Wednesday 2008-01-02
Buongiorno, darlings!
It's Emma, back from another whirlwind adventure in the fashion capital of the world, Milan! I landed here last week, as a frosty, but brilliant Derbyshire dawn kissed goodbye to my English countryside home, ready to swap cobblestones for cobbled streets.
And what a week it's been! It's simply overflowing with Parisian charm, vibrant life, and, of course, the very essence of fashion and artistry.
This trip has been about embracing the grand stage. As much as I adore London’s vibrant theatre scene, Milan is simply another level! I've spent my days whisking through its historic cobblestone streets, my pink tutu billowing in the crisp air like a ballerina's dream, taking in the energy and opulence.
Tram Trailing & Tututastic Triumphs
My arrival in Milan, a blur of sleek black cabs and rumbling trams, set the scene perfectly. There's just something about the clanging and squeaking of trams that brings a sense of whimsical magic to the day. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my comfy journeys in the train, especially as it allows me to indulge in my love of travel novels and sketching - something about a moving carriage sets my creative mind soaring. I find myself dreaming up choreography in my head - the rhythm of the rails and the scenery become my inspiration. But the tram journey, it's like stepping into a Parisian fairytale, full of characters with hidden stories waiting to unfold.
My trusty pink tutu is making waves. The first thing I saw upon landing? Pink, pink everywhere! Milan's street fashion was filled with splashes of vibrant hues, each one radiating with playful charm. A pink velvet beret peeking out from under a classic fedora, a cerise knit cardigan nestled under a chic grey trench, a blush-toned cashmere scarf draped nonchalantly over the shoulders. And then, there was me! Of course! Standing proud with my statement pink tutu. As usual, I am definitely turning heads. And let me tell you, being the "pinkest" thing around is definitely making for a tutu-tastic trip! The Italians absolutely adore the pink.
I swear, some of them were even whispering "bellissima" at me as I made my way to the charming trattoria near my hotel. I can't help but think my tutus have become a badge of 'Emma-ism'. A playful celebration of creativity, life and well… lots of pink!
The Ballet's Call
Milan has some of the most beautiful opera houses I've ever seen, all grand and sweeping in their architecture. But I am here for the ballet. The ballet is in my soul, darling. And Milan, it truly does deliver! My favourite place, is the Teatro alla Scala - it’s so incredibly stunning that you feel like you're stepping back in time. And it's just as incredible in reality as it is on the big screen! Just wait until you see my post next week with pictures - you will all be swept away by the beauty and magic. But, enough of that… Let’s chat about something else!
Fashionistas and Shopping Spree
There are days in life, where all a girl really wants is a pair of perfectly pointy, elegant heels, a new silk dress, a decadent Parisian café experience… And those, darling, are the days to embrace the beautiful things that life throws our way. That, my dears, is why I came to Milan. This week, I am feeling truly inspired by the latest Italian designers, and I've discovered a shop just down the street from my little flat with the most exquisite silk scarves. You won’t believe the colors - and that delicate way they’re printed, with swirling designs. Honestly, they almost look like the swirls of a ballerina's skirt. It's not just the fashion that inspires me, though. The city, in its own way, moves like a dancer.
Imagine - the cobblestones are a stage. The shop fronts a backdrop, the buildings grand and sweeping like a theatre. The people? They're all characters with their own storylines, rushing and weaving through the streets like ballerinas on pointe. It's all a beautiful, captivating performance and you’re smack dab in the middle. It's magic!
And then, of course, there are the shows, darling! Milan is the city where fashion truly takes center stage! I had the most exquisite experience at the fashion show at the Dolce & Gabbana atelier! The clothes were dazzling. And the whole vibe? Totally whimsical and a bit sassy - just my style! The fashion scene is like a ballet itself, filled with graceful poses and theatrical flair. I saw one beautiful dress with tulle in the most vibrant pink! You can imagine my heart skipping a beat when I saw it! But no time to dwell on dreams of tutus and fairy dust, I had a big event planned…
A Magical Performance and a Touch of Glam
I’m performing in Milan's very own Opera House on Friday night. I'll be sharing a little bit of magic with my "Pink Tutu" solo, an ethereal and dramatic performance full of elegance, and that signature "Pink Tutu" panache, you know. My pink tutu will sparkle under the theatre lights - you just wait and see! It will be a captivating experience, you can count on that. To get myself ready, I popped into one of the lovely hair salons close to my little hotel this morning. They’ve created a stunning ballet bun for me - perfectly messy but elegant, with my favorite delicate pearl hair comb and a sprinkling of blush-toned glitter! My costume, a swirling piece of my most loved tulle, has been carefully pressed and set to dazzle in the lights! I can already hear the applause ringing in my ears - how wonderful is it to share the stage with so many talented performers?!
Oh, darling, I’ve still so much to share about Milan… There’s a whole story in every street corner, every cafe, every friendly "Ciao, Bella!" whispered my way. But for now, I must bid you adieu.
See you next week when I return, to tell you all about my performance.
Stay chic, darling! Stay pink! And never, ever, let anyone stop you from following your dreams.
xx Emma
