Hello lovelies! Emma here, back with another fascinating peek into the glorious world of leotard fashion! Today we're heading back to 1918, a date etched forever in my sparkling pink leotard memories...
I woke up feeling particularly enthusiastic about today's journey, mainly because 1918 is an era I’ve been aching to explore! As always, I made sure to do my research, studying fashion magazines, and newsreels from this fascinating period. 1918, right in the heart of the First World War, saw fashion evolve into something a bit different - a move towards practicality and simplicity with some beautiful pops of bold colour. You can see this so clearly in the costumes of the era, with their sleek lines and vibrant hues.
I always start my journeys with a beautiful street ballet performance to raise the funds for my travel! The crowds today were particularly excited by my routine in a fluffy pink tulle tutu. My outfit definitely gave people something to talk about! My bright pink sparkle leotard with its shimmery embellishments - a blend of elegance and playful extravagance - worked like a magic portal, and whiz - off I went!
My arrival in 1918 London was exhilarating. It was like stepping onto a vintage black and white film set, full of handsome men in military uniforms and ladies with elegant hairstyles. The first thing I noticed, though, was the amazing tutus! They were so unique, showcasing some incredible detail. I particularly loved how dancers combined tulle with rich fabrics like silk and velvet, a stunning way to blend delicate elegance with richness. These stunning garments were certainly meant to be seen on stage!
There's an exciting trend emerging in 1918 leotard fashion - a shift towards freedom of movement and ease of use. Gone are the days of restrictive corsets! Dancewear has become far more comfortable, focusing on soft, stretchy fabrics like silk, jersey, and a beautiful woven cotton. They even featured these innovative "new" things called Lycra! This is a definite departure from the structured cotton and velvet found in older garments. It’s an exciting move towards something far more comfortable for dancers, and it opened up a new chapter in dance fashion.
One of my first stops was a renowned dance academy on the outskirts of London. Imagine a beautiful red-brick building nestled in a quiet corner, bathed in afternoon sun. The door was painted a bright welcoming blue and upon entering, the aroma of wood polish, beeswax and freshly-cleaned satin filled my senses. In a cosy corner, by a window overlooking a flourishing rose garden, sat the academy's dance teacher, a graceful lady with a sharp mind and even sharper eye. After exchanging introductions, she was delighted to show me a magnificent collection of leotards! These were made for ballet, but it was clear that the practical beauty of these leotards made them suitable for all styles of dance!
Now, this lady was not only an extraordinary dance instructor but also an expert seamstress! She confided that for years, she'd meticulously handcrafted all the leotards, creating some of the most stylish dance costumes in the entire city! The details she shared with me were fascinating! From carefully selected colours, each chosen to reflect a certain movement, to her innovative embroidery, inspired by her trips to Paris, this lady was an innovator and a true pioneer in her own right!
After visiting the academy, my love for leotard fashion only deepened! This incredible era not only embraces practical styles, it also takes an artistic, elegant, and functional approach to dancewear!
For my afternoon's fun, I joined in on a private rehearsal at the city’s Grand Theatre. As I walked into the rehearsal room, the dancers were moving to a captivating waltzing melody - such an evocative blend of beauty, grace, and history!
There, among a kaleidoscope of pastel-coloured leotards and vibrant silk tutus, a charming group of dancers were prepared to rehearse. It's easy to understand how leotards and dance costumes, with their grace and femininity, could captivate people across cultures and across generations. I can only imagine what it was like to be there as dance transformed from a classical, aristocratic pastime to a truly vibrant part of a nation’s culture.
Of course, what would 1918 be without an indulgent shopping spree? So, off I went to London's most iconic stores! One such treasure I found was nestled in an opulent building - a shop bursting with fabrics! The interior of the store was decorated in pastel shades of pink and yellow, perfect for a girly leotard enthusiast like me. My favourite find? A sumptuous silk, the colours were soft hues of plum and purple. Oh, the amazing tutu designs I can make from this silk!
Before leaving this amazing era, I had the opportunity to watch a phenomenal show at the Palladium Theatre! The costumes were simply stunning, full of dazzling colours and intricately woven lace! I couldn’t resist indulging in some delicious cocktails during intermission, an incredible taste of 1918 culture. I felt transported back in time to a world of grace and sophistication.
It’s true - I am constantly drawn to the beautiful craftsmanship of a bygone era. My little heart flutters whenever I glimpse those exquisite details and artistic designs that make dancewear so beautiful!
I’ve decided to keep 1918 forever etched in my mind. This year was full of challenges but dance remained a source of hope, grace and beauty for many, an expression of their creativity.
Now, let’s chat about what's hot in the world of leotard fashion, back here in the present day. The modern leotard is truly an innovator - we’re seeing so many exciting new designs and styles. Everything from body-hugging fabrics that give extra movement freedom, to leotards featuring captivating details such as intricate stitching, sparkling rhinestones, and stylish colour blocks.
For this month, I’d recommend opting for soft pinks and pastels as the key colours. Add a touch of drama with a stunning black or midnight blue, paired with sleek black mesh! It's all about effortless grace and elegance. Oh, and remember those captivating pops of bright colour? The modern leotard designer still loves them, creating some truly incredible statement pieces!
As always, don't forget the ultimate leotard accessory, my dears! It's the one I love best… the pink tutu! And don't shy away from bright pink tutus, in the style of 1918 dancewear, but make them your own! I guarantee they’ll become your favorite part of your dance outfit. Remember - never forget your personal touch to make it unique to you, you special, stylish ballerina!
Well, my friends, that’s my blog post for today! It’s been a fascinating journey through history, reminding me of how time travels and our love for leotards unites us all, across every era, reminding us of the joyful expression of movement. And until next month, when we go on another exciting time-traveling escapade in the fabulous world of dance and leotards, remember…
Be bold, be brilliant, be you!
Lots of love and twirls,
Emma. xx
