Hello, my darling leotard lovers! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on a pink-hued time-travelling adventure. It’s that magical time of the month again – the day I put on my dazzling, sparkly pink time-travelling leotard and journey into the glorious history of leotards and dance!
This month, my dears, we're heading to July 2022! Buckle up, my lovelies, as we explore a period when the ballet world collided with everyday fashion, with some of the most stunning looks inspired by the grace and elegance of the dance.
And, of course, my heart is bursting to tell you about it! I even did a cheeky street ballet performance in Covent Garden this month – a mix of whimsical "Swan Lake" and a touch of my favourite ballet school leotard-meets-streetwear vibe, topped off with a lot of pink tulle. It's all about celebrating the joy of movement and colour! The applause was glorious. People loved the look, and one lovely gent even suggested I come do a "flash mob" with a ballet club! Maybe next time.
But back to July 2022! If you were to stroll down any fashionable high street that month, you would have seen a very clear trend taking shape – the ballet-inspired look. Oh my, it was magical! From dainty ballet flats, especially those with a pointed toe, to delicate ribbons and bows, there was something very feminine and ballerina-esque swirling through street style. I saw a lady even rocking a tulle skirt paired with a bomber jacket!
It wasn’t just on the streets either, this trend had seeped its way into the world of high fashion. The biggest designers – from Chanel to Dior - all presented their take on the ballet-inspired look. Think whimsical, soft pastels, flowing chiffon, and sleek silhouettes, perfectly capturing the essence of a ballerina's elegance. Even the makeup was all about dewy skin, rosy cheeks and just the tiniest flick of a dramatic eyeliner, a touch of classic "Black Swan" allure. It truly was a perfect symphony of feminine sophistication.
As I strutted through a London department store – after I'd treated myself to a brand new powder pink ballet slipper and a sparkling diamanté-encrusted leotard – I just had to chat with a few lovely shop assistants about this fantastic trend. One delightful woman told me about how the trend's return was due to the popularity of modern ballet dancers – people like the beautiful Misty Copeland who are literally superstars with a truly beautiful form. I told her about my time travel exploits and she practically gasped! Her favourite show was Billy Elliot (you've just got to love those dance flicks!) She told me it's no surprise that a classic like ballet would make a resurgence – it’s a source of inspiration for people all over the world, not just ballet lovers!
The beauty of the ballet-inspired look is its versatility. The delicate details, such as ribbons, lace and ruffles, make it effortlessly feminine, but you can wear it any way you like. Think of it like the humble ballet leotard, a canvas of pure creative possibility. It’s a fashion style that's light, airy, but full of expression and grace!
There was no better time to time-travel to 2022 – the ballet world and fashion worlds had perfectly blended, showcasing an ode to grace and femininity. I was lucky enough to watch a stunning production of "Giselle" that month in Vienna, just across from a fabulous ballet store (where I snagged the most adorable blush pink tulle skirt!) I couldn’t help but think that the trend was truly about a shared sense of beauty, where the strength and grace of dancers inspired people across the globe!
But my dearest leotard enthusiasts, that's just a peek into the wonders of leotard fashion in July 2022. My travels this month taught me so much! Fashion is constantly in a beautiful, whirlwind dance, borrowing inspiration from diverse forms of art and expressing the power and grace of the human form. And as we journey through history, my message always stays the same: Never stop expressing your love for leotards, your own unique style, and, most importantly, wear pink whenever and however you like!
Don’t forget, you can find even more leotard inspiration and tips on www.pink-tutu.com, and stay tuned for next month's post where we'll be taking a twirl in even more fashionably captivating times. Until then, wear those pink tutus with pride and stay fabulous, my lovelies!
Yours in leotard fashion,
Emma xo