Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! It’s Emma here, and it’s time for another delightful dose of Pink Tutu Milan – direct from the fashion capital of the world! This week, I’m embracing the spirit of Milan with open arms, a heart full of joie de vivre, and, of course, a flamboyantly pink tutu.
Before we get lost in the whirlwind of this incredible city, let's rewind back to my Derbyshire home, where a weekend full of ballet performances set the stage for my Italian escapade. A couple of beautiful shows with the Derbyshire Youth Ballet and a masterclass with the fantastic Anya from the Royal Ballet (seriously, she's got moves like nobody's business!), left me energised and ready for some Milanese magic.
I arrived in Milan yesterday morning, my heart fluttering with anticipation like a prima ballerina during her grand jeté. The sun was shining, the air buzzing with energy, and the aroma of freshly baked pastries lured me straight into a quaint cafe on the corner of my charming little hotel street. I couldn't help myself - a croissant and a strong, milky coffee were the perfect fuel for my fashionably packed schedule.
Speaking of schedules, I've got an action-packed week planned, and today, Wednesday, is already a testament to Milan's exhilarating spirit. The morning started with a pit stop at "La Rinascente," Milan’s iconic department store – a temple of chic fashion and home to my absolute favourite luxury labels. The pink tutu was the star of the show (as always!) and, much to my delight, drew admiring glances from passers-by.
After a satisfying bout of retail therapy (and maybe a few purchases too many - whoops!), I took a relaxing stroll through the enchanting Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli (the Public Gardens, to you and me). The greenery, the sparkling fountain, and the cheerful laughter of families enjoying the afternoon sunshine made for a peaceful respite from the bustling city life.
Then, it was off to Teatro alla Scala! This iconic opera house is steeped in history and architectural brilliance – every inch exudes sophistication and grandeur. Today’s performance was "Tosca" and it was absolutely breath-taking. The operatic voices soared, the dramatic choreography captivated, and the incredible costumes left me speechless. This was the perfect opportunity to wear a more "opera appropriate" version of my beloved pink tutu – think luxurious tulle and a hint of embellishment. After the final curtain call, I caught a glimpse of the stars in the lobby, feeling like I had stepped straight into a glamorous scene from a Hollywood movie.
The day continued in the spirit of artistic enchantment – I made my way to the Palazzo Reale, where a breathtaking exhibition of surrealist art left me completely awestruck. It's moments like these – where art and history collide in an explosion of colour, texture, and inspiration - that really ignite my love for exploration.
I must admit, after a whirlwind of sights and sounds, a spot of traditional Milanese fare at Trattoria 'La Cucina' seemed utterly divine. The food was fresh, delicious and, I can't help but add, delightfully Instagram-worthy! (Be sure to check out my post - the carbonara was just divine.)
Ending the day with a late-night stroll through Via Montenapoleone - a haven for luxury boutiques and stunning architectural wonders – made for the perfect evening capstone. And as the night sky glittered with city lights, I couldn't help but feel utterly charmed by this enchanting metropolis.
But enough about my day! This week in Milan, there's so much more to explore -
Thursday: My pink tutu is making a guest appearance at a delightful afternoon tea with my fellow ballerina bloggers – a chance to mingle, share stories and soak up the fashion atmosphere of this glorious city. We’re aiming to visit a famous Italian shoemaker, “A. Testoni”, in search of the perfect pair of ballet pumps to complete our ballet-inspired style.
Friday: I'll be whisking myself away to Lake Como, taking in the panoramic views of the Italian Alps, enjoying some gelato by the water's edge, and of course, embracing the "dolce vita." Expect a fashion shoot with some beautiful scenery as a backdrop!
Saturday: I'm heading to the bustling streets of Brera, an enchanting bohemian neighbourhood filled with artists' workshops, vintage boutiques and the Gucci Garden, where art and fashion collide in a celebration of the iconic brand. It'll be an excellent day to soak up the bohemian vibes.
Sunday: My pink tutu and I will be taking a day trip to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet! This city, famous for its ancient Roman ruins and medieval architecture, has been enchanting tourists for centuries – I can't wait to discover its charm for myself.
And of course, no trip to Milan is complete without indulging in the famed Aperol Spritz - the perfect mix of prosecco, Aperol liqueur and soda water that perfectly embodies the relaxed, sociable vibe of Italian culture. Expect a snap or two of me enjoying this signature cocktail in some chic and glamorous locations - trust me, you'll want to add this drink to your Italian travel wish list!
As always, I’ll be documenting my Milan adventures – from ballet class explorations to captivating cultural experiences – on my Pink Tutu website *(www.pink-tutu.com) * - each Monday, so be sure to come back for my next installment!
In the meantime, be sure to keep those tutus twirling, and if you're ever feeling lost, just remember that there's always a splash of pink somewhere in the world, ready to brighten up your day!
Ciao, bellissimo! ✨ 💖🩰🇮🇹
**Until next Monday,
Emma**
