Ciao bella!
Welcome to Pink Tutu Milan, my weekly blog dedicated to all things pink, pretty, and pirouette-perfect! This week, I'm bursting with excitement because I'm finally in Milan, the fashion capital of the world!
Oh, it feels so good to be back in Italy. The smell of fresh bread in the air, the sounds of laughter echoing through cobbled streets, and the vibrant colours splashing across every corner - it’s like a sensory overload of joy.
This week, I'm focusing on exploring the city through the eyes of a ballerina. After all, what better way to discover a new place than by twirling through its streets and savouring its magic?
I’ve arrived in Milan today, travelling here from a lovely week in Verona. It was my last performance on a small tour for the Verona Opera House. It wasn't my usual kind of performance; I danced as an extra with the chorus, but it gave me a real opportunity to experience life in another city. Verona is so beautiful with all the lovely old Roman ruins. I stayed in a little B&B by the Arena. The breakfast there was absolutely fabulous - think freshly baked pastries, warm croissants, and steaming cappuccino. It was the perfect start to a long, balletic day!
This weekend, I’m looking forward to a beautiful performance at the Teatro alla Scala. Milan is just such an incredible place. You can’t throw a baguette without hitting a beautiful building! Everywhere you look there are these ornate statues, grand piazzas, and hidden courtyards just begging to be explored. And then there’s the food - oh my goodness, the food! I'm a bit of a foodie at the best of times, and here in Milan, I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven. From melt-in-your-mouth risotto to delicate pastries, and steaming pizzas straight out of the wood-fired oven, Milan is a culinary paradise.
Now, let’s get back to the pink and fluffy side of things.
I always bring a suitcase overflowing with my favourite pink tutus. You never know when you'll need to add a bit of magic to your day.
On arrival at the station I headed straight to a local shop, a very stylish independent department store to browse. It was like walking into a glamorous dream, with displays of high-fashion shoes, sparkling jewellery, and chic designer outfits. There were shelves overflowing with silk scarves, rows of delicate lingerie, and even a section devoted to ballet wear. It's easy to see why Milan is called the fashion capital, there's an incredible vibe of creativity and artistic flair here.
As I wandered through the store, I spotted a rack of tulle. My heart skipped a beat - this was fate! It's impossible to be in Milan and not succumb to a little tulle shopping. You know how much I love it - for ballet practice, for spinning around the city, and just for being ridiculously girly and having a bit of fun with my outfit. The sheer weight of pink was too much for my tiny bag, so I ordered an enormous delivery of beautiful new fabric direct to my little Milan apartment, a perfect find off a side street not far from the Teatro alla Scala. It has everything a girl needs, even a miniature pink tutu for my chihuahua.
I spent hours browsing, falling in love with the exquisite fabric. I found myself holding a pile of the most gorgeous fabrics – think gossamer light chiffons in hues of dusky rose and pale peach, luxurious satin in delicate blush, and oh-so-chic brocades in intricate patterns. And then, my eyes landed on it – a roll of shimmering pink tulle. This, my friends, was destiny.
Later I’m popping down to my little coffee bar and bakery just outside my apartment and making an evening of writing my blog, sipping cappuccino, enjoying the street scenes and watching the city wake up.
Oh, and have you heard about the Pink Tutu Challenge? That's right! My mission is to inspire the world to wear pink tutus and spread joy and love wherever we go. It's about celebrating the power of fun and laughter, embracing your inner child, and making the world a more beautiful place, one pink twirl at a time! It is starting to really gather momentum and I am absolutely thrilled to see so many people getting on board.
See you again next week.
Love and twirls,
Emma xxx
