Buongiorno, my darlings! It’s Emma here, writing to you live from the fashion capital of the world: Milano, Italia! I’m currently sipping a cappuccino at a chic little café nestled between the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Teatro alla Scala, and oh my, my heart is overflowing with joy! This city is an absolute dream for a girl who loves a touch of glamour, and with my trusty pink tutu spinning around me, I’m ready to soak up every single magical moment.
This week, my ballet travels took me from the vibrant streets of Derbyshire, England (where I picked up some darling little tutu accessories at a local market) to the romantic canals of Venice, where I caught the most exquisite performance of "Swan Lake" at the Teatro La Fenice.
Venice, as always, stole my breath away with its dreamy architecture and canals glistening in the warm Italian sunlight. Stepping into the Teatro La Fenice was like stepping back in time. The opulent red velvet seats, the glittering chandeliers, the hushed anticipation in the air – it felt like I was part of a storybook!
And the ballet! Oh, the ballet! I practically flew out of my seat during the white swan act. The grace of the dancers, the power of their jumps, the raw emotion pouring out from every movement, it was truly awe-inspiring. You know I’ve said it before, but there’s something truly magical about watching a ballet performance live. You can feel the passion in the room, and I daresay even my tutu had a happy little pirouette of its own.
After my enchanting Venetian ballet escapade, I caught a scenic train ride back to Milan, taking in the beautiful Italian countryside with a cheeky, oh-so-pink-tutu selfie for my Instagram followers.
Now, on to the highlight of this week! Milan is not only a haven for art and culture, but also a paradise for those who love fashion (and who doesn’t?!)
This morning, I ventured into the vibrant heart of Milan, specifically to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which I hear is called “the living room of Milan,” because of the elegance and opulence of the buildings lining its gorgeous arcades. I'd been dreaming about stepping into this place for years! I mean, it’s literally like a fashion runway built into a historical building – all beautiful architecture, high-end shops, and delicious cafes with tempting aromas filling the air. And wouldn’t you know it, but there I was, a vision in pink tutu, ready to unleash my inner fashionista!
Walking amongst these iconic boutiques, I felt a sense of awe and inspiration. So many of the brands are synonymous with elegance and style, each with their own unique identity. And what did I find? Oh, my dears, I practically burst! A dazzling array of clothes and accessories, some with playful pops of pink, perfectly complimenting my beloved tutu, all just begging to be touched and tried on!
After some serious browsing and window-shopping, I landed in the Gucci store, my absolute favourite in Milan, for a little retail therapy (you know I just had to! I’m a little bit obsessed with their signature designs. There’s a cheeky side to Gucci, and I adore that, and there is a good dollop of vintage appeal too, which perfectly balances out their sleek lines. It really speaks to my soul!)
What did I find? Well, I discovered the perfect pair of pink patent leather ballerina shoes (a perfect match for my tutu, wouldn’t you agree?), a little, cheeky little blush pink bag, and, wouldn’t you know it, I couldn't resist the lure of the "Sylvie" Gucci belt! They call it a belt, but my dears, I think it's a fashion statement and a statement piece all wrapped into one, a total “take me to the ballet” ensemble. I wore it over my favourite pink tutu for a cute-but-fierce look around the Piazza del Duomo later that evening!
After a light lunch (a delicate sandwich, as I can't let myself overindulge if I want to fit into those new shoes!), I treated myself to a spot of afternoon tea at my favourite cafe, and then, I went in search of something truly unique: a vintage pink tutu.
You see, I’ve always been a fan of the classic tutu shape. It’s feminine, elegant, and oh-so-romantic, which is a bit ironic for me as I really am not much of a princess. I mean, a little sparkle is fine, a little princess in me is fine. But if you ever need a party animal in heels or ballet flats, that is most definitely me! But for the last few years, my love for ballet and for this city of Milan, where everything is a bit bigger, a bit more exciting, had me looking for a more daring approach, so I’ve been wanting a tutu with a twist – a tutu with a modern touch, a vintage find, one that could make my heart skip a beat!
So I went on a little shopping expedition to a vintage boutique tucked away on one of the city’s side streets, the one lined with colourful trams – it had the smell of a secret, forgotten corner of fashion that just called to me! And what did I find? I know this sounds cheesy, but fate led me right to it.
Tucked amongst the racks, in amongst the 1970s sequin dresses and floral jumpsuits was a sparkly pink tutu. You couldn't call it classic, no. It was a tutu, but, well, this wasn't the sort of pink tutu you’d expect to find on stage, not unless it was for the final performance of the show, where we see the ballerina triumphant and empowered. This tutu, made from layers and layers of the finest silk organza, shimmered and shone. It had an air of vintage elegance with a twist – a daring twist!
So, here’s the plan. On Thursday, I’ll be waltzing my way over to the Teatro alla Scala (more on this amazing theater next week – I'm making it a "week of La Scala"). It’s a national treasure, so you’re guaranteed a top-notch experience. There’s nothing like getting dressed up, grabbing a ticket, and letting myself be whisked away by the magic of music and dance, and to celebrate this amazing experience I will be pairing my pink tutu with the "Sylvie" belt (because, it's about that “power statement” – it is Milan after all!)
So that is it from the capital of fashion: a dash of theatre, a bit of shopping, a pinch of elegance – just the right mix for my "pink tutu" Milan adventures! I hope you have all had a week of pink-tutu adventures too, whether you've been exploring new places, learning new skills, or simply letting your inner ballerina shine. Remember to stay chic and never lose your sense of whimsy, darling!
Catch you next Monday for another fabulous #PinkTutuMilan adventure. Until then, spread your pink-tutu cheer and take it easy.
Ciao Bella!
Emma
PinkTutuMilan www.pink-tutu.com Follow my journey on Instagram @PinkTutuMilan
