Wednesday 1996-09-11
Buongiorno, darling readers! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad blogger Emma, reporting live from Milan, Italy!
This week, my wanderlust has led me to this fashion capital, a city brimming with culture, style, and of course, exquisite Italian flair. Oh, how I love this city! I swear the air itself is tinged with chic, and every window displays the most breathtaking ensembles, making me feel like I've stepped into a scene from a glamorous movie.
Speaking of glamour, my current mission in Milan is a little more pink than it might seem. You see, darlings, I've set myself a rather ambitious goal: to see a ballet show every single day in Milan. My darling readers, the city is just exploding with shows, from grand productions in historic theaters to intimate performances in hidden squares, with pink tutus, of course!
Don't think for a moment that I've sacrificed fashion for performance. Oh, the fun I've been having shopping here! Imagine my delight, discovering a whole store devoted to handmade tutus, from soft, ballerina pink tulle to rich burgundy and shimmering gold – each one a piece of art.
I've been twirling through the streets of Milan, mesmerized by the vibrant street performers, each with their own unique energy, making every cobbled corner a mini-stage. Last night, I even saw a street ballet performance by a group of local dancers – they were simply magnificent, twirling in unison with an infectious joy that had the whole square clapping along!
But before we dive into my Italian adventures, let me quickly tell you about my trip over. I boarded the Eurostar from London to Paris and caught the train down through beautiful rolling countryside, the landscapes an endless canvas of green and gold, the perfect backdrop to a good book, a hot cuppa, and of course, a pink tutu, darling. The journey was a real joy, and it was nice to be out of the city for a bit.
Now, back to Milan. Yesterday, I decided to take a morning stroll to Duomo Square, a beautiful spot full of life and the quintessential Milanese vibe.
Can you picture it, darling? My pink tutu catching the sunlight as I strolled across the cobblestones, my hair adorned with a matching ribbon, stopping at street vendors to indulge in a gelato - chocolate and vanilla, of course, the classic Italian flavours! My sweet, sweet treats are always paired with my favorite cuppa (because let’s face it, a girl needs a caffeine boost!), a chai latte, and just like that, I was swept into the rhythm of this fascinating city.
Duomo, this architectural masterpiece, simply took my breath away. The ornate details, the vibrant colours – I was absolutely mesmerized. I spent hours gazing at it, feeling as though I had stepped into a fairytale. The whole square is filled with life - street artists showcasing their work, families enjoying the sunshine, and me, capturing the magic of it all in my travel journal.
You wouldn't believe the ballet show I stumbled upon afterwards, dear readers! Tucked away in a little piazza, near the Museo del Novecento, I discovered this incredible performance. A small troupe of dancers, their movements fluid and graceful, their faces expressing the emotions of the dance with such passion, it left me feeling both mesmerized and inspired. It was just so… magical. It was as if they were painting their story in the air, using their bodies as brushes, their movements a cascade of vibrant colours. They wore beautiful tutus, all in the most delightful shades of pink, from blush pink to fuchsia – my heart just skipped a beat, I couldn't help myself, it’s practically my personal mission to promote tutus and make them more acceptable to wear in the everyday!
Today, however, my journey has taken me to Teatro alla Scala for the highly anticipated Sleeping Beauty performance! I managed to snag a ticket (thanks to my secret ballet network) and my anticipation for the show has been brewing since the moment I booked it!
This theatre, dear readers, is nothing short of stunning. Every detail speaks of grandeur and elegance, with rich red velvet, opulent chandeliers, and intricately carved ceilings. As I stepped inside, I felt transported back in time, to a world of theatrical elegance.
Oh, the costumes were a masterpiece, too! All silk and shimmering lace, adorned with dazzling jewels, it’s enough to make any ballet enthusiast swoon. But I must confess, it was the dancing that truly stole the show. Every leap, every twirl, every expression of emotion through movement – it was truly breathtaking! The whole atmosphere was pure magic, every last note and move filled with passion and grace. It was a symphony of storytelling, the dancers telling their tale with just their bodies and a sprinkle of pure ballet magic.
But speaking of magic, can I just tell you about the little bakery just opposite my hotel? They have these divine strawberry tarts! They're little pieces of pure pink heaven, with fresh, juicy strawberries piled high on a buttery, flaky crust, topped with a swirl of cream. One bite, darling, and I’m completely transported to a sugary-sweet, ballerina-themed wonderland! I swear, I could live off them.
Don't worry, darlings, my day wasn't all sweet treats and beautiful ballet shows (though honestly, it almost was). I ventured into the fashion district – oh, the splendid stores and showrooms filled with the most fabulous outfits and accessories! It was all about color and style, the ultimate showcase of Milanese chic.
I stumbled upon a cute little vintage store filled with treasures waiting to be discovered, and while browsing through the rails, I discovered a darling pink satin clutch bag that is perfect for a night at the theatre or a trip to the opera! I grabbed it at a fabulous price and am so thrilled with my bargain!
Speaking of treasures, Milan is truly bursting with charm. As I made my way through the bustling streets this afternoon, my eye was drawn to a cute little store selling vintage postcards and trinkets – always a favourite spot! I spent ages browsing the cards, filled with images from another era, and finally found a darling card with a vintage image of a ballerina twirling in a beautiful pink tutu (of course!). It will be the perfect souvenir, a lovely memory of this truly incredible city.
As I write this, I'm sitting at a small cafe tucked away on a quiet cobblestone street. The aromatic scent of freshly brewed espresso is filling the air, and the cafe’s interior is bursting with colourful charm, adorned with whimsical prints of birds and flowers. It's a peaceful haven amidst the hustle and bustle of this dynamic city.
Tonight, I have my eye on a ballets street performance in Navigli, the iconic canal district, followed by a glass of chilled prosecco. Imagine me, my pink tutu sparkling under the romantic glow of the streetlights as I take in the magical atmosphere of the canal. It's truly a city that sparks your senses and makes you want to dance. This trip is certainly one I'll never forget, it's absolute magic!
As my first week in Milan draws to a close, I can't help but feel a pang of bittersweet emotion. It's bittersweet because while I love the exciting sights and the feeling of constant adventure that Milan offers, part of me already misses the tranquillity of my Derbyshire home, and most importantly, the comfort of my family's familiar kitchen.
But, before I say "Ciao" for this week, let me remind you, darling readers, of my biggest dream: that one day, the pink tutu will be a staple item for everyone - no matter where they live! It’s such a symbol of joy, passion, and creativity. The tutus that adorn my feet are the symbol of my passion - and my passion for them, and all things pink, just keeps growing.
Keep checking back for more updates from this fabulous city!
With a final flourish and a twirl,
Emma xx
Pink Tutu Milan Blog - www.pink-tutu.com
