Hello my darling dears! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller, back with another thrilling instalment of my #LeotardHistory adventures. This month, I’m sharing all the latest fashion whispers from a dazzling trip through time - a journey that took me from the glamorous boudoirs of the French court in the 18th century right to the chic Parisian streets of February 2014!
I always say, a pink tutu is the key to opening any portal - a touch of sparkle and a sprinkle of ‘la vie en rose’ is just the ticket for time travel! As I’ve told you before, my little sparkly time-traveling leotard, inherited from a mysterious and flamboyant aunt (who shall remain nameless, lest I break the laws of time travel), transports me wherever my heart desires, as long as it’s adorned with the most dazzling pink tutu!
The Royal Ballet’s Timeless Style - A Parisian Waltz Back To 2014
Landing smack bang in the heart of Paris, I found myself waltzing through a scene of effortless French chic. I always get such a thrill from witnessing fashion’s evolution! It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the styles that shape our modern world - and who could resist Parisian elegance, my dears?
It was February 2014, and the Parisian ballet world was abuzz with excitement. The Royal Ballet’s very own ‘Romeo and Juliet’ was gracing the prestigious Palais Garnier opera house, just around the corner from the opulent Grand Opera – it felt positively Shakespearean! I practically skipped into the glittering lobby, mesmerized by the glamorous clientele adorned in everything from elegant black dresses to playful prints, each outfit bursting with its own unique personality.
The Royal Ballet - a symbol of tradition and artistry - is always a delight to see. The sheer mastery of movement and grace always takes my breath away, especially within such an impressive venue. Their choice of leotards was, as ever, the epitome of class and refinement: sleek black bodices accentuated by the dancers' breathtaking physiques.
I always think there's an undeniable charm in black leotards; they emphasize every fluid curve and exquisite line, allowing every step to tell a story in a quiet and powerful way. It's no wonder black leotards remain a timeless staple in every ballerina's wardrobe!
* From Leotard To Street Fashion: Taking A Whirl On The Boulevards *
The ballet world had certainly captivated me, but a time traveller's journey isn’t complete without a dash of street-style inspiration, wouldn't you agree? The boulevards were teeming with chic Parisian women who, I have to say, are seriously rocking the fashion scene!
Streetwear styles are constantly evolving - a delightful combination of casual comfort and edgy elegance. I saw lots of sporty influences: relaxed sneakers paired with tailored coats, an effortless and fashionable balance that appealed to my sartorial senses!
It's truly inspiring how effortlessly they incorporated feminine touches into these street-inspired ensembles. I was delighted to see pops of delicate colours, flowing textures and even the occasional dash of floral motifs peeking through. My favourite trend? The return of the turtleneck - a classic piece with such effortless grace, particularly when paired with chic skinny jeans or a sophisticated skirt. This whole Parisian street-style thing? Absolutely my cup of tea!
*18th Century Leotard History - The Debut of The ‘Corset-Leotard’! *
Now, if there’s one thing I love more than tutus and fashion, it’s a good old fashioned leotard history lesson, don’t you? So, I zipped back a few centuries to discover the origins of a very interesting dance outfit - one I’m still trying to wrap my head around - the 18th century ‘Corset-Leotard’!
The first stop? The magnificent Chateau de Versailles! The epitome of grandeur, where opulence and elegance reigned supreme. Inside those ornately decorated walls, I stumbled upon a most peculiar scene – courtiers in intricate silk garments and ladies in stunning gowns. I mean, where else would I find an entire world of powdered wigs, silk stockings and an intricate array of ruffles?!
It turns out, during the 18th century, dancers at court – mainly ladies – performed in leotard-like costumes. These early iterations, known as the ‘Corset-Leotard’, were actually bodices fashioned tightly to the figure, and a precursor to the more familiar corsetry we often associate with the era. They often sported decorative ruffles and were crafted in beautiful fabrics, adorned with pearls or sequins. But the pièce de résistance, in my opinion, was the absolutely delightful silk-woven trousers, or ‘Pantaloons’. Who knew a leotard could look so regal, especially with those perfectly tailored, fitted trousers!
But there was one big hurdle. Unlike today, such an ensemble wasn't always meant to be seen by the common folk! While dancers showcased their incredible talent at the royal court, the design was usually hidden by flowing silk garments, worn over the Corset-Leotard! Can you imagine! What a leotard fashion disaster - but it’s important to remember these were the first steps towards today’s dance attire!
As much as I admired their unique and historical value, my stylish instincts were somewhat thrown off! In my opinion, a leotard shouldn't be hidden; it needs to be shown off in all its glorious beauty - a vibrant expression of individuality, a symbol of freedom, and a perfect way to create an unforgettable ballet experience! And what’s better than a dazzling pink tutu to complete the ensemble?
A Time Traveler’s Inspiration - Spreading the Love of the Pink Tutu!
My little dears, the world of leotard fashion never ceases to surprise me! Whether it's the glamorous Parisian streets, the exquisite costumes of the Royal Ballet, or the intriguing origins of the ‘Corset-Leotard’, there's always so much to discover and adore!
Remember, fashion has always been about pushing boundaries, embracing individuality and telling a unique story with every single piece! The leotard – especially when paired with a glorious pink tutu! - is no different; it is a symbol of empowerment, grace and artistry, all wrapped up in a perfectly fashionable package! As you dance your way through the world, always remember, a pink tutu never goes out of style!
Until next month, remember to embrace the love of the pink tutu and stay glamorous! Keep sharing your leotard moments, and I’ll keep searching the world for new inspirations, fashion stories, and dazzling tales of #LeotardHistory! And remember, the more pink tutus, the better!
Yours forever, *Emma *
*P.S: You can follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to get your daily dose of leotard fashion and pink-tutu fun! My blog posts are up on www.pink-tutu.com, check out post #1862 and leave a comment – I always love to hear from you, my lovely fashion enthusiasts! *
