Hello my lovelies! It’s Emma here, back from another whirlwind time travel adventure, and trust me, you won’t believe what I’ve unearthed this month! July 2016, oh my, where do I even begin?!
It all started with my usual morning ritual. After a good breakfast (can't start a day without a proper cuppa and some toast!), I zipped into my favourite sparkly pink leotard, and yes, you guessed it – a gloriously pink tutu (of course, it had to be tulle).
Today’s time travel was going to be special. My street performance was booked for later at the peak of the tourist season in Dusseldorf, so I’d chosen a time period a little closer to home: 1920s Dusseldorf. Now, if you’ve never visited Dusseldorf (and if you’re reading this, it’s a must!), the city's a stunning blend of vibrant modernity and charming historical architecture. Back in the 1920s, it was abuzz with Art Deco influence, a movement that resonated beautifully with my own passion for stylish, dramatic leotards.
This was going to be the perfect time to explore the world of fashion in 1920s Germany!
But first, I needed a suitable ensemble for the era. Thankfully, my little vintage boutique was overflowing with all sorts of delightful things. Today's look? A cream and peach leotard, perfect for that graceful yet striking silhouette that 1920s fashion celebrated, complete with beaded details and, yes, you guessed it - a shimmering tulle skirt, a vintage find from a little antique shop tucked away in a cobblestone corner of Derbyshire.
Now, a good time traveler needs a trusty companion for the journey, and for me, that’s my trusty camera! Ready to capture all those breathtaking 1920s fashion moments, I set my time travel dial, took a deep breath, and – poof! I was transported back in time, arriving in a city brimming with energy.
And wow, the 1920s were electric! Everywhere I turned, the streets were pulsating with flapper fashion. Women had embraced a new level of liberation, expressing their personalities through fashion. My heart leapt at the sight of women in bold, vibrant leotards (though they may not have been called leotards then) with dropped waistlines and daringly short skirts. You wouldn't see that level of flair on the streets of Dusseldorf today, let alone in my quaint little village in Derbyshire!
My journey started at the Kunsthalle, an iconic art gallery in Dusseldorf, with a mesmerizing architectural design of glass and concrete, reflecting the energy of the times. It was the perfect starting point for soaking up the cultural spirit of the era, and a wonderful chance to study the clothing styles. It seemed the world of ballet and fashion were merging in intriguing ways in this era, influencing one another.
After a leisurely stroll, my stomach started rumbling (no ballet performance on an empty tummy!), so I went in search of some local treats. It turned out, 1920s Dusseldorf had a whole range of restaurants showcasing the latest culinary delights. After a delightful meal of sauerbraten, a traditional German dish, I continued my explorations.
Now, the streets of Dusseldorf were truly an open-air fashion exhibition. I observed every nuance: women wearing long, trailing skirts that would have been impractical for any dancer, let alone a street performer! But they paired those with the most stylish flat, strapped shoes! I can't help thinking, if those shoes were worn by a dancer, well, maybe not quite a ballet dancer, perhaps an eccentric, modern jazz dancer with a flair for drama!
The fashion trend was moving towards comfort and fluidity. Clothing was no longer tightly constrained and was now draped with a new elegance and freedom. I imagine a modern dance piece incorporating those themes would be both striking and beautiful!
As the afternoon faded, it was time to gather my thoughts and start preparing for my evening performance. You see, every time traveller needs a way to support their trips, and my passion for ballet gives me the perfect income: I perform on the streets, entertaining those passersby with graceful dance sequences, capturing the spirit of dance from all eras in my leotard ensembles. I found a stunning location near the iconic Rhine River, an area that was filled with charming cafés and local music performances, a backdrop as charming and captivating as any grand opera house. The crowds loved it, even if I did get a few odd looks when they realized that I was not in the attire one would normally expect to see on the streets of 1920s Dusseldorf!
Then, with the city illuminated by a myriad of twinkling lights, I felt the pull of my time machine. The time was ticking, my journey nearing its end, but I carried a heart filled with inspiration from the energy and fashion trends of 1920s Dusseldorf. I knew exactly what my next outfit would be – something with a touch of that 1920s elegance!
As for the big leotard fashion news this month? Oh, it’s just exploded into the future, my dears!
Firstly, it’s the big news from the Dusseldorf ballet school, the Düsseldorfer Ballettschule. They've introduced a collection of new training leotards designed with sleek lines and captivating silhouettes, paying homage to the daring, minimalist design sensibilities of the 1920s! This is truly an exciting trend in the leotard world, blending history with cutting-edge designs.
On top of this, the Berlin Fashion Week is seeing a resurgence in the fashion world with their showstopper creations. There was one particularly exciting performance by a leading choreographer, Klaus Bauknecht, who featured dancers in breathtaking leotards adorned with intricate crystal details – each shimmer reminiscent of those flapper era fringes. It's clear to see, the leotard fashion world is moving towards embracing elements of both elegance and liberation, and what’s better than a beautifully crafted leotard to represent that union?!
So there you have it, my darling readers! 1920s Dusseldorf, you were a truly delightful experience. As always, remember: dance, be fabulous, and embrace a little pink. And please, tell me, what do YOU think of the recent trends in the world of leotard fashion? Let’s chat about all things pink and sparkly! Until next time, keep those tutus twirling!
Yours always, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
