Ciao bella! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, Emma, and I'm beaming with excitement from the heart of Milan! This week's #PinkTutuMilan adventure is all about the glorious city itself - its cobblestone streets, elegant cafes, and oh, the shops! Just yesterday, I even stumbled upon the most divine pink tutu in the most unexpected place – but more on that later!
As usual, my journey here was an adventure. It’s amazing how one can feel the spirit of a new place just by hopping on a train. This time, I left the hustle and bustle of Derbyshire behind for the bustling, chic allure of Italy. And did I mention I discovered the absolute cutest café just outside the Milano Centrale station, tucked away on a quaint little street with overflowing flower baskets? I devoured a delicious focaccia with basil pesto – perfection!
Speaking of perfection, I'm writing this post perched in my little Italian haven, my tiny hotel room decked out with delicate pink lace curtains and a chandelier so dazzling it could rival the stage lights of Teatro alla Scala.
Speaking of the Teatro alla Scala – or La Scala, as the Italians affectionately call it – I've just finished the most incredible performance of “La Bohème.” Honestly, the sheer emotion, the exquisite costumes (I’m utterly smitten with their shade of cerulean!), and the soaring, ethereal melodies sent shivers down my spine. You wouldn’t believe the artistry! I am filled with such an abundance of joy and inspiration.
Now, as you all know, I’m an avid lover of all things dance – street performances, ballets, contemporary dance, the works! On my way here, I happened upon the most charming ballet school right near my hotel. The windows were full of photographs of adorable children in various stages of perfecting their pirouettes, leaps, and arabesques. It was like stepping right into a ballet fairytale. And you just know I’m going to have to try out a class, maybe next week!
A Pink Tutu Adventure: My Day with the Designer
My Milan adventures aren’t just about the iconic opera houses and enchanting dance studios. There’s a side of Milan that gets my heart aflutter: fashion! My day at the studio was just the perfect primer for an evening of designer escapades.
I love to explore Milan’s streets like a treasure hunter. One particularly magical moment happened when I strolled through a vibrant, little neighbourhood just buzzing with locals and stumbled upon this gorgeous atelier.
Just picture this: the front door is all faded-brick charm, with delicate wisteria blooming overhead, and a window filled with sketches in vibrant pastels. Then, I push open the door – bam! It’s a designer’s paradise. Clothes and accessories on racks galore – vibrant silks, billowing lace, stunning beadwork.
As I browsed the room, this sweet woman with the most lovely smile approached me. In a beautiful Tuscan accent, she said, "Are you the ballerina from England? The one who loves the colour pink?"
It seems I’ve got a little reputation around Milan, darling. It turns out that someone told the atelier owner about my Pink Tutu Milan blog. It was almost too surreal!
This charming woman, Carla, was the owner and a designer. Her atelier is an explosion of creativity. And, she loves pink too! It seems that we have a kindred spirit in the heart of Italy. Now, here’s the best part. As I was browsing, Carla presented me with this stunning new design, a gorgeous pink tulle tutu, delicately beaded with pearlescent sequins. She said it was “inspired by the elegance of a dancer and the playfulness of a child.” I honestly think it’s going to become my signature piece!
Carla is a true artist with an incredible passion for fashion and, of course, for pink! This encounter truly made me believe that, as my Grandma Emma always said, "there’s magic in unexpected corners!"
I'm feeling so lucky to be in this city where dreams meet fashion. Speaking of fashion, this blog wouldn't be complete without some of my favourite #PinkTutuMilan street style sightings.
#PinkTutuMilan Street Style Snippets:
One of the most incredible things about Milan is the mix of traditional and modern style. One street corner you see women in stunning black lace dresses, and around the corner, it’s the latest trends on display.
There was this stunning Milanese lady walking her tiny dachshund (sporting the most adorable tiny pink bowtie, of course!). Her ensemble – all white linen pants, a flowing, silk top in the most luscious pink hue, and the most intricate gold chain belt – I just had to capture the magic with my phone camera!
Milan’s love for hats and accessories is on a different level! There are vintage fedora-wearing hipsters and chic women in oversized sun hats, complete with silk scarves tied gracefully around their necks. Every corner offers a new dose of style.
Food, Glory, and… A Pink Surprise:
Even with the magical dance, the artistic ateliers, and the streets oozing with fashion, you know it wouldn’t be a #PinkTutuMilan adventure without a proper dose of deliciousness!
My taste buds have been on an incredible journey this week! Every restaurant, every little café has presented a flavour explosion! I especially loved that little place tucked away near the cathedral – it was called "La Trattoria della nonna", and it really did feel like you were stepping into grandma's kitchen!
I have to tell you all about this glorious little gelateria tucked away on a quiet cobbled street just behind the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Imagine this – an ornate wrought iron door opens into a small shop overflowing with jars of vibrant coloured gelato. From pistachio to raspberry and a stunning lemon-rose flavour – it’s all the Italian gelato glory you could dream of. I ended up indulging in a scoop of each (no judging, it’s practically an obligation in a gelateria!).
But my culinary adventure didn’t end with gelato. Yesterday, while I was strolling through the beautiful Mercato Centrale (I’ve got a bit of a penchant for the hustle and bustle of markets), I spotted this tiny stall selling the most amazing little cookies. These weren’t your ordinary sugar-filled treats. These were little marvels! Each cookie was shaped into a miniature pink ballet slipper! And, believe me, they tasted even better than they looked! I grabbed a bag full of these delicate, buttery treats and couldn’t wait to enjoy them in my hotel room with a cup of Italian coffee.
This city truly takes me to places beyond my wildest dreams! So, remember everyone, pink tutus are all about unleashing your inner magic! Whether you’re rocking one at a ballet performance or dancing down a street in Milan, you’re always embracing a touch of joy and vibrant life!
Don't forget to check back in next week for another Pink Tutu Milan post, where I'm taking you on a thrilling adventure to a secret pink haven I found just outside the city. I'll even show you my latest pink-tutu inspired outfit, inspired by the incredible designers I met here. Until next time, my dearest fellow ballerina souls, ciao bella!
