Bonjour from Milano! 🩰 🇮🇹 It's Wednesday, my lovelies, and I'm bubbling over with excitement! I'm here in the fashion capital of the world, taking in all the sights, sounds and, of course, stunning outfits! I’m so glad you’re joining me for this week’s #PinkTutuMilan blog. This blog has been such a dream! Being here is almost too much, it feels like I’ve stepped straight onto the stage, except this is real life, but it feels like a storybook!
You’ll never believe what a whirlwind this week has been already. Just picture this: arriving at Milan's bustling train station, the scent of espresso swirling in the air as I hop on the tram – with my trusty pink tutu peeking out of my suitcase, of course. The charm of Italy washes over you immediately!
My adventures began with a ballet class this morning at the Scuola di Ballo. Just imagine: the beautifully polished wooden floor, the rhythmic beat of the piano music, the elegant instructors - oh, and my darling pink tutu twirling alongside me. Ballet classes in Milan are a little bit of magic.
This afternoon was a joy, shopping at the Armani store for a touch of luxury. Don’t tell my mum but I had to get that divine silk scarf, the one with the gorgeous blush-pink and cherry blossom motif - totally going to wear it with my tutu! But don't worry, Mum, I only got one – this time! (I did promise not to go wild on the Italian shopping spree!)
You can just imagine the fashion shows I've seen! All the elegance, all the creativity, all the beautiful fabrics swirling like magic – and of course, those divine gowns and designs. The outfits here are a masterpiece – an artistic explosion of colour and form. The way they embrace both elegance and sophistication is just delightful. I feel so inspired to incorporate those details into my own style - that je ne sais quoi that just does something to a woman's aura.
Let’s go back a few days!
I love travelling on the trains and I have been travelling a lot this last few weeks! To get here, I made my way from beautiful Venice to Milan. What a lovely journey that was! The views from the train were exquisite – verdant rolling countryside, tiny, enchanting villages, vineyards basking in the Italian sun – absolutely breathtaking! And all on my way to Milan. The heart of fashion, creativity and, of course, the home of a phenomenal ballet scene!
On a Tuesday, I ventured to the iconic Piazza della Scala. Now, I know some of you might be wondering what this pink tutu wearing ballerina does in places like Piazza della Scala. Well, let me tell you, even this princess needs to see the sites! I was like a child in a candy shop with all the grandeur. The sheer scale of the square just stopped me in my tracks. This beautiful cobbled square is bordered by elegant arcades, charming shops, bustling restaurants – all bathed in that glorious Italian sunshine. This is one of my favourite parts of my whole trip!
But of course, my highlight had to be the Teatro alla Scala itself! You can just feel the history emanating from that theatre, imagine all the legends that graced the stage there, Caruso, Pavarotti, and even Maria Callas! The beauty of the opera house took my breath away. It is an awe-inspiring spectacle of architecture and design, an exquisite blend of grandeur and elegance, adorned with a beautiful, regal interior.
Later on, after the crowds subsided and the last rays of sunlight cast their magic upon the cobbled streets, I joined a group of locals for a delightful “aperitivo” session in a hidden gem near the Duomo. This hidden trattoria was so charming with its exposed brick walls, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows – a real little slice of Italy.
Then there's the food – the most divine Italian delicacies! Fresh pasta, crusty bread, cheeses so delicious, fresh pasta – every bite an explosion of flavour. Every meal in Milan is a joy to behold! I’m especially looking forward to going back to that lovely trattoria near the Teatro alla Scala soon, to have another spaghetti alla carbonara with a generous dollop of Parmigiano Reggiano. Just divine!
I found the best gelato in this little gelateria next to my little hotel, where a young man hand-made all his own gelato – and let me tell you – divine! Flavors like pistachio and hazelnut, it’s enough to make a tutu-clad ballerina weak at the knees!
Speaking of weak at the knees! The highlight of the week is finally happening tomorrow! Oh, I am SO excited! The most anticipated event of this whole trip has got to be tomorrow's ballet performance at the Teatro alla Scala, the home of Milanese ballet. I can’t even begin to explain the level of excitement I’m feeling. Imagine me in my blush-pink tutu, standing amongst this incredible ballet scene – just a ballerina trying to live her dream! My heart beats a little faster as I picture myself twirling on the grand stage at this beautiful venue!
Milan is simply captivating and magical! The beauty of the buildings, the warmth of the people, the atmosphere... The whole city resonates with elegance and romance, a true melting pot of artistic expression! I could easily get lost in this labyrinth of cobblestone streets and breathtaking architecture for weeks on end.
Well my darling ballet-loving friends, I must rush away! I have to pick up my new ballet shoes – from a real shop this time, not the online shops that my mum makes me use when I’m in Derbyshire! Then, I have to find that exquisite, vintage tutu I’ve been eyeing in the window of that cute little shop on via Montenapoleone, so chic. (I don’t mind paying a bit more for a good quality tutu - we're talking serious quality vintage here - you’ll be able to spot me in it as I dance in front of Milan’s Duomo at sunset).
Remember – everyone can be a ballerina, in your own pink tutu, dancing in the streets! Stay fabulous! And remember, dear friends, until next week – when I’m back with more Milan mayhem - be sure to dance your hearts out!
Ciao, ciao,
Emma xoxo
Please join us each week, as Emma explores more of Milan's magical ballet scene, on Mondays on www.pink-tutu.com