#LeotardHistory during 2019 08

Hello, my lovelies! Welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travel, your monthly dose of all things fabulous and twirling! It's August 2019, and believe me, there’s a whole lot to discuss! This month, we’re heading back to the 1920s, the era that birthed flappers, jazz, and some seriously bold fashion choices. Buckle up, darlings, as we’re about to embark on a pink-tutu-fuelled adventure into the roaring twenties!

As you know, dear readers, my time travelling leotard isn't just a fashion statement, it's a portal to the past, and this month, it's shimmering with a touch of Art Deco magic. This one, a delightful, deep fuchsia with subtle sequins, seems to pulse with an otherworldly energy. I do believe this shimmering leotard is inspired by the stunning Parisian fashion houses that were setting trends back in the 1920s! I pair this with my most opulent, multi-layered pink tulle tutu. I believe in making a statement, after all, and what better way than with a cascade of the most gorgeous pink layers?

This time, I'm setting the TARDIS, (the technical term for this miraculous leotard) to transport me to a sweltering London afternoon in 1928. The scent of car exhaust, freshly baked bread, and the lingering perfume of a stylish lady in a silk dress filled the air. I just knew, intuitively, I had to catch a show – London was alive with musical theatre back then!

London’s West End, oh, how it gleamed! It was vibrant with fashion and creativity. It was time to discover leotard trends of the twenties. The “Leotard,” in itself, was barely known in the 1920s, more akin to the ballet tights worn by male ballet dancers in this era. Women wore form-fitting undergarments which we would now call a leotard. But we’ll delve into those later. I must say, it’s quite astonishing how a century makes such a difference!

However, it's in the dance world, my dears, that leotards took a significant leap! I found that the ballet leotard of the 1920s was truly something special. Imagine this: silky fabrics, carefully cut to highlight the natural silhouette.

But the real standout of this era, was the way these leotards were styled. Instead of relying on just simple designs, they were decorated with delicate beads, lace and sequins! It's a testament to the playful, decadent spirit of the age!

This wasn't just confined to the world of ballet either. I discovered that in the era of silent films, these types of form-fitting, dance inspired garments found their way into the film set, the burgeoning Hollywood of the era embraced the leotard. It was all about creating a dynamic, almost ethereal effect! Imagine Rudolph Valentino’s dazzling performances!

Stepping into a grand, elegant theatre in London's West End, the rich, plush atmosphere transported me into a different era. It felt like an almost forgotten world, one that embraced art and theatre in its purest form. The sheer spectacle of a performance by the Ballet Rambert, which I saw, made me understand why they were known as a beacon for a generation, their style was electrifying. The dancers! Oh my, the grace! The ballet of the 1920s redefined ballet technique.

Each graceful movement was underscored by the vibrant and eye-catching leotards. And then, there was the artistry of the ballet outfits themselves - layers of sheer, fringe detailing which gave it a breathtaking dimension. It was an experience I’ll never forget! The dancing was revolutionary, and the clothing matched it.

The fashion wasn’t the only reason to be fascinated by the world of ballet at the time. In 1928, the ballet world was ablaze with news of a daring dancer called Margot Fonteyn, and a young Diaghilev and his innovative works, it’s an age brimming with inspiration and excitement.

I made a new discovery: this world, even as it appeared distant, felt as close to me, and to my heart as anything. It made me understand the appeal of wearing the perfect leotard and spinning in a cloud of pink tulle!

And after the show? Well, the night just kept getting better. London's nightlife was abuzz, and I, the lone pink tutu-wearing traveller, was invited to the most enchanting dance floor I have ever seen. It felt as if time had simply stood still, an enchanting evening I’d never forget. I, of course, was the talk of the place. My pink tulle, a whirlwind of joyous movement and the perfect reflection of the joyous spirit of the decade. The shimmering pink sequins, a reflection of the era’s sparkle and joie de vivre! The night just confirmed my belief - the right leotard truly allows one to conquer any time, or era, with a touch of whimsy and a lot of sparkle!

Back home in my little cottage in Derbyshire, I thought about all that I had experienced in the past month. I needed to catch up on my notes and research for this post for my Pink-Tutu blog! So much had happened!

Let’s dive into the exciting London Leotard Fashion, from the August of 1928, with my little fashion blog notes!

1. *The Rise of the ‘Leotard’ : * The “leotard” had arrived! It was often crafted from satin or silk, but the fabric wasn't the main focus. The true highlight? The silhouettes! A mix of simple, graceful shapes for dance wear and extravagant form-fitting garments worn by actors.
2. *Delicate Accents: * Beaded details! Oh yes! It was in 1928 that a trend began in the dance world - using the bead as an embellishment. Think tiny glass beads in vibrant colours and crystal detailing that added to the luxurious, artistic character of a piece of clothing.
3. *The Art Deco Influence: * Geometric patterns with clear, simple designs. Think geometric forms such as the circle and triangle. Even in 1928, designers understood the way geometric shapes had a magical quality when used in leotard designs!

And, remember my darlings, we never just go backwards. There’s a bit of history going on in our time! Leotard fashion in the August of 2019 is more about the sleek athletic body. However, the classic style is making a return in sportswear and the trend is coming back into our dance clothing in 2019. In high-performance fabric.

I am thrilled that we’ve ventured into the twenties! It’s time for me to prepare my sparkly, pink time travelling leotard for my next big adventure! Where will we travel in September, my darlings? The future holds so much for our adventures in leotard fashion! Till next month, keep twirling, keep dancing, keep dreaming in pink!

And as always, remember my lovelies: never stop wearing pink tutus.

XOXO Emma

www.pink-tutu.com Post number 1928.