Hey everyone, it's Emma here! I know I've been quiet on the blog lately, but trust me, I've been busy. And not just with pirouettes and pliés! Summer in New York is a whirlwind of activity, especially for a ballerina like myself who is also obsessed with fashion. But even with the heatwave and the hustle, one thing is always clear: tutus are having a moment!
This summer, New York's ballet fashion scene is alive with color, textures, and a touch of whimsy, echoing the vibrant energy of the city itself. From the classic to the daring, I've seen it all, and I'm here to share my hottest takes on what's making waves in the world of tutu style.
The Romantic Revival
This year, we're seeing a resurgence of the traditional tulle tutu, a style synonymous with elegance and grace. However, there's a twist! Think soft, pastel hues like baby pink, lavender, and sky blue. I love how these colors bring a dreamy, ethereal vibe to the classic silhouette. Think dreamy Victorian gardens, a la Giselle, but with a modern twist! And don't forget the sparkles – a sprinkle of glitter or a touch of beadwork elevates any tulle tutu to a new level of fairytale glam. I recently spotted this beautiful lavender ombre tutu at a performance by the New York City Ballet – the colour gradient was breathtaking.
Bold & Beautiful
Of course, not everyone loves a sweet, ethereal aesthetic! This season also celebrates bold colours and dramatic cuts. Electric blue, vibrant coral, and electric purple are taking center stage. And speaking of center stage, imagine a tutu in vibrant scarlet red – a nod to Carmen or La Traviata! I love this dramatic flair. It makes a statement on the stage and translates seamlessly into a contemporary street style aesthetic. Imagine it paired with a classic white t-shirt and leather jacket – perfection.
Go Short, Go Statement
For those who crave something more avant-garde, the mini tutu is a powerful statement piece. Think geometric patterns, asymmetrical designs and dramatic silhouettes that dance on the edge of the traditional tutu. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional materials. Lace, leather, and even feathers are taking their place amongst tulle, giving tutus a truly unique and modern appeal. I just discovered a little boutique near Central Park that makes incredible custom tutus using unconventional materials. They’ve just released a line featuring faux-leather tutu that is both chic and modern.
Sustainable Style
Something that makes my dancer heart sing is seeing sustainability woven into the world of tutu design. Designers are embracing upcycled materials and ethical production practices. We're seeing recycled tulle made from discarded plastic, and even plant-based fabrics, proving that sustainable fashion and stunning style can coexist beautifully. I've even been experimenting with dyeing old tutus in beautiful shades of indigo and teal using natural plant-based dyes! I’m calling it “ballet upcycling!”
The Power of The Tutu
No matter your personal style, the power of the tutu transcends time. This season is a celebration of diversity – a kaleidoscope of colours, shapes, and textures that empower both on and off the stage. Whether you're a ballerina looking to refresh your dance wardrobe or simply a fashion-forward individual looking for a statement piece, a tutu is your ultimate partner in embracing the vibrant energy of summer in New York City. And don’t forget to show off your style with #tutustyle and #tutufashion. I’m dying to see what you’re wearing!
And that, my friends, is the current state of the tutu! Let me know your favourite looks. If you are in NYC, what are some of the spots you have discovered that are doing awesome tutus?
Stay fabulous and remember: Dance like nobody's watching, dress like everybody is looking.
Love,
Emma
Where to Find Your Dream Tutu in NYCI know you're dying to get your hands on one of these beauties, so here are some of my favourite shops in NYC for finding that perfect tutu:
Boutiques:
The Tutu Gallery (Soho): Known for their custom creations, you'll find stunning, high-quality tutus with exquisite craftsmanship and personalized attention. I recommend taking advantage of their custom-made service and bringing your unique style vision to life.
The Dancing Ballerina Boutique (Upper West Side): A one-stop shop for ballerinas, this charming boutique offers a diverse collection of tutus, from classical styles to contemporary designs. The team at Dancing Ballerina are also fantastic at providing dancewear styling advice for both class and performance, and can even help with tailoring and alterations to achieve the perfect fit.
DanceWear Express (Midtown): You can't miss DanceWear Express. This massive store offers all things dancewear at accessible prices, including a surprisingly diverse and on-trend selection of tutus. Whether you are a serious ballet dancer or someone just looking to add a tutu to your summer wardrobe, DanceWear Express is a great option!
The Dance Source (Downtown Brooklyn): For those on the hunt for something unique and vintage, this eclectic store offers a treasure trove of secondhand dancewear. This is where I’ve found most of my quirky tutus for vintage photo shoots. It’s a hidden gem in Downtown Brooklyn, and well worth the trip.
Department Stores:
Saks Fifth Avenue (various locations): For a luxurious tutu experience, visit Saks Fifth Avenue, a high-end department store offering a curated selection of top designers and fashion brands, including dancewear and even tutus designed by famous fashion houses. I highly recommend checking out their designer brands - they offer both ready-to-wear and made-to-order options.
Bergdorf Goodman (Manhattan): Known for its impeccable taste and refined fashion, Bergdorf Goodman offers a curated selection of luxury dancewear for the sophisticated ballerina. Be sure to check out their latest designer collections - some feature tutus with couture detailing that would make you look and feel like royalty.
Lord & Taylor (Manhattan): This department store, known for its elegant styling and classic looks, often carries a selection of affordable tutus from popular dancewear brands. This is where I go for everyday tutus in more basic colours - you can’t go wrong with a good black tutu! They also have a decent online presence for when you want to shop from home!
DIY and Online Retailers:
Fabric.com (online): If you're feeling adventurous, head over to Fabric.com, an online retailer specializing in high-quality fabrics and crafting supplies. They offer a wide range of tulle, lace, and other materials that are perfect for creating your own custom tutus. I love their selection, but I always have a good idea of the colours and fabric I want before I visit - Fabric.com is massive!
Etsy (online): A treasure trove of handcrafted goodies, Etsy is a great place to discover unique, handcrafted tutus made by independent artists and designers. You’re likely to find tutus with unusual and creative designs that perfectly reflect your personality. Be sure to check out the online shops of individual designers – you can even send them your own custom requests for the ultimate unique tutu.
I hope this guide gives you some inspiration to unleash your inner ballerina this summer. Remember, tutus are for everyone, and there's no wrong way to wear them. Have fun with it, get creative, and embrace your inner sparkle!
