Dearest readers, as the February chill settles upon the city, what better way to chase away the winter blues than with a celebration of the most exquisite of garments: the tutu. From the ethereal grace of the Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake, to the whimsical charm of the Mariinsky’s Nutcracker, this past month has seen an abundance of exquisite tutus on stage, all of which have, naturally, made it onto my must-have list.
This season, the designers haven't been afraid to play with bold colours, making for a truly striking effect. One could say it is the boldness of the tutu, daring us to take a risk and be adventurous, not a simple frivolous piece of net and satin that we have seen before.
A Touch of Whimsy- The delicate, wispy layers of tulle on the tutu for The Mariinsky Ballet's "The Nutcracker" left the audience completely enthralled. And how beautifully did they accentuate the enchanting lightness of Clara, making each leap feel truly magical!
- I do love a good swathe of powder blue, or perhaps even lavender tulle. I confess, when I saw that lovely creation designed for Aurora's "The Sleeping Beauty" I actually choked on my Earl Grey - It was divine and not at all "delicate"!
Speaking of magic, we mustn't forget the magical effect of the tutus in the "Firebird" production of "Romeo & Juliet." The fiery hues of red and orange danced in glorious chaos across the stage. Let us not forget the striking white of the corps de ballet who seemed to emanate from a cloud in a perfectly synchronized sequence. This ensemble reminded me so much of a recent private collection from Paris, which reminded me in turn, of Diaghilev. It was almost too perfect, but then... why stop at near-perfect?
A Little Black Dress For Ballet
- And who can forget the simple elegance of the "black tutu"? As always, the black tutu is the absolute embodiment of both power and vulnerability - an exquisite paradox. Black seems to bring a sophisticated depth that makes the female dancer both dramatic and sublime. I simply adore a classic black tulle - particularly when contrasted with silver thread.
I suspect that those in the know will be looking to bring a hint of "black tutu" fashion into their winter wardrobes. My darling darling readers, please be sure to wear it with a healthy dose of panache.
From my desk to yours, dearest readers, let us all dance through this February with the spirit of the tutu!