Hello lovelies! Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time traveller and the queen of leotard fashion. Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com - the place for all things sparkly, whimsical and fabulous in the world of dancewear.
This month, my time machine's glittery compass is set for 11th November 2019, a day brimming with sartorial delights and fashion forwardness. I just knew I had to step through the shimmering portal and see what leotard magic awaited!
It was a beautiful, crisp autumn morning when I arrived, wearing my special time travel leotard – a vibrant pink number covered in holographic sequins, just perfect for reflecting all that dazzling leotard history.
As I stepped onto the cobbled streets of Derby, the home of my ancestors (don't worry, I haven't quite got my time travel logistics down yet, so we're sticking to present-day Derby, dear readers), a delicious smell of freshly baked bread and roasted chestnuts wafted through the air, filling me with a sense of happy nostalgia. I felt a sudden pang for a warm scone with clotted cream, but I knew I had a date with destiny - and some gorgeous leotards - at the Royal Opera House in London.
And what a journey it was! In 2019, London's fashion scene was positively bursting with colour, diversity, and innovative designs. Everywhere I went, I saw leotards in an explosion of bold shades, intricate patterns, and playful silhouettes. From street-style to catwalk, leotards were everywhere. Even in unexpected places - I spotted a pair of scarlet red ballet-inspired leggings paired with a tweed blazer on a dapper gent walking through Kensington Gardens. I just had to do a twirl, because honestly, fabulous!
Now, let's rewind back to the Royal Opera House, where I witnessed the magic of a show titled The Sleeping Beauty. My goodness! The exquisite tutus! So fluffy, voluminous, and meticulously crafted. Each ballerina looked like a vision in motion, a feather-light dream dressed in swathes of pink tulle. It really sparked my inner fashion designer and had me itching to create something truly special.
Talking about designs, what had me particularly excited on this particular November was the reemergence of the classic, high-necked, fitted leotard. You know the one - elegant, versatile, and endlessly flattering. From vibrant red to shimmering black, and with an emphasis on clean lines and minimalist design, this leotard looked fabulous on everyone. It was an exciting revival of a timeless silhouette!
Speaking of silhouettes, there was something rather wonderful about the modern ballet leotards at the Royal Ballet school, I mean the crop tops with high-waisted skirts and trousers, which created a dynamic, and flattering shape for the dancers, showcasing their incredible agility and poise. I'd totally give these styles a try myself!
Speaking of trends, you really couldn't ignore the growing presence of 'balletcore', the chic, minimalist ballet-inspired aesthetic, it had definitely captured the fashion world. It wasn't just on the runway, but filtering through into streetwear, with delicate ballet flats, feminine skirts, and classic leotard styles infiltrating daily attire. It was a beautiful sight - an embracing of grace, elegance, and femininity in the modern world.
Speaking of feminine grace, did I tell you I found the most gorgeous vintage leotard store in Covent Garden? I nearly swooned when I saw it. Rows and rows of satin, silk and velvet leotards, all in those lovely pale shades of pinks and peaches, so very 1920s! They had some fantastic cut-out details and were so exquisitely crafted, and what a reminder of the evolution of dancewear and how the feminine beauty of the ballet leotard had held strong through the centuries!
After a day spent shopping and exploring the very heart of London's leotard-fashion landscape, it was time for a street performance. My tutu was prepped, my ballet shoes ready for the streets. After all, there's nothing I love more than inspiring everyone with the sheer joy of movement. I danced for an hour in the heart of the Covent Garden, performing for the appreciative crowd who, by the end, were requesting for more. They truly love to see their favourite Tutu Time Traveller doing what she loves most – celebrating leotards!
This 11th November 2019 really made me reflect on the endless possibilities of dancewear - the beauty of it, the artistry, the elegance.
So, lovelies, as I close this month’s entry, I challenge you all to find your own inner ballerina, embrace your femininity and get twirling! You never know, a pink tutu could be hiding in your closet just waiting to reveal itself!
Until next month, keep your feet happy, your spirits high, and your fashion choices FABULOUS!
Lots of love,
Emma, your time-traveling tutu queen,
www.pink-tutu.com.
