Hey lovelies, and welcome to another journey through the annals of leotard fashion! It's me, your very own pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, reporting from…wait for it…18th century Paris! Can you believe it?
As a girl who practically lives in her leotard (even if mine does shimmer a bit more than the ones you’d see on the streets here!), this trip has been a total dream. This is where it all began - the birth of ballet as we know it. This isn’t just about dancing; it’s about leotards and the elegant fashion of movement!
You may not think about tutus when you picture the French Revolution, but I promise you, they're here and they're perfectly fabulous. Let me paint you a picture. I stepped out of my time machine (or should I say my shimmery pink leotard!), into a bustling Parisian street, filled with carts piled high with bread, vibrant silks, and a dash of something magical, if I'm honest. The energy here is intoxicating, and the architecture, with its grand avenues and ornate details, well, let's just say, I can’t get enough of it. But let's get down to the real reason I’m here – leotards, darling!
You know how we’ve all gone gaga over ballet-inspired fashion lately, from the flowy tutus and leg warmers that have taken the runway by storm? Well, that ballet fashion explosion all began here.
The ballet dancers in this era wore a different style of leotard, something far less practical than we’re used to. It was the ‘Justaucorps,’ a tight-fitting, floor-length garment that was a bit more akin to a corset and that actually had very little movement potential, but was stunning! Imagine layers of luxurious silk, cinched at the waist with delicate ribbon, and topped with a little, frilly, powdered wig!
Now, let me tell you, it was nothing like the simple leotard-tutu combo of my era, but I just adore the romance and extravagance. They moved gracefully across the stage, radiating a femininity that’s almost otherworldly. Can we say ‘ballet couture’?
Speaking of movement, I found the most fabulous ‘ballet boutique’ just off the Rue de la Paix. Oh, the things I found there! We’re talking silks, velvets, satins, ribbons, feathers, sequins... Oh my! These leotards and accessories were not for mere dancing; they were pieces of art, each one painstakingly crafted by skilled seamstresses, creating masterpieces fit for the Royal Opera!
While the concept of ‘fashion for performance’ was in its infancy, it wasn’t merely about function; it was about a fusion of art and movement. I couldn’t resist adding a few items to my collection, including a bejeweled belt, a tulle overlay, and some ridiculously exquisite silk ribbon – just perfect for embellishing a little pink tutu back home, don’t you think?
This was a time of extravagance, of high society embracing the beautiful movement of ballet, and that movement reflected not only on the stage but also in the elegant fashion worn by the dancers.
Oh, and if you’re thinking of travelling here yourselves, be sure to visit the Opera de Paris – the grandest, most impressive theatre you can imagine. But watch out for the gentlemen with powdered wigs! I bumped into a few of them while dancing a waltz on the grand staircase, and they weren’t very happy about it!
So, there you have it – a peek into the Parisian world of leotards from a time of grand dreams and silk gowns.
And as always, my lovelies, don't forget to wear your pink tutu! You never know what magical experiences await! Until next time!
Emma x
P.S. For those of you dying to get your hands on some 18th century ballet inspiration, don’t fret! You can get that fabulous look right here in the 21st century – check out my online boutique for a range of customised pink tutus, delicate overlays, and some vintage Parisian-inspired details to get that beautiful 18th-century flair! And for all my fellow time travellers, feel free to share your own 18th century fashion experiences below! Don’t forget to mention your own pink tutu adventures! You never know who you might inspire!
