Ciao Bella! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu aficionado, back from a whirlwinding trip through the fashion capital of the world! Milano, oh Milano! You have truly captured my heart, with your stunning architecture, incredible fashion, and delicious, delicious food!
This week, my dear readers, has been a total fairytale. It all began with a joyous performance at the Teatro Dal Verme. Let's just say that my pointe shoes got a serious workout! The energy in the theatre was electric. As the final bow played, the applause seemed to go on forever, a truly humbling experience.
Later that afternoon, I embarked on a glorious journey through the city on the iconic Milano trams. I swear, every corner I turned, every shop window I peeked into, was bursting with colour, creativity and a certain je ne sais quoi! I had to be sure to capture it all, naturally. After all, sharing my pink tutu adventures is what makes this blog so much fun!
And speaking of fun, the shops of Milano are positively overflowing with pink! From delicate lace tops and flirty dresses to sparkly shoes and bright pink sunglasses, my heart skipped a beat at every store I visited. It was a serious pink overload, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Of course, no trip to Milano would be complete without a visit to the Teatro alla Scala. This grand opera house is the most beautiful building I’ve ever seen, the perfect example of Milan’s elegance and refinement. The intricate detailing, the vibrant colors, and the sense of history that emanated from every stone simply took my breath away.
I took a tour through the Teatro alla Scala and marvelled at its ornate ceilings, plush red velvet seats, and a stage where so many legendary performers have danced. It was a little glimpse into the history of theatre, a reminder of how art transcends time.
Now, my friends, I must tell you about the most delectable discovery of the week: "gelato". The Italian pronunciation makes it sound so much more sophisticated than "ice cream" don’t you think? The shops were overflowing with endless varieties, from rich, decadent chocolate to zesty lemon and exotic fruit flavours. I couldn’t resist indulging in a scoop (or three).
One of the things that really made this trip stand out, was a captivating performance I saw at the Museo della Permanente, a hidden gem off the beaten path. The ballet dancers, both professional and amateur, took us on a journey through different emotions with every graceful gesture and every leap. I was totally captivated by the sheer passion of their dancing. I simply had to stay for another show that very night. I'm not kidding when I say it took everything I had to not buy a second pair of pointe shoes for the second performance!
The charm of this beautiful city really did steal my heart, from the vibrant city centre to the quaint little shops lining the side streets, Milan’s personality shines through in every corner. Of course, the vibrant pink flowers bursting from pots on balconies, or arranged into intricate floral displays in the bustling street markets, were the icing on the cake, making Milan’s personality shimmer with vibrant energy and elegance.
The city pulsated with a youthful spirit that felt so contagious. I wandered through the Parco Sempione and admired the magnificent Sforza Castle, an architectural marvel surrounded by acres of greenery. This little corner of the city provided the perfect refuge from the bustling crowds, a place to breathe and simply enjoy the tranquil beauty.
Another highlight of the week? A delightful little family-owned café tucked away in a quiet backstreet. Imagine this - cobblestones, an array of blooming flowers and a delightful aroma of freshly brewed espresso and freshly baked pastries, emanating from a café overflowing with vibrant coloured ceramics. A true picture of quaint charm. It was a feast for the senses and the perfect spot to settle down with a coffee and a pastry.
But no adventure is complete without a spot of shopping, and of course, my shopping bags are overflowing with treasures I couldn't leave behind! It would be practically rude of me to NOT stock up on chic clothing that will make any tutu wearer feel absolutely sensational.
And while you’re imagining yourself in that glorious, fluffy pink tutu, I’d like to introduce you to some of my favourite Milano street style icons! Every turn of the corner brought another burst of fabulousness!
I love to observe the fashion in different countries. For me, it’s not just about the clothing but the people wearing them - the confidence, the nonchalance, the creativity, the unique expression that speaks volumes about who they are. I adore observing the details – the unexpected colours, a statement piece, an intricately woven scarf, and a sassy touch of pink.
One of my favourite spots was in the district of Brera. It is known for its quirky vintage boutiques, art galleries and bohemian spirit. It’s a veritable mecca of creative expression and a playground for style enthusiasts. I had to take several photos – of the street itself, and of some of the incredible people in their absolutely stunning clothes! A few have even made their way into my album – let’s call it “pinktutuapproved.com”!
Speaking of pink, let’s talk tutus! Of course, my mission is to get everyone, and I mean everyone, to put on a pink tutu. The world needs more pink, don’t you agree?
This past week, my favourite pink tutu spot was an outdoor market by the Duomo. It was filled with vibrant coloured stalls bursting with fresh fruit, artisanal cheeses and spices – a vibrant feast for the eyes and the stomach! Of course, there was also an abundance of sparkly tutus of all colours, ready to be danced around in. It was impossible to leave without picking out a delicate baby pink tutu to complete my own fashion fairytale.
On Thursday, after breakfast, I found myself at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a spectacular glass-vaulted shopping arcade that connects the Duomo to La Scala. This grand space is a spectacle of beauty, filled with luxurious boutiques and fine dining restaurants, the perfect spot for a morning coffee break (or a mid-shopping break, or maybe just a celebratory espresso with gelato! You can never have too many of those!)
One of my highlights, I have to say, was seeing a street performer - an incredibly talented artist who painted pictures in front of everyone in the Piazza del Duomo. What made it extra special for me was how they used splashes of bright, happy pink throughout the piece. I even took a selfie in front of the art!
The week came to a close with a poignant moment, an opportunity to appreciate the rich heritage of Milano. I found myself captivated by a ballet performance at the Teatro Nuovo, an intimate space that oozed the charm and atmosphere of a historic theater.
Oh my goodness, the dancers’ skill was absolutely awe-inspiring, especially the ballerina with the flaming red hair and incredible stamina! After that performance, I walked around Milano with a new appreciation of the elegance and grace that are ingrained in this vibrant, multi-faceted city.
So, my darling readers, as I wave goodbye to Milano for now, I can only say this: I have been truly charmed and will cherish my memories of this stunning city! There are a few more stories I have yet to tell, a few more photos I’m ready to share. As always, my love for this incredible journey grows with every step I take.
Remember, my lovely pink tutu-loving community, I love reading your comments. Have you ever been to Milan, or to an amazing performance that made your heart sing? Tell me everything, I can’t wait to hear about your experiences. Until next time, darlings, keep your pink tutus sparkling, and dream big!
*Catch you all next week on Monday, right here on www.pink-tutu.com, for my next post from a new, magical, exciting destination. I can’t wait to share it all with you. Until then, keep sparkling! *
Emma xoxo
