kiosk. Just like me, there are also some stunning leotard models appearing in some of the most influential magazines. A young, sleek beauty who makes leotard fashion all about glamour – you bet they did! Imagine all the incredible photos in those 1997 fashion magazines and I dare say they really are as striking and fun and sparkly as mine, too.
Oh, this is one of the biggest shifts in leotard history for me. In a world filled with more formal elegance, the leotard has finally emerged as a true fashion statement and that’s so thrilling – the idea that something we put on to go to class and go shopping (if we’re super lucky), can have this real fashionable elegance? And these styles reflecting this are all very practical, with comfort and wearability becoming real fashion aims – well, just like mine! All those comfy new sports-inspired leotards have got us all ready for more activity in the 90s - whether on a street stage or spinning around in an amazing, beautiful show in our wonderful pink sparkle leotards! You know I do it in mine – maybe it inspires those girls around me to start doing it, too?
The leotards of the 1990s were also breaking down all sorts of rigid fashion barriers. Forget the strict traditional ballerina look – you have more options than ever! This was truly a decade of variety, experimentation, and style that pushed boundaries in so many wonderful ways, which really does mean everyone has their chance to become a super star! You just need to have fun and wear those amazing designs.
This month’s Pink-Tutu Leotard Collection Tip: Don’t forget your favourite leotard accessories!
Every great fashion statement requires some great accessorizing! This month I'm loving:
- Tights in bold colours: The possibilities are truly endless. You're going to see those classic neon brights of the 1990s popping up everywhere, so let your imagination go wild! Maybe purple, orange and even green?! Don't be shy – experiment until you find a combo that screams 'YOU!'.
- Cool necklaces and headbands: Don't underestimate the power of these beautiful accents. Add a chunky metal piece, or a silky colourful one (you know, to add just a hint of your most fabulous colour!) to your outfit for instant elegance. Oh and don’t forget those glitzy earrings, they truly finish a beautiful ensemble.
- Tutus! I couldn’t leave this out, of course. Every fashionable look deserves a bit of fun and fabulousness! Whether you choose a full-on classic style or one of those new, cool, asymmetrical cuts, remember a great tutu can always make you look elegant, and they make you feel wonderful.
Don’t forget to check out the full picture gallery for my full 1997 November outfit on pink-tutu.com, this month I chose to mix my favourite vintage purple tights with an amazing green leotard, which I have had a look in a vintage store!
And if you see my shimmering leotard on your travels back in time – wave to me.
Until next month – keep on dancing and dreaming those fabulous dreams of pink tutus,
With all my love,
Emma, your Pink-Tutu fashionista.
xx
