Ciao, darlings! Emma here, reporting live from the glamorous city of Milan, where the air is thick with the scent of espresso and the streets are a kaleidoscope of colour, chic, and, of course, pink! This week has been an absolute whirlwind of tutu-tastic adventures, ballet bliss, and fabulous fashion finds. And it all began with a train journey, as ever…
From Derbyshire to Milan: A Railway Romance
Leaving my cosy Derbyshire home for the bustling metropolis of Milan is always a bittersweet experience. Saying goodbye to my adorable fluffy white cat, Percy, is a real tear-jerker (he just loves to cuddle!), but the anticipation of the Italian adventure soon fills my heart with glee. I boarded the train in a chic little pink and white ensemble, my trusty pink tutu taking centre stage, naturally. It’s the perfect travel companion – it’s incredibly comfy (not to mention fabulously photogenic!), and it’s never failed to make the journey a little more exciting.
This time, I was lucky enough to share a carriage with a delightful gentleman, Francesco, a retired fashion photographer who was mesmerized by my tutu. He shared captivating stories of his career, filled with the names of fashion legends and whispers of iconic photoshoots. The conversation flowed as easily as the Italian wine we enjoyed (strictly non-alcoholic, darling, it was 8 am!), and we discovered a shared passion for the finer things in life – a good chat, beautiful clothing, and of course, the magic of ballet! He even told me about a little hidden gem of a vintage boutique where he’d found a stunning scarlet dress years ago – one he still keeps in perfect condition. Of course, a pinky promise to visit this hidden gem was given!
Ballet Bliss in the Heart of Milan
My main reason for being in Milan, darling, is always ballet, of course. This week, the Teatro alla Scala, one of the world's most renowned opera houses, had a special treat in store: a breathtaking production of "Giselle," choreographed by the legendary Rudolf Nureyev.
The moment I entered the majestic theatre, a shiver of excitement ran down my spine. The grandeur of the building, the ornate chandeliers glittering like a thousand stars, the buzz of anticipation in the air – it’s like being swept back to another time, a time when glamour and artistry reigned supreme. And then, the curtain rose.
I found myself utterly captivated by the poignant story of Giselle, a young peasant girl whose love for a mysterious prince, disguised as a commoner, ultimately leads to her tragic demise. The choreography was sublime, each movement flowing effortlessly from one to the next, expressing both the beauty and the sorrow of the story.
After the performance, I felt invigorated, my heart brimming with inspiration. I absolutely adored the ethereal costumes of the sylphs, wispy and delicate like petals blown by the wind. But I can't lie, I was especially drawn to the shimmering ruby red skirt worn by Giselle during the iconic "mad scene." I'd love to find a similar skirt for myself, though a pink one would be much more my style, wouldn’t it?
Shopping Spree in a City of Fashion
No trip to Milan is complete without a spot of retail therapy, and this week, I indulged my passion with gusto!
First, I treated myself to a delicious slice of cannoli (a heavenly, crunchy, cream-filled tube – if you're ever in Milan, you must try them!), a quintessential Milanese experience. Then, armed with a cappuccino and a fresh outlook, I headed for the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the most impressive shopping arcades in the world.
The Galleria is a true architectural wonder – an enormous, vaulted space filled with luxurious boutiques and vibrant street art. You could easily lose hours browsing the windows here!
But the real highlight for me was the boutique dedicated to Giuseppe Zanotti. I am obsessed with their dazzling heels – I adore the sparkly, embellishment-heavy designs. And this boutique, dear readers, was like a heaven for a tutu-wearing shoe fanatic. There was a dazzling selection of metallic sandals, glitzy sneakers, and ankle boots with shimmering crystals and shimmering jewels – everything a pink-tutu loving gal could want.
While I had to exercise a healthy dose of self-control, I did end up treating myself to a gorgeous pair of pearl-encrusted heeled ballet pumps, which would look divine with my new lavender tutu! They will look so pretty paired with a white satin dress, or perhaps a simple pink tee.
Later, I wandered through the vibrant, bustling streets, strolling past a collection of boutiques filled with quirky Italian clothing and accessories which felt so different to the sophisticated style of London or Paris. These boutiques really appealed to my love of unique pieces – from hand-painted pottery mugs and quirky little vintage accessories, to whimsical, playful clothing adorned with cartoon prints, delicate embroidery and bold bursts of color.
I was particularly captivated by a gorgeous embroidered denim jacket, complete with dainty floral patterns. But a denim jacket would be quite a contrast to my usually girly aesthetic, wouldn’t it?
Pink Tutu Street Performances – Bringing Milan to its Feet
After a day of exploring the city’s most fashionable boutiques, it was time for a little street ballet performance – my favourite way to bring the pink tutu to a wider audience!
The sun was setting over the rooftops of Milan, casting a warm glow over the Piazza del Duomo. The scene was simply beautiful! As the city began to pulse with the rhythm of aperitivo time (where people relax with drinks and snacks – always such a sociable activity in Milan, wouldn't you say?), I began my show, gracefully pirouetting and jetéing under the watchful gaze of curious passers-by.
My performance brought the crowds to a standstill, a mix of gasps and delighted chuckles accompanying each elegant move. The pink tutu truly made its presence known. As a finale, I posed gracefully against the backdrop of the grand Duomo Cathedral, and a round of applause broke out. There was even a small, but sincere, offering of coins for my efforts, which I always feel slightly overwhelmed and humbled by – after all, I truly just love dancing for the love of it.
The Magic of Milan
You know, as much as I enjoy travelling all over the world, there’s just something about Milan that keeps drawing me back. Perhaps it's the delicious food, the fabulous fashion, or maybe it's the infectious energy of this vibrant, cosmopolitan city.
Every corner of Milan seems to tell a story, every building a monument to the past and a window into the future. This week, the city’s magical atmosphere swept me off my feet (both figuratively and literally, thanks to my dancing!). I felt truly inspired and filled with joy – what could be better, my darlings?
Join Me in Pink!
As always, I leave you with my favourite pink-tutu inspired quote: "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."
Don't forget to check back next week for another post filled with fashion, dance, and a sprinkle of pink-tutu magic.
Until then, be fabulous, be kind, and wear a tutu (pink, naturally).
Emma xx
