#PinkTutuMilan Wednesday 2001-07-25 ballet blog from Milano Italia

Ciao bellas!

It's Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu Queen, writing to you live from the fashion capital of the world – Milan, Italia! This week's adventure has been a whirlwind of stunning architecture, mouth-watering food, and of course, endless fashion inspiration. Oh, and did I mention the most amazing ballet performances?

I landed in Milan on Monday feeling like a fluffy pink cloud. This week, Milan is radiating with an energy all its own, a vibrant mix of history and modern flair, art and design. The air itself seems to hum with creativity. You can feel it in the cafes bustling with artists sketching in their notebooks, the sleek modern shops showcasing the latest fashion trends, and the cobbled streets lined with ancient buildings whispering tales of bygone eras.

Speaking of bygone eras, this week marks the anniversary of 25th July, 2001, a date filled with iconic moments. Remember that iconic music video that came out that year? Or perhaps that blockbuster movie you couldn't get enough of? While those memories are certainly worthy of a rewind, I'm far too preoccupied with the pink, sparkly magic of Milan to reminisce on past glories. Today, we're all about creating our own history, one twirl at a time!

As always, my exploration of Milan began with a whirlwind tram journey through the heart of the city. You know I can’t resist a chance to watch the world go by from the comfort of a vintage tram, a perfect way to soak in the sights, sounds, and scents of Milan. It’s also the best way to find those hidden gems – quaint cafes nestled amongst grand palaces, quirky vintage stores overflowing with treasures waiting to be discovered, and those charming boutiques with beautifully displayed windows. And of course, the ever-present scent of freshly baked bread from bakeries all along the route - the perfect accompaniment to any day spent exploring.

And what does a Pink Tutu Queen do while on a tram adventure? Why, shop of course! A delightful vintage store near Duomo caught my eye, its window overflowing with an eclectic collection of hats, scarves, and quirky jewellery – everything a fashion-loving ballerina needs to complete her ensemble. I couldn’t resist purchasing a vintage straw hat with a delicate pink ribbon, which perfectly complemented my tutu of the day, a fluffy lilac number with sparkling sequins. Don’t worry, I didn't forget the iconic Pink Tutu, which is always my favourite way to travel!

You know, I just love finding local ballet studios wherever I go! They always offer a glimpse into the local culture and how the art form is embraced by the community. This week I stumbled upon a studio tucked away on a quiet street near Navigli – “Balletto a Milano.” What a gem! The studio is a cozy, welcoming space, filled with the aroma of sweat and the soft music of ballet barre exercises. The teacher, Signora Isabella, was a delight. She had a quiet elegance about her that drew you in.

In this session, the students moved with an effortless grace that hinted at years of practice. I quickly learned that Milan has a very vibrant ballet community and some fantastic dance schools. As always, I was completely mesmerized watching their skills, it made my own ballet dreams feel so close.

That evening, I had the privilege of attending a truly magical performance by the Teatro alla Scala. It was a breathtaking evening, full of swirling emotions and breathtaking beauty. The ballet was Giselle, a classic tale of love, betrayal, and ultimately, the triumph of the human spirit. The dancers were stunning, their movements fluid and expressive, capturing the tragic romance of the story with perfect precision. The theatre itself was a testament to the grandeur of the past, with intricate ornamentation and a velvet-lined balcony overlooking the stage. I felt like I'd been transported back in time to a world of elegance and enchantment.

Let's be honest, one of my favourite things about travel is delicious food! And Milan, I'm happy to report, definitely did not disappoint! From the traditional pasta dishes that have graced my plate at every meal to the delicious gelati that seems to magically appear around every corner, Milan is a gourmand's paradise! My personal favourite find this week was a charming little trattoria near Brera. This family-run spot was a true culinary gem. I dined like a true Italian princess, indulging in a delectable pasta with ricotta and fresh basil. And the panna cotta? A symphony of creamy heaven. I savoured each bite, the flavors a delicate dance on my palate.

Later, as I took a stroll through the city’s central park, the Giardini Pubblici, a picturesque setting surrounded by stunning Renaissance-style architecture, I knew it was a perfect spot for a Pink Tutu picnic! I settled on a bench amidst the blooming flowerbeds, surrounded by the sweet scents of roses and lavender, the gentle rustle of leaves above me, and a vibrant backdrop of towering trees, with my vintage straw hat providing a touch of chic elegance.

Of course, no Italian picnic is complete without the iconic panna cotta. And just imagine my delight when I discovered the most exquisite little bakery near the park, a true Italian bakery. I savoured each bite, relishing the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of the dessert.

I had also picked up a couple of delectable slices of focaccia from a charming stall near the park. They were generously coated with rosemary, and as I ate it with a fresh Italian espresso, I had that quintessential “I am truly on holiday" feeling!

But Milan isn’t just about delectable food. It's also the heart of fashion! So of course, my journey through Milan wasn't complete without exploring the legendary fashion scene. And my mission this time was clear – find the perfect Pink Tutu inspired outfit!

I hit the ground running, and I was lucky to catch Milan Fashion Week, where I met the youngest fashion designer to showcase at this season’s show! I'm talking 22-years-old, showcasing their collections, so chic and innovative.

It felt incredibly empowering watching all these inspiring people showcasing their creativity! Seeing their confidence on the runway just sparked a Pink Tutu spark within me! I knew what I had to do – create a Pink Tutu-inspired collection!

That’s right, Bellas, you heard it right! This Pink Tutu Queen is getting back into her designing self and creating something amazing and bold. This is going to be the biggest project I've ever undertaken! Think elegant dresses with a Pink Tutu flare, and of course, the perfect tutus for any event. You guys are gonna LOVE what I have planned!

The inspiration, of course, is going to come from all those amazing Milanese I’ve seen in my travels! Their sense of style is all about effortlessly combining modern and classic, comfort and sophistication. I spotted this beautiful blonde with incredible long wavy hair rocking a white midi dress with a chic trench coat on a sunny day. Then I noticed the cutest outfit on a girl, wearing the most incredible tailored grey pants paired with a bold pink crop top. The colors complemented her flawless pale complexion and blonde hair perfectly.

These style icons showed me it’s all about embracing individuality while rocking the latest trends. That’s exactly what I am planning to do with the collection!

Milan has shown me the power of fashion - its ability to transform, express and inspire. It's about taking risks and having fun with style. That’s why I’m also going to be incorporating some elements of Milan's urban style and mixing it up with my own Pink Tutu magic.

I'm picturing a collection with flowing tutus in vibrant shades of pink, bold colour blocking like the one I spotted at a local designer store, and elegant lines that echo the classic architecture of this beautiful city. I’m excited to showcase this collection with my own pink-tinted flair to show that tutus aren’t just for ballerinas, they can be a way to express yourself and own your style whatever you choose to wear!

And that’s the thing, bellas. This collection is going to be all about you! It’s going to empower you to wear what makes you feel good and embrace the Pink Tutu power inside all of you!

And with that, I’ll say "arrivederci" for now! Until next week, Bellas, keep those pink tutus spinning and remember to dance to your own beat!

Lots of love, Emma xxx

*PS: Don’t forget to check out the www.pink-tutu.com website for exclusive content! We’ve got behind-the-scenes looks at my fashion journey, my newest collection designs and, of course, my pink-tastic travels! *