Ciao from Milan, darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina blogger, back with another whirlwind week from the fashion capital of the world! It feels like I haven't been here for ages (which, in the grand scheme of things, is probably true!), but this week was absolutely jam-packed with exciting experiences, so grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let me whisk you away!
This week in Milan was all about finding the perfect balance of ballet and fashion, with a dash of Italian sunshine sprinkled on top. If you’re reading this, you probably already know how much I love pink tutus, but have you ever seen the glorious shade of rose that blooms on Italian rooftops in March? It's utterly divine!
Catching a Ride on the Tramline of Fashion
Milan’s tram system is a bit of a personal favourite of mine. It’s fast, efficient, and surprisingly chic. Imagine: my sparkly pink tutu bouncing in the breeze as the tram whizzes past stunning architecture – truly a vision of fashion and femininity! Plus, it's a great way to experience the true heart of Milan, and with every journey, there's a new window to gaze at for street style inspiration.
This week I took a delightful tram journey out to The Teatro alla Scala, the world-famous opera house. I love this iconic theatre, a temple of musical brilliance, and the very symbol of Milan’s rich cultural heritage. But it’s also more than that, it's a monument to passion and dedication – exactly like my love for ballet! I'm not even going to lie, the chance to capture a selfie in front of it with my pink tutu was absolutely irresistible.
A Choreographed Symphony of Sound and Light
As much as I adore a good street style observation session, my main mission here was, of course, ballet! This week, The Teatro alla Scala was staging a production of “La Bayadère”, a ballet I’ve admired for years, set to music by the genius that is Ludwig Minkus. You wouldn't believe the detail in the costumes – each glittering with exquisite handwork, it was like walking into a scene from a fairy tale! The performance was spectacular – I could barely keep my own feet still! Each step felt like magic.
A Pink Tutu, A Latte and a Little Indulgence
After the ballet, there's nothing I love more than winding down with a latte in a cosy café. In Italy, they do coffee like no one else – strong, aromatic, and absolutely irresistible. This time, I found myself tucked away in a small trattoria tucked down a quiet cobbled street. The food was sensational, simple yet divine, and I have to say, that second scoop of gelato with a sprinkling of pistachios was the perfect end to a magical evening.
The Heart of Fashion
Speaking of magical evenings, I can't forget my recent adventure at the Palazzo Reale, home to “The Fashion Book”, an exhibition that showcases some of the most iconic fashion pieces of all time! From the designs of Chanel, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent to those from more recent talents like Versace and Alexander McQueen, the exhibition is truly a must-see for anyone with an eye for style. Seeing all those glorious garments brought back so many fond memories – and also gave me some fresh inspiration for my own wardrobe, of course.
But, oh, you wouldn't believe the shoes – stiletto heels for days, platform boots, delicate stilettos – enough to make my own dancing feet feel a little shy! My inner ballerina couldn’t help but wonder what those amazing creations would be like to wear on stage. I can just imagine how my pink tutu would look against them…
Tutu Talk in the City of Dreams
Did I tell you that one of the best things about this week in Milan was my little dance class at Balletto Milano? They offer a fantastic drop-in class that's ideal for seasoned ballerinas and aspiring ones alike. We did a lovely, classic warm-up followed by barre work and across-the-floor exercises, all set to the most beautiful piano music. It’s a wonderful space with such a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to learn from top-tier professional dancers. It also really reinforced for me how vital movement and dancing are, even beyond performing on stage.
As you can probably tell, my days in Milan are a pretty spectacular whirlwind. But amidst all the fashion and performance, what truly stood out this week were the people – their incredible passion for art and culture. Milan truly lives and breathes the beauty that inspires so many around the world. The creativity that flows from the cobblestones here is captivating.
Don't Forget the Pink!
I spent quite a bit of time this week exploring the city's streets for unique vintage treasures. From cute, classic cardigans in blush pink to vibrant floral dresses in shimmering silk, the vintage scene in Milan is as dynamic as the fashion world itself. I love combing through racks and stalls – you never know what fabulous find you'll unearth!
Remember, darlings, you don't need to be a professional dancer or a renowned fashion designer to embrace your inner ballerina – it's about feeling confident and stylish. It's about discovering your unique charm, owning your look, and embracing every single aspect of yourself with confidence and grace. It's about wearing your own personal statement, whatever that might be!
For me, that statement happens to be a pink tutu (and trust me, it comes in a variety of shades!) – but for you, it might be a vintage dress, a bright bold colour, or a sparkling piece of jewellery. Let's face it, it’s what makes us stand out!
That’s all from me for this week. Remember, stay positive, wear something beautiful (pink is always a good choice!), and most importantly, keep on twirling! Until next Monday, XOXO Emma
*PS: Did you know this Wednesday was International Ballet Day? It seemed the perfect time to be immersed in a world of dancing! Let me know in the comments what you think! *
