Buongiorno, darling readers! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad traveller, bringing you a new week, a new adventure, and, of course, a whole lot of pink from the magnificent city of Milan!
Wednesday, 18th August 2021.
The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and Milan, my love, is bursting with life!
This week, my travels are taking me to the heart of Milanese fashion, and of course, I'm armed with my trusty pink tutu - wouldn't be caught dead without it! I've packed a gorgeous tulle number, layered over a blush silk slip dress. The sunshine demands it, and frankly, I demand it too! My hair is styled in loose curls, just a touch of glittery eye shadow and my go-to pink lipstick finish the look. Ready for another magical day in the city of style!
Morning: Fashion is a Symphony
As always, I woke up early and headed out to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Now, if you haven't visited this shopping paradise, do yourself a favour and put it on your list! Every single detail is beautiful, the soaring arches, the marble floor, the vibrant stores - it's a dream for a fashionista! And as I sauntered around, admiring the displays, I realised something rather important. Fashion, just like ballet, is all about movement, grace, and storytelling.
Imagine, a designer's carefully crafted fabric - that's the music of their heart. Each stitch, each detail, each piece of their collection, a symphony of their imagination, flowing from one creation to the next. I was captivated, taking it all in. This morning, Milan felt like a stage set for an exquisite fashion show.
Tram Rides and Unexpected Delights
The charm of Milan is its hidden gems - quaint cafes tucked down narrow streets, artisan shops with beautiful ceramics, and of course, the joy of hopping onto a tram for a scenic adventure. The tram ride, a lovely pink one too, took me across town to a stunning botanical garden.
There, hidden amongst the foliage, was a hidden little café, charmingly rustic with vines winding around the facade. As I sat sipping my cappuccino (double shot of espresso, of course, a ballerina's essential fuel), I found myself sketching the surrounding foliage in my journal.
What a truly beautiful morning, filled with inspiring moments. This is the kind of travel that fills your soul with creativity, a burst of colours, and a reminder of the simple, elegant beauty found everywhere.
Lunchtime: Pasta and Pearls
Speaking of beauty, my afternoon began at a restaurant right by the cathedral. Imagine a quaint, intimate spot, draped with jasmine and offering a menu featuring traditional Milanese dishes, from delicate saffron risotto to mouthwatering pasta dishes, all bursting with flavours that are as delightful as the decor.
And what is a stylish lunch without a little sparkle, you ask? Of course, my pink tutu stayed on! The way the sun caught the tulle, illuminating it from the perfect angle, while I dined on delicious gnocchi alla Bolognese, was simply divine.
Sometimes, the most delightful experiences are found in the unexpected - a beautiful setting, a simple but delectable meal, a perfect pink tutu adding a touch of sparkle - these are the moments that create unforgettable memories.
Afternoon: Exploring Art and Design
A good lunch needs to be followed by something beautiful, so what better way than to lose myself in the galleries and museums of Milan? Today's art-fix took me to the Museo del Novecento, which houses a collection of contemporary art. As I walked through the museum, surrounded by abstract paintings and bold sculptures, I was struck by how creativity in different art forms can echo each other. The brushstrokes, the form, the energy in the art pieces reminded me of the grace and power of movement in a ballet.
The art seemed to move right before my eyes! And while there, I ran into another delightful pink tutu wearer. Such an unexpected coincidence in a place of beautiful artistic inspiration. She's studying design and was creating a project inspired by the energy of ballet - her collection is going to be absolutely stunning! We spent the afternoon chatting, admiring art, and comparing design ideas, a fantastic conversation between kindred spirits who, despite being miles apart, are bound by our shared love for beautiful art and our pink tutus, of course!
The Evening: A Touch of Theatre
The night is the perfect time to discover the hidden secrets of a city. As twilight draped its soft shadows across the ancient streets, I was drawn to the Teatro Dal Verme. I can't tell you how excited I was for the ballet performance! My dear friend, the lovely Clara, an extraordinary prima ballerina, is performing in "Giselle," one of the most romantic and dramatic ballets.
Seeing Clara grace the stage was pure magic! She was a vision of elegance, her movements a symphony of power and grace, and her character’s story unfolded in her expressive artistry.
I just love how ballet manages to blend artistry with storytelling. As I watched, mesmerized, I imagined myself on the stage, spinning with abandon, defying gravity, embracing the joy and passion of the dance.
My heart was truly filled with inspiration. It's moments like these, watching a talented dancer tell a story with movement and expression, that remind me why I wear my pink tutu, why I pursue my dreams, why I choose to travel and experience the world through the lens of a dancer. It's a reminder of the magic that is alive within all of us.
Post-Show Thoughts
A magnificent evening that ended on a high note with dinner in a small, enchanting restaurant tucked away on a side street, bathed in the warm glow of twinkling lights. The air buzzed with the excitement of the theatre performance, a lingering magic that was all around. The energy from the performance inspired conversation and laughter with a group of fellow dance lovers at our table. What a wonderful way to end the day.
The evening reminds me once again how sharing your passion for something you love, be it ballet, art, food, or fashion, can create connections and joy in unexpected ways.
As I drift off to sleep tonight, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. For the sunshine that kissed my face this morning, for the kind smiles and delicious food I enjoyed, for the extraordinary art I was blessed to witness, and of course, for the inspiring performance by my dear friend Clara, reminding me of the power and beauty of ballet.
Milan, you’ve stolen my heart with your charm, your beauty, and your endless surprises. And my dear readers, I’ll continue sharing my experiences, my fashion finds, and of course, my love for pink tutus, in this incredible city of fashion and culture.
Until next time,
With love and pink, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
