Darling, this summer season is all about bringing the colour and vibrancy of a balmy July afternoon into the theatre, and what better way to do so than with a tutu that shimmers with all the brilliance of the sun?
Forget those dull, traditional white tutus - it's all about pushing boundaries, about bold colours and unexpected textures, all the while keeping that air of ethereal elegance that we all love in a tutu. Itās the perfect chance for us to express ourselves with colour and cut! Letās start from the bottom up...
What You Will Need
- The Foundation - Your tutu needs a strong, sturdy base, and my favourite choice for a modern tutu is a stiff, two-layer tulle base. Don't even think about using anything cheap! Visit [insert your favourite tutu supplier here], itās my go-to, and you canāt go wrong with them. If you are really serious, Iād recommend ordering some āfeatherā netting. That'll have all the girls flocking around to you in the changing rooms darling, believe me. I just wouldnāt want them touching anything.
- The Star - For that stunning July sunshine, itās got to be gold, honey. A lovely bright gold satin ribbon, and we need yards, lots of yards, for this to have the desired dramatic effect. Don't just grab anything from a craft store. Look for silk. There is a reason itās silk and satin youāre looking for; the luxurious shimmer is divine. You can even add a little glittery trim. Now youāre really getting posh! Shop online. Itās the easiest way. Thereās no trekking around and having a grumpy little sales assistant looking down their nose at you in those shops. Honestly, what is their problem. But online it's a delight and with your card at the ready you can really pick and choose the perfect one! Oh darling, go for gold!
- The Finishing Touch- Now hereās the bit where your real artistry comes to life. This is your signature look! What does this season mean to you? How do you want the sun and joy to reflect on the stage? It's the embroidery and accents that make this design truly stand out, but go wild with them, we need to get you noticed! So what are your favourite flowers for July? Maybe you want lilies? Then there are the ribbons, ribbons everywhere to wrap around this majestic creation. Satin ribbons and silk ribbons, more yards please! But also organza. I have a secret supplier and a fabulous supplier too! āMiss Twirl and Spinā that's all Iāll say for now, itās just a whisper, you know how the fashion game is. Get a good quality lace too, or add rhinestones for a more modern look. But letās face it, the rhinestones look more cabaret than elegant... and you wouldnāt want to ruin the delicate beauty of our summer sun.
- A Symphony of Colour - Our base is there, the golden ribbon adds just the right hint of sunshine to give our creation a glorious gleam, and now we'll introduce a secondary color! Maybe coral, maybe deep ruby. Think of a garden full of exotic flora in the late summer sunshine. How fabulous would it look in that glorious golden hue against an aqua green backdrop? Just stunning darling. Thatās all the advice you will get on colour. You are the one who knows how this should all work together. Thatās why you are a designer!
And then there is the leotard... The real trick here is to find that gorgeous, almost-nude coloured fabric that looks great against all those rich jewel tones and fabrics in the tutu. Let it almost disappear to ensure your look remains focussed on the divine, dancing sunshine. Maybe a sheer fabric, perhaps something sparkly for a real pop against all the satin and shimmering silk. Think like the summer breeze and a glistening pearl. Darling! Thatās what the 21st century is all about - looking at a traditional and well-loved item in a modern, contemporary, sleek way!
Now for that little touch of magic! It doesnāt really matter what the little extra something is, just make sure that when you do it it says āMe, here and nowā.
Good luck darlings, and happy designing! You look fabulous!