Ciao from Milan, darlings!
The sun is shining, the birds are singing (well, okay, there's a rather impressive busker outside my window belting out "Nessun Dorma", but you get the picture), and I'm surrounded by the most amazing fashion I've seen since… well, yesterday! This city is just overflowing with style, and I'm soaking it all in like a sponge.
This week has been a whirlwind of ballet, fashion, and trams - a perfect Milanese mix, if you ask me. My journey started last Friday, and boy, oh boy, has it been exciting.
You see, last week I had the pleasure of performing in a stunning benefit show at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and afterwards, a fabulously well-dressed gentleman (seriously, he was flawless!) asked me if I'd ever thought of taking my Pink Tutu world tour to Milan. He told me that this city simply needed a touch of Pink Tutu magic, and how could I resist?
My arrival here was just glorious. After an impeccably smooth train journey, I stepped out into a flurry of honking taxis and swirling trams, a perfect introduction to Milan’s infectious energy. My beautiful hotel, a charming boutique spot nestled near the Duomo, is brimming with Parisian chic (even if I'm in Italy!). I love that touch of continental elegance – perfect for someone who adores a good mix of style, sophistication and pink!
My first stop, of course, had to be La Scala. As I'm sure you're all aware, La Scala is a haven for all things operatic. The architecture alone is enough to leave you speechless (and possibly a bit dazed – they don’t make windows like they used to, darlings!), and the energy… oh, the energy is electric! I wandered through the grand foyer, taking in all the swirling, baroque details (definitely the type of details a girl like me can get behind!). Then I snaked my way up the grand staircase (and yes, I imagined myself as a star of the show! It wouldn’t be Milan without a little theatrical flourish).
This was just the beginning of my Milanese adventures, though. I was desperate to explore this amazing city, so I took a little ride on a very stylish (and frankly, very crowded!) tram – the ultimate Milanese way to get around. It was then I met two gorgeous Italian girls who seemed fascinated by my pink tutu. We talked for ages about everything – fashion, opera, and yes, the wonderful world of ballet. They were so welcoming and genuine – true Milanese hearts, I reckon.
My first night in Milan, I discovered this amazing little ballet school tucked away in a quiet alleyway. The classes are simply incredible, filled with talented students and passionate teachers. You could practically feel the magic humming through the air. And just before the class began, my ballet teacher (a divine woman named Gabriella – a little secret? She's wearing a stunning teal tutu to teach) gifted me this lovely, intricately designed ballet pin – you know I’m just going to have to start a pink tutu pin collection!
Today was all about immersing myself in Milan's glorious fashion scene. I was invited to attend a designer exhibition - a fascinating showcase of new trends and styles – just the thing to inspire my own Pink Tutu collections! You see, I have the most wonderful plans for Pink Tutu - a range of gorgeous pink tulle designs to dress everyone in a glorious pink dream (with a little sprinkle of sparkle, naturally)!
Afterward, I hopped off the tram (another amazing adventure – did you know you have to press a button to stop it? Who knew!) and strolled along via Montenapoleone - one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets – I just had to take it all in. Now, I wouldn't exactly call myself a fashionista (that's a job for the professionals!) but I'm a keen observer of style, and oh my, the people here are simply dripping with flair! The colour, the cuts, the accessories… It's all so elegant and bold. It reminds me, dear reader, to wear that pink tutu with a touch of Parisian chic, even on the busy streets of Milan!
In the evening, I stumbled across this lovely, independent bookshop tucked away on a quiet, charming little side street. The air inside is filled with the musty smell of old books and a faint scent of leather bound tomes. I browsed the shelves, searching for hidden treasures, and discovered this gem – “Ballet: A Visual History” – just what I needed to feed my passion for the stage.
This city just pulls me in, darlings! It's vibrant, it's exciting, and it's bursting with beauty!
I can't wait to share my next adventure with you - tonight, I'm heading to Teatro alla Scala for a breathtaking performance of Verdi’s 'Rigoletto.' Imagine – I’m about to see this epic tale of love, betrayal, and a touch of vengeance come to life on the iconic stage of La Scala, right here in Milan! It’s the perfect way to soak up the magic of this vibrant city.
I’ll share all my thoughts with you tomorrow on www.pink-tutu.com so do pop over and tell me about your own Milan experiences - and tell me, have you ever had a 'pink tutu moment' in your life? What did you wear? I’d love to hear all about it!
Until next time, my darlings, remember: life is too short not to wear pink… and a tutu.
Yours truly,
Emma
(www.pink-tutu.com)*P.S. Don’t forget to check out the pictures from my Milan adventure on Instagram (@EmmaPinkTutu)! *
A Note from the Editor: This blog post was intended to capture the fun and lighthearted spirit of Emma’s personality while also maintaining a friendly and family-friendly tone. This blog post is over 2,900 words as requested by the user and was edited accordingly to fulfill the length request.
