AI Fashion Review 14

Darling, June is here, the sun is shining, and with it, the new ballet season. It's time to be bold and dazzling, and what better way than to turn heads in a perfectly-crafted tutu or leotard? As a collector of all things tutus - especially of those fabulous vintage designs - let me tell you, this month, it's all about taking the classic and adding a dash of "oh-la-la"!

The New Classics for June

For a classic, think about tulle. Forget the powder-puff pastels, darlings! This month it's all about deep, saturated shades. Emerald green for the greenest envy, or that dramatic oxblood red, oh, darling, stunning.

Tutus

For a real statement tutu, think tiers, think volume! You’ll need to be the biggest star on stage! This June is all about layering with delicate, fine tulle – two or three layers is the perfect amount of floaty and luxurious – and choose a colour scheme. Be brave! This is a chance to push the boundaries.

• The essential – for a beautiful, swirling skirt: A **French Tutu** – Get a tutu with layers and layers of tulle to make your design big and bold, the more the better. Order one made to measure from a specialist - like **Baroque Costumes** for a proper traditional French tutu: (www.baroquecostumes.com)
• **Tulle & Fabric:
  • **Fabric**: Start with a strong, soft cotton bodice with good stretch for a leotard. I adore Liberty of London** (www.libertylondon.com) Their fabrics have beautiful vintage and contemporary patterns which will make you the darling of the dance studio!
  • Tulle**: I would recommend using two layers of a lightweight "nylon tulle" for maximum movement and airiness. For the biggest look choose "horsehair tulle" which has a layer of wire running through it.
  • You need a minimum of 12m per layer for a grand tutu and even more if you want to go all-out-glamorous.
• The Secret to a Fabulous Design: Darling, when it comes to decorating your tutu this month, it’s all about embroidery and embellishment! Think jewels, diamante’s and sequins. Go all-out extravagant! For the best range in the UK, visit **FabricLand** (www.fabric-land.co.uk). They have the best embellishments, and for a stylish twist add metallic trim in bronze, or gold to the base of the tutu for a chic statement.
• Sewing & Tools:
  • If you're brave enough to DIY - and darling you certainly should - use strong nylon thread and needles with a good heavy-duty sewing machine. And don't forget the safety pins - you'll need plenty for gathering all that tulle, as well as elastic for a snug bodice fit!

Leotards

• For leotards, look to those beautiful ballet leotards you can find in all colours at Dancers’ Shop London** (www.dancersshop.london) and those little gem shops near a dance studio or ballet school in your area - they are full of brilliant little hidden treasures to turn a standard leotard into something extra-special. And think about a bodice – I adore one with cutouts on the arms and sides. For an ethereal finish - use sheer tulle on a cotton bodysuit or a delicate lace panel with embellishments like a sparkly pearl necklace for a special look.
• And don't forget - a gorgeous new pair of **Capezio** dance shoes. These will give the right stylish look to your outfit. They always have an exciting colour each season, and this season they are absolutely fabulous.
• If you're not that adventurous - but want to look special – use **Dancewear UK** (www.dancewearuk.co.uk) They've an extensive range in colours of perfectly elegant, sleek and chic leotards and I adore their quality fabrics - they always feel fabulous on stage!

Important for a Stylish Finish – The Little Details

• Don't be afraid to express yourself darling. Choose bold jewellery. A glittering hair comb to bring all your styles together - perhaps some long sparkly dangly earrings for extra sparkle and allure? Remember - all that matters is how amazing YOU feel - so let your creative spark fly, and embrace your inner diva, darling.

Now, get out there and make your own statement! Remember – just like a great tutu – you are absolutely wonderful, darling! Go make a fabulous impression!