Greetings from Paris, darlings! Emma here, your ever-so-pink tutu-clad historian, bringing you another blast from the past, all in the name of our beloved tutu. It's #TutuTuesday, and today, my darlings, we are travelling back in time to November 28th, 1871.
Fancy a little trip to Paris, anyone? Today's blog is all about Parisian fashion – and as you might expect, darling, it's full of exquisite garments, swirling skirts and, oh, those tutus.
You know I love a good train journey, and oh, how the journey over was utterly splendid. London to Paris, first class – imagine the luxury, the chintz upholstery, the view! A whole buffet trolley to myself!
And speaking of luxury… The Ballet, oh my! I've seen it all here, from the Bolshoi to the Royal Opera House, and let me tell you, darlings, there is nothing like the magic of the Opéra Garnier to get the blood flowing. Imagine a grand staircase – a perfect curve, rising to meet the chandelier which glows like a star itself. Then, a room decorated in glorious pink, crimson, and gold, where beautiful ladies and handsome gentlemen whisper and promenade – it is like stepping into a fairytale.
Of course, one cannot talk about the Opera Garnier, nor Parisian fashion, without mentioning *Madame * Carlotta Patti. This diva graced the stage with such passion, such elegance – it's a privilege to watch such a beautiful and talented performer. The sheer scale of her voice was unbelievable - and oh, those dresses! Imagine flowing, ethereal fabrics – she could wear the simplest outfit, and she still appeared like a queen, captivating her audience with every gesture. The gowns, so grand, each one crafted with care to accentuate the grace and movement of her performances. My dears, how we adore a fashionable performer, isn't it just the most charming thing!
Today, though, let's talk about tutus, yes? It's a well-known fact, darlings, that these are the must-have item in a dancer’s wardrobe. They make every pirouette just so perfect – imagine yourself in the heart of Paris, twirling your way to a dance-floor in a beautifully draped tutu – I imagine a deep scarlet red, to be honest. In these very grand places, darlings, they wouldn't dream of stepping onto a dancefloor without a perfectly matched pair of satin slippers, just as a perfectly fitting corset completes a refined ballerina’s form, wouldn't you agree?
Now, you all know that ** #TutuTuesday is not just about sharing beautiful ballet moments. It’s about getting everyone in the world to join in. You don’t need to be a prima ballerina or even a dancer to wear a tutu – we all have a special place in our heart for those delicate layers, don’t we, darling?
Even without a performance lined up, darlings, Paris is filled with little boutiques offering an exquisite selection of fashion accessories, gowns, and, of course, lovely, pretty tutus of every colour to suit any occasion – for day wear, evening wear – you name it. You can get away with anything in a tutu – they go with everything and with the right, stylish matching hat and a pair of perfectly fitted gloves, why, you would be absolutely the darling of any soirée. They say Parisians wear their heart on their sleeve – I’d say the heart is on the tutu, and in a vibrant, wonderful colour too – I think I might try that cerulean blue! My blue, perhaps? Oh my darling, just think of how fabulous the Pink Tutu website will look next to the iconic Parisian boulevards and next to the Parisian Opera House?. That is a #TutuTuesday dream come true!
Onwards to November 28th, 1871 – a year when ballet and tutus were already reaching new heights, wouldn’t you agree? On this particular day in 1871, Paris was preparing for one of its iconic and most memorable ballets - “La Fille Mal Gardée” at the Opéra Garnier, which means *”The Girl with the Bad Conduct”, darling. An amusing title for a story with music that still entrances to this day! Can you imagine being there, hearing that beautiful music for the very first time, just like everyone who was in the auditorium, on that fateful night?
Oh my! I just can’t resist going to the theater – in fact, I must dash – there are so many exquisite performances and, just imagine, the stage is already prepared and ready to receive Madame Patti. We shall most definitely make it, shall we, dear readers?
I must away. Tadaaa! Until next week, my dears, and always remember to wear a tutu with joy. Bisous from Paris!
See you on #TutuTuesday, darlings. I’m off to buy some pink velvet slippers to match!
