Buongiorno, darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad adventurer, writing to you live from the heart of fashion-forward Milan, where even the pigeons strut their stuff in the latest styles. This week’s post comes to you fresh off the heels (pun intended) of another fabulous Italian ballet adventure. But first, let’s sip some espresso and chat about what’s going on in my world, because I've been busy!
This week’s Pink Tutu Blog is a tad different to usual. This isn't just another travelogue or a gushing about the latest dance shows. It's all about the joy of embracing pink and its power to bring people together. Remember those words of wisdom I shared last week?
"The colour pink is a powerful symbol of joy, strength, and a little bit of magic!"
So today, darlings, let's talk about the power of a little pink magic and why everyone, absolutely everyone, needs a pink tutu in their lives.
#PinkTutuMilan – A symphony of fashion, pink, and, yes, the occasional tram.
The other week I was lucky enough to be back in London (such a trip) where I danced with the West End ballerinas in the Nutcracker, in a custom-made tutu that would make the Sugarplum Fairy herself weep with joy! Honestly, London is fantastic - the theatre, the shows, the people - it’s just amazing. It made me feel more connected to London’s dancing community, something which I didn’t really know before - even as I was right there!
But enough of that! Let's get back to the gorgeous sights and smells of Milan, and our little journey on the trams today. Yes, that's right! This week, I've embraced the spirit of a real Milanese and spent the past couple of days whizzing through the city by tram, because it’s cheap, super convenient, and frankly, a lot more fun than the boring old tube (yes I said it!) I can’t say I wasn’t nervous getting around on my own - and you've got to navigate those traffic-heavy intersections, but Milan was incredibly welcoming. I have never felt as safe walking through any city at night - yes, I’m so grateful for those super cool scooter cops in their helmets, you know?
I love how Milan mixes history and style; ancient buildings with incredible views paired with sharp-dressed locals that could walk straight off a magazine cover. And yes, I did do my share of sightseeing!
Here's a glimpse of some my Milan Must-Sees (but do remember my pink tutu in all these snaps):
- The Duomo, a cathedral as impressive as it is beautiful! My Instagram got its money's worth of shots here; just a magnificent architectural dream with the cutest little pink cafe on the side - the Duomo’s charm doesn't disappoint!
- The Castello Sforzesco: History, culture, and a whole lotta style - yes, the ultimate Insta-worthy picture with the perfect vintage fashion backdrop! And there's even a pink palace to look at too (that’s no joke, a pink castle with a pretty pastel wall to photograph, just by the side gate of the Castello) I know - I said “it has style”!
- Shopping at Via Montenapoleone - You know I couldn't resist spending an hour or two browsing, or three … Okay, let’s not be coy. I might have spent longer. I must have shopped my heart out for that gorgeous, elegant, sleek (but super comfortable) black dress for my trip - can't a girl indulge?! My motto? “Life’s too short to be boring” (I’m telling you – I think a tutu goes with anything, even the most glamorous of outfits!)
Let’s talk fashion! #PinkTutuMilan
Speaking of fashion! What better place to get inspiration than the heart of Italian style - that's why I have made it my mission to see every theatre in the city and yes, I'm getting there slowly, step by step, like the ballerina I am (ahem) one beautiful pink tutu at a time!
Speaking of pink tutus - I have been scouring the shops and trying out some of Milan's trendiest boutiques, hunting for that one perfect pink tutu, the one that can make every heart skip a beat and remind everyone to celebrate their inner fashion goddess, and I did discover a couple of absolute gems - it’s not easy finding pink tutus for dancing but I’m pretty determined, I'm telling you! There is this fantastic little vintage boutique nestled in the heart of Milan - a haven of colourful retro delights with everything from fabulous sequins and silk fabrics to a whole rack full of pastel pink tutus. It was so delightful, I swear I had butterflies - well maybe not, more like twirls! It felt like a scene from a movie, you know those scenes, the shop window display with gorgeous mannequins in pretty outfits, all draped in glitter!
And this week I fell in love with this amazing local artisan who creates bespoke tutu gowns with silk flowers and embellishments – and a pink colour that takes your breath away, It was just too fabulous, a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. They're like little works of art – and, darlings, you know I had to get one. And what a find - she has a little shop tucked away in a quaint courtyard - it really is like a fairyland, a complete treat!
I really do feel like a true Milanese now, in all my pink tutu glory! You know me, darlings, I always try to stay on trend - so much that I might actually have my own trend - a “Pink Tutu” movement to celebrate our love of everything fabulous and fabulous and pink and - I'll never forget this, in Milan I was invited to a secret catwalk event! The designer, a fabulous and passionate woman, shared with me her mission to create clothes designed to embrace a new era of stylishness - inspired by vintage femininity, it just resonated with me! What do you think about my pink tutu and her amazing dresses for the "Modern Fairytale" collection - wouldn't this make you want to wear a tutu and embrace everything beautiful?
I had the best time, meeting people who were so passionate about what they do, I'm so happy that I was able to get a sneak peek of a collection before it goes public - you are all going to love this one (my Pink Tutu style book has been getting all the inspiration from this fashion house. Trust me, darlings, a vintage twist on the classic fairy-tale fashion – what’s not to love? Plus she actually makes some beautiful silk pink tutus too - all in the name of promoting confidence and, you know what I think?
“A Pink Tutu never gets old”.
My pink tutu adventures don’t stop there – the ultimate must-see when in Milan, is the iconic Teatro alla Scala. Yes! I saw La Bayadère, and trust me when I say the sheer opulence and extravagance are almost indescribable. It’s just too perfect!
It’s so fascinating to see the contrast between the ballet world in England - my London shows were completely sold out, and Milan – everyone's so fashion-forward – every single person had that undeniable chic, but I’ve got to tell you, darlings – when they heard my stories about wearing my Pink Tutu on the street, it went down so well – especially with the locals.
Milan – a place that embodies this spirit of joie de vivre, this appreciation for the beauty of fashion. The energy here just gets to you. And yes, you know, I just had to wear my pink tutu for this special occasion (I can’t wait to share pictures in the next blog – it is an explosion of colour, sequins, feathers and pure dance!)
That night was a magical blend of history and ballet magic – it is no wonder that it is the most iconic theatre in the world, darlings, you have to see it with your own eyes. There was a moment when I was watching the dancers, their moves as precise as clockwork, with their incredible jumps – you really are transfixed in a world where even time seems to stand still, like magic – it’s pure inspiration – and you have to experience it!
This week, my mantra, darlings, is: ** “Find your passion, wear it proudly, and let the world see your light!”
My Milan Adventures are still unfolding, and I’m sure my next Pink Tutu journey will be just as amazing as my current trip – I’m ready for it.
So let me know your thoughts, darlings. Where would you want to see me go next? Tell me in the comments. Now I'm going to sign off as I need to make a special order for a silk, feathered tutu from the wonderful boutique – that reminds me to talk about something really important… What if you are reading this, and feeling like your day hasn’t been that great, or if you're going through a difficult patch, just remember one simple thing:
”Never underestimate the power of pink. Pink is confidence, pink is magic, pink is beautiful! Wear a pink tutu! “
With Love,
Emma (From Derbyshire with love, that’s how I say it and so do all of my readers. I hope my blogs have transported you to my pink little world!)
*www.pink-tutu.com *
P.S: My next ballet performance will be at the Derby Opera House this Saturday, at 8.00pm! Tickets can be purchased online.
