Ciao, darlings! Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu enthusiast, reporting live from the vibrant, fashionable city of Milan! I've just stepped off the sleekest, most stylish tram in all of Italy - all chrome and curves and modern, it felt like being inside a couture shoebox - and I'm practically bursting with excitement to share all the amazing adventures I've had so far. This is the beginning of my third week in Milan, and the city continues to enthrall me with its stylish spirit and elegant air.
Today has been a whirlwind of ballet, shopping, and, of course, the ever-present pink tutu. My trusty pink tulle is proving to be an absolute hit here in Milan! It's sparked conversations with some of the most elegant women in the city, all of whom agree that there's something utterly magical about the way a pink tutu can transform your mood! Who knew? 😉 It’s not just me embracing the pinkness, even the city of Milan seems to have been swept away by its allure. The cafes are awash with blushing walls, shops display merchandise in captivating shades of salmon, and the streets themselves appear bathed in a soft, rose-tinted light. I can't help but feel like I've landed right in a dream, where fashion, ballet, and pink are woven together in a tapestry of pure loveliness.
A Symphony of MovementNow, let's get into the reason for my travels, my one true love - ballet! My week in Milan has been utterly crammed with wonderful performances, all different and captivating in their own unique ways. Yesterday I saw the most magnificent rendition of Swan Lake - the Teatro alla Scala never disappoints - and the grace and strength of the dancers literally took my breath away. I even got to indulge in the delicious, decadent pre-show champagne and canapes (and yes, they had the most exquisite pink Champagne - perfect for my delicate palette). It was like stepping into a fairy tale - all glamour, emotion, and elegant movement. The beauty of ballet, for me, isn’t just in the incredible skill and athleticism, it's in the way it brings together so many different elements, from the music, the costumes, the choreography, and, of course, the theatre itself, creating a unique experience that you simply can't get anywhere else.
Oh, and let me not forget to mention the extraordinary costumes! The Swan Queen's dress was simply exquisite, a symphony of shimmering feathers, creating the perfect embodiment of elegance and beauty. I wouldn’t be a true ballet enthusiast without a moment of envy for the elegance and finesse those costumes represented, but, hey, I’m happy to create my own ballet-inspired glamour with my ever-so-lovely pink tutu!
But there's a different kind of enchantment I find in discovering the local ballet scene too. Today, I went to a charming little studio just around the corner from my charming little flat, and the students, despite their different styles and ages, had a sense of shared passion that was just lovely to be a part of. And honestly, those pirouettes were some of the most impressive I've ever seen! I find the smaller ballet classes, with the focus on technique and refinement, incredibly inspiring - sometimes a quiet, intimate session can reveal so much more about a dancer’s skill and character than a grand theatrical production. Maybe that’s because I myself feel so much more free in that kind of space - like a blank page waiting to be written. Anyway, I couldn't resist hopping in and practicing alongside them, in my bright pink tutu of course! My ballerina colleagues (they were so welcoming!) giggled at my cheeky little appearance, but it just reminded me how the pure joy of dance unites us all, and, let's be honest, isn't a little extra sparkle always welcome?
The Art of Milanese StyleI have to admit, it’s been hard to pull myself away from the beautiful shops and cafes here! My mission, as always, has been to find that perfect pink accessory. My favourite Milanese haunt so far has been this charming boutique I stumbled upon in the Brera district, nestled in amongst cobbled streets and cafes bursting with beautiful flowers. It’s called ‘Rosalinda’s’, and it’s basically a pink lover's dream come true. Everything from delicate, pink-hued china teacups to dazzling hand-beaded evening clutches with the most exquisite details - and naturally I have to grab a few things for myself, it’s just too fabulous not to!
Of course, no trip to Milan is complete without experiencing the incredible artistry of the local fashion houses. My recent trip to Armani, all clean lines, black and white minimalism, was an inspiration for a whole new set of choreography! There was something so captivating about how each piece seemed designed not just to adorn but to enhance and define the human body. Maybe that’s why I find ballet so fascinating too - how every turn, jump, and posture elevates the human form. And you know what else I realised? There’s always an element of the unexpected, even with these carefully crafted creations. Like a beautifully poised ballerina with a single pink ribbon on her shoe, a piece of couture has to be more than just an outfit. It’s an art form in itself!
The rest of my week is going to be dedicated to soaking up everything Milan has to offer, with a mix of cultural treasures and shopping excursions (the Italian boutiques just have this undeniable je ne sais quoi, you know!). My current plan for this evening? Enjoying a gelato, topped with, of course, a pink sugar heart! And, on my journey back home, I will, without fail, be waving to my fellow Milanese from my spot by the tram window. The vibrant spirit of Milan reminds me of why I always wear my tutu with so much joy. You never know who might need a little pink sparkle in their life - and who am I to hold it back?
Remember darlings, join me on the Pink Tutu journey next Monday as I bring you more delightful updates from this incredible Italian metropolis! If you haven't already, join me on my journey and get your pink tutus ready. Remember to check out my Instagram and the www.pink-tutu.com blog where I am posting this every Monday. Let me know what you’d like to hear about! Have a week full of sparkling joy and be sure to always wear a little pink somewhere!
Until next week!
Ciao for now!
Your Pink Tutu loving Emma, xx
P.S. I almost forgot! This week has also been particularly exciting because it’s the opening of a brand-new exhibition at the Galleria d’Arte Moderna that features some amazing costume design, and naturally, it includes a couple of fabulous pink pieces, and some absolutely incredible ballerina designs that I’m just dying to get a closer look at! This weekend, I’m planning a whole blog post dedicated to my Milanese fashion adventures - and if I get lucky, I might even be able to share a sneaky picture of myself trying on a pink tutu on top of a very fashionable fashion store balcony! Don't you just love when a city allows itself to be overtaken by a little bit of whimsy and pink?
