Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, Pink Tutu Milan! It’s your favourite tutu-wearing travel blogger here, Emma, bringing you all the pinkest, most delightful happenings from the fashion capital of the world, Milan, Italy!
This week's post is a little different, a little special, because it’s all about me, all about my passions, and all about the gorgeous, glamorous, and just plain fun side of this incredible city! It’s been a whirlwind of a week, filled with beautiful ballets, divine fashion, and some of the most delicious gelato you can imagine! But before I get to the good stuff, let’s chat about what's been happening in my world…
Derby Dreams and Train Travels
For the past two weeks, I've been back in my little Derbyshire village, visiting family, friends, and performing with the lovely local ballet company. It's always so special to perform in a place where my ballet journey first began. And even though I have my little flat in Milan, I still can't imagine leaving Derbyshire permanently. There’s a real peace that settles in my soul when I’m back in my childhood home.
But after two weeks of beautiful scenery, a dash of autumn in the air, and delicious home-cooked meals, I knew it was time to get back to the bright lights and bustling streets of Milan. The thrill of a train journey is one of my absolute favourites! I can’t deny my weakness for a classic Italian espresso, perfectly served by the conductor himself. You just can't beat the excitement of a train journey. I feel like a ballet dancer myself, ready for my big premiere!
Milan, You’ve Been Missed!
Oh Milan, my beloved! You just don’t know how much I’ve missed you! There’s something truly magical about this city. Stepping out of the station, onto Piazza della Repubblica, felt like arriving home after the longest journey. The air hums with excitement, every corner promises a new discovery, and even the street signs whisper in a melodious Italian.
After settling into my sweet little flat - you wouldn't believe the view I have from my bedroom window - it was straight out onto the streets to immerse myself in the energy of this extraordinary city. The streets are an orchestra of colours, sounds, and aromas, all weaving a captivating symphony of Milanese life. I spent the entire afternoon simply observing the street performers, soaking in the unique energy of every corner.
Pink-tastic Street Fashion!
And speaking of unique energy, have I mentioned Milan's fashion? Oh, darlings, it is just breathtaking! I adore the mix of vintage styles with cutting-edge trends. It’s a place where vintage shops stand shoulder to shoulder with designer boutiques. Every person seems like they stepped straight out of a fashion magazine, radiating confidence and charisma. It truly is an inspiration. I saw more gorgeous scarves, bold patterned shoes, and statement jackets in one day here than I have in my entire life. Of course, my eye is drawn to pink! It’s absolutely everywhere. From delicate pastel shades on elegant ladies to neon pink pops on cool-as-a-cucumber teenagers, Milan loves pink, just like me!
My little black purse and I have already done a bit of shopping at the Emporio Armani store near Piazza della Repubblica - you know, the place where Armani does his most "in-your-face" designing, full of exciting new things.
But let's not forget, fashion in Milan isn’t just for designers and celebrities; it's a part of everyday life. A walk down the street is a runway, and the people of Milan are the stars. I just love their confident strut and unapologetic self-expression! Of course, I just have to add a little sprinkle of pink magic to the scene, don’t I?
Pink Power!
Now, you know how I always tell you, “It’s never too late to start wearing pink,” and “Everyone can look good in a tutu?” I put my own little bit of “pink power” to the test this week by visiting some local dance classes in the heart of Milan. Let me tell you, the women in Milan take ballet class to a whole new level! Even the local grandmas! It’s something you have to experience to believe! Imagine being in the middle of the busiest city in the world and you have this incredibly serene space. All around you are people with amazing stories, graceful movements, and genuine passions. It makes me so incredibly happy! And there’s more - it makes me want to wear my pink tutu everywhere I go.
And guess what? I did! Imagine me, wearing my favorite pink tutu, swirling through the streets, drawing smiles from locals and curious tourists alike!
And for any of you lovely readers who haven’t caught my #PinkTutuMilan posts before, this is what I stand for! Let’s make the world a pinker, happier place! There are so many beautiful pink moments that we should share together!
Back to the Ballet - La Scala!
And speaking of beautiful moments, we are not talking about just any ballets, darling. Today was the day! You guys know that I can’t come to Milan without a visit to the legendary La Scala Theatre! The home of Italian opera and the grandest ballet stage, it is the centre of the theatrical world. La Scala’s doors opened in 1778 and ever since then the building has been captivating audiences. And I’m not going to lie, I was nervous. A part of me felt a little out of place. I mean, what’s a Derbyshire girl in a pink tutu doing in this magnificent venue?
But the second I stepped inside the theater, the feeling was simply magical. I took a seat on my front-row seat, the gilded interiors, the vibrant colours, and the hushed anticipation made my heart pound with excitement. The atmosphere felt so grand! Then the music started, and the energy filled the entire space! It truly is an unparalleled experience that I will cherish forever.
Today’s performance was of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, one of the most iconic ballets ever created. The story of Odette, the swan queen, is such a beautiful metaphor for the complexity of life and love, so beautifully conveyed by the grace and emotion of the ballet dancers.
You have no idea how emotional the whole thing was! I found myself clapping along, holding my breath during the dramatic parts, and even shedding a little tear at the finale. The talent and artistry were simply extraordinary. Every move, every gesture was perfectly executed, and I just wanted to jump onto the stage and join in!
Back to the Future…
Now that my dance dreams have been fulfilled, and my pink tutu has conquered the streets of Milan, I need to share something I discovered in one of my many vintage shop discoveries today - the “future” of pink is even brighter, and a lot more vibrant, than the vintage styles of pink, the old pink. Today I saw a shocking new kind of pink. This is one that I'll definitely add to my wardrobe soon!
Oh, the shopping adventures I will have with all this inspiration!
But it’s not just fashion that’s inspiring me today. It’s the way that Milan takes so many traditions, adds its own spin to them, and then turns them into a glorious spectacle.
See you all next week!
**Remember to always follow your passion! Don’t forget to add a touch of pink to your life.
Keep on dancing, darling, and let's keep spreading the pink power all over the world!
Ciao!
