Ciao, darlings! Emma here, back with another Wednesday treat from my pink-tastic adventures in the magnificent city of Milan.
Let's talk about tutus, shall we? My absolute favourite pink tulle creation is getting a little tired from all the travel (don't worry, it's not showing!), so I've been on the hunt for a new pink dream. And oh my, Milan is overflowing with fashion heaven. Every street corner seems to be home to a charming little boutique bursting with stunning, eye-catching creations. Imagine my joy when I stumbled upon a teeny, pink shop tucked away on a backstreet. I walked in feeling like I'd discovered a hidden treasure. A whole wall of fabric, every shade of pink imaginable. Silks, chiffons, and even tulle! My creative wheels started spinning with visions of a brand new, bespoke pink tutu that's going to absolutely rock! I'm so excited, you wouldn't believe it!
This week in Milan has been all about ballet and glamour, my two favourite things combined in the most perfect way!
Monday - La Scala Dreams
Milan is absolutely buzzing with culture and artistry, and nowhere is that more apparent than at the legendary Teatro alla Scala, affectionately known as "La Scala." I finally ticked that off my bucket list on Monday, and it was an absolutely exquisite experience.
Imagine, darling, an ornate opera house steeped in history. Grand staircases with gilded banisters leading to luxurious balconies. Murals adorning every corner. Every detail is designed to inspire and amaze, creating an almost theatrical atmosphere before the show even starts!
We took our seats for the premiere of Romeo and Juliet and the opening music seemed to carry on the whispers of a thousand operas that had graced the same stage. The dance was breathtaking, full of heart-wrenching passion and beauty. The set was just as captivating, so visually rich, transforming seamlessly between Verona's vibrant streets to the stark reality of the Montague and Capulet feuds. The costumes were stunning, with the female dancers dressed in opulent silks and velvets in shades of sapphire blue, crimson, and ivory, accentuating the drama and artistry of their movements.
Every emotion was conveyed through movement. The tragic tale was told through graceful, balletic artistry and it simply took my breath away. I sat mesmerized until the curtain call, a crescendo of applause acknowledging a stunning performance. I even met one of the dancers after the show!
Afterwards, we strolled through the heart of Milan, feeling like the stars ourselves, catching glimpses of the majestic Duomo's illuminated facade and soaking up the magic of the evening.
Tuesday - Shopping in the Milanese Sun
You'd be surprised how many trams there are in Milan, a city of stylish scooters and beautiful sports cars. I'm not a sporty girl myself, I find them a bit intimidating to drive. But, darling, I am a very proud owner of my very own beautiful pink bike! I’ve decorated my bike with a gorgeous big pink satin bow and I absolutely love whizzing around on it, my pink tutu twirling with the wind!
The only problem is that in this glamorous city, where everything sparkles with such exquisite style, it feels awfully lonely going out and about without my best friend. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when, on Tuesday, I was joined for an afternoon of shopping by my dearest friend, Lola! She lives here and is just the most chic, style-savvy friend one could ask for, always there with the best fashion advice, even choosing the most glamorous shopping destination for our shopping trip - the famous Via Monte Napoleone!
Imagine, darling, the excitement! Boutique after boutique filled with every colour and texture of luxurious fabric, dazzling shoes, and fabulous handbags. We even took a detour down a hidden street filled with stunning vintage boutiques. It's like being in a fashion dream!
Lola helped me pick out some amazing pink outfits for my upcoming dance performances. A stunning chiffon dress that flows perfectly when I twirl and a soft blush pink top, just perfect for my graceful ballet warm-up.
We topped off our shopping escapade with delicious coffee at a charming cafe on Piazza Duomo, where the sun peeked through the cloud cover, casting golden light on the iconic Milan Duomo in the background.
Wednesday - My Passion for the Pink Tutu Continues
It was back to the familiar rhythm of classes for me on Wednesday, a little different to the polished performances at La Scala, but no less invigorating! My weekly ballet class is in the centre of Milan, a beautiful dance studio that offers a vibrant sense of community. It’s an explosion of pinks and reds in a truly warm and welcoming environment, so no need for an actual physical warm-up as the excitement of the class is plenty!
This week was particularly special because I met another lovely pink tutu wearer there, Francesca! She's from Florence and is a truly talented dancer who is always inspiring. She even offered to help me design the fabric of my new pink tutu! We’re planning a fun project where she'll help me choose the fabric and create my perfect tutu for a coming event! How fabulous is that!
Thursday - Time for A Pink Pizza
My blog posts don't always follow a rigid schedule, but this week it seems there is something new every day to explore. So, you won't be surprised to hear that Thursday brought with it, well… more adventures! This time a new discovery in the vibrant neighbourhood of Navigli. I heard there was a pizza restaurant known for its unusual pink pizza and so my foodie adventures continued. Imagine my delight when, after a short walk down a cobbled street lined with picturesque canals and flower-filled balconies, I found it, La Margherita!
The restaurant had a sweet vintage charm, adorned with pink-hued walls, twinkling fairy lights and beautiful wooden tables, creating the perfect backdrop for enjoying an absolutely gorgeous pink pizza. I’m sure it sounds weird but it was divine! I mean, who wouldn't be happy to have a pizza that literally says "pizza love" in pink, don’t you think? But don’t be fooled, darling, this wasn’t some kitschy pink novelty. It had real, Italian charm and it was definitely a memorable moment.
Friday - The Power of the Pink Tutu for Street Performances
What could be better than getting together with my fabulous dancing friends for a Street Dance performance? On Friday we met on the Piazza Duomo, an open-air square at the very heart of Milan. The crowds gathered and, with my pink tutu billowing around me like a ballet dream, we wowed them with our captivating moves! Street dance is so powerful because you have that instant interaction with the audience and we love performing for them. It was magic!
Saturday - Pink Prosecco on a Canal Cruise
To say we were celebrating was an understatement, darling! A lovely canal cruise through the centre of Milan with pink prosecco in hand, topped with a selection of delicious bite-sized Milanese delicacies, was simply unforgettable! Imagine a gondola gently gliding down a waterway that shimmers like a silver ribbon, passing under arched bridges and past charming waterfront houses. It's such a wonderful way to appreciate Milan's unique beauty, particularly when you're celebrating!
Sunday - A Fashion Show Finale
You'll never believe this, darling, but I've been invited to attend a private fashion show as part of my blog. This is no ordinary fashion show. It's part of the prestigious Milano Moda Donna (Milan Fashion Week). The dress code is all white but I thought a touch of pink was essential for me!
Imagine, darling, a sea of white outfits in a beautiful, minimalist hall with exquisite architecture and design, surrounded by some of the biggest names in fashion!
It's a whirlwind of trends and beautiful pieces from top designers showcasing the hottest fashion from around the world. The designers are all innovators who aren’t afraid to express their creative visions!
I managed to catch the show and it gave me so many new fashion ideas. There was even a designer who’s been inspired by the beautiful colour pink. I can’t wait to add his new designs to my pink tutu collection!
So there you have it, another fabulous week in Milan! I love sharing my experiences and inspiring everyone to embrace a little bit of pink tutu magic in their lives! You don't have to be a ballerina to rock a pink tutu. Embrace your inner confidence and wear it with pride, making every day feel special!
Remember, you can follow me on my Instagram (@PinkTutuEmma) to see my daily adventures and keep up with all things pink tutu. I'm also posting more often now with extra pink content on my website, www.pink-tutu.com - don't forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter.
Until next week, darlings! Sending you all the pink tutu love and happy dancing.
Love,
Emma.
