Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveler, back with another monthly update from the wonderful world of leotard fashion!
This month’s post is extra special because December 2016 was an absolute whirlwind for my leotard adventures! It’s a little blurry looking back (who wouldn’t be a little dizzy after all the travel?), but I’ve pulled together my memories for a spectacularly sparkly glimpse into leotard fashion across the ages!
Oh, before I start, I’m Emma and if you're new here, I'm all about that pink tutu life! My favourite colour, the most beautiful garment… you know the drill! Every month I step into my magic pink sparkling leotard, travel back through time, and bring you all the latest in leotard fashion – from Ancient Egypt to the future!
#1896 - A Festive Leap through Time
It was the festive season when I took my first big December leap. I felt a shiver, like Christmas bells echoing around me, before landing on… wait for it… Victorian London! The Victorian era was all about extravagant embellishments and intricate details. Imagine ruffles upon ruffles of satin, layers upon layers of lace, and silk as soft as a baby's breath. Leotards were very much hidden beneath the grandeur of the gowns – but that didn’t mean they weren’t in vogue!
I had my trusty pink tutu with me, of course, and was practically dripping with diamonds! My fellow Victorian fashionistas weren’t so used to seeing such vibrant hues in such a flamboyant style, but their initial bewilderment quickly shifted to curious interest. It felt good to inject some colour and drama into that period. Imagine being restricted by a cage of boning and petticoats when you can float through the air on a cloud of silk!
I popped into a fashionable atelier for a look around and had a little tea with the owner. You wouldn’t believe how those Victorian ladies crafted their elaborate garments – such amazing talent, it really was an inspiring glimpse!
I was a bit worried the Victorian ladies might be stuck on their fancy dresses for an eternal afternoon tea, but then came the unexpected surprise of the whole trip: Ballet!
Turns out the ballet was booming in Victorian London, with many ladies indulging in classes to achieve that elegant grace! Leotards for dancing, made from silky cotton or silk, were a big deal. They weren’t quite as flamboyant as the tutu-wearing ballerina trend of the present day, but they did offer a welcome departure from the everyday petticoats.
For a truly special treat, I enjoyed the first professional ballet performance I ever saw in this era. The ballet was about a mythological creature, full of elegant moves and flowing fabric – the graceful forms, the elegant footwork, it was magic! The ballerina, she was wearing a simple leotard in white, all embellished with sparkling beads and the smallest touch of delicate silk. So refined and pretty!
Even today, it’s something special, going to the ballet. It just proves how special dancing and its fashions have always been!
December – A Month of Leotard Magic!
December was such a whirlwind for me. My trip to Victorian London was simply the first stop on my global voyage of leotard fashion.
I danced in the 1920s jazz scene, where the flappers ruled the streets in a mix of glamorous and scandalous fashions! Leotards started popping up in fashion for women who weren’t necessarily ballerinas. It felt wonderfully rebellious and full of joy, like a little taste of rebellion for a era where fashion felt quite restrained for women!
In 1950s Paris, I twirled through Parisian cafes with Audrey Hepburn in the back of my mind. A true style icon, the actress popularized that elegant Parisian elegance that we still adore today! There were all those chic cafes with their delicate pastries and amazing little shops bursting with amazing outfits and beautiful leotards! I went for a bold colour palette for this trip.
As the 1970s called my name, I strutted around disco halls, and danced to the beat of soul and funk, my trusty pink tutu radiating a funky glam that just belonged on the dance floor! The disco era! Where do I even begin? Bold colours, patterns, sparkly materials... all embraced by that energetic spirit! Leotards started coming into their own in this period – they weren't just for ballet! And they weren't just one colour or material. Imagine all the sparkles! And all those exciting textures - the fabrics felt incredible! It felt really amazing seeing how fashion became all about freedom of expression and bold self-confidence!
Finally, I time-jumped to the modern day - back to 2016 – and let me tell you, the leotard fashion world is in full bloom! It's so amazing how this seemingly simple garment can become so expressive, from chic and sporty to fun and funky - so many choices! Leotard fashion is so diverse today and it feels so special to have been part of all this history.
Leotards are the new uniform
The world of fashion keeps getting more exciting and expressive, and it seems like everyone’s getting involved in this movement. Street style has been completely transformed with leotards becoming a regular part of outfits in all their varied styles – chic, comfy, sassy! There's something really inspiring about seeing leotards being worn as everyday outfits.
I feel so happy to share my journey of Leotard fashion with you! This month, it’s time to grab a cosy mug of hot chocolate, slip on a fuzzy cardigan, and settle down for a night of dancing.
As always, thank you for joining me, my dear readers. May your days be filled with glittery sparkle and the joyous joy of leotard fashion. Don't forget, it's all about loving yourself! If you feel happy in it - you can do anything!
And always remember, life is a beautiful journey to be enjoyed – why not do it wearing a pink tutu?
See you all next month for a new chapter of our Pink Tutu travels! 🩰💖
