Ciao Bella! From the cobbled streets of Derbyshire to the dazzling lights of Milan, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina is back! Welcome to another installment of Pink Tutu Milan, where every week, we dance into the world of fashion, ballet and the joys of exploring Italy by train!
This week, I've been flitting between the elegance of Teatro alla Scala and the bohemian charm of Navigli (and of course, picking up some pretty incredible outfits!). But let's start at the beginning, shall we?
The Journey to Milan
This week’s adventure began in Derbyshire, England. Now, Derbyshire is a lovely place (a little bit colder than Milan, mind you) and I was saying farewell to a spectacular performance of "Swan Lake" with the Derbyshire Ballet. The air was thick with the scent of freshly cut hay and I was basking in the warmth of the applause. The audience had been phenomenal.
But you know me, I’m all about following my pink-tutu-clad dreams, and Milan was calling! The first thing I did? You guessed it – I popped on a stunning pink tulle tutu over my signature floral dress, grabbed my trusty pink tote bag and hopped on the train to the big smoke.
The journey itself is always a thrill. The sleek Italian trains whisk me through breathtaking landscapes; verdant valleys, charming villages and ancient Roman ruins, all rushing by in a blur of colour and history.
Milano Fashion Week, Mamma Mia!
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 12 months since the world of Milan Fashion Week descended upon the city. My wardrobe (and my bank balance!) still bears the happy scars! But this week is extra special. Milan is buzzing with the buzz of the Alta Moda shows and I couldn’t miss a chance to see what the most exquisite couture houses were crafting for next season.
Pink Tutu in The Palazzo
For this year’s shows, I wanted something extra special. And my outfit did not disappoint! It was a dream of swirling pink silk chiffon. Imagine it, like a cloud of sugared candy, delicately draped and meticulously pleated to accentuate every turn and pirouette! ( I even managed to sneak a little sequined trim for extra twinkle). I’m pretty sure the Dolce & Gabbana showroom doors flung open with a dramatic whoosh to welcome me, just to let me know it was time for the show!
Inside, the glamour was enough to take your breath away. Models waltzed around, seemingly weightless in exquisite garments of feathers, silks, lace and hand-beaded masterpieces. Every detail was meticulous. Every thread told a story of unparalleled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
And let me tell you, the pink! My heart went “Boom!” with each pink tulle, silken dress and pink floral adornment that strutted down the runway!
Fashion & Ballet, The Perfect Dance
You know how I always say that ballet and fashion are kindred spirits? In Milan, I saw them in perfect harmony.
Here are my favourite pieces I saw from this season:
Pink Ballet Couture by Giorgio Armani: I must admit, I nearly swooned when Armani showcased his collection, inspired by a classic ballet. It was so exquisite – graceful lines, a pale pink silk tulle, flowing through the air in slow motion, and a burst of pink petals (you’ll be surprised, but flowers and fashion are a huge trend).
Sequin Statement by Gucci: It’s no secret that sequins are a close friend of mine! Gucci always seems to know exactly what my sartorial heart desires, and this collection had an enchanting blend of sequins and swirling, voluminous tutus (in glorious pinks, of course). You wouldn't believe how I managed to get a sequined tutu skirt (pink of course) just off the runway for a steal!
Fendi for the Ballet Queen: This Italian designer didn’t disappoint with a collection that took me on a fantastical journey, inspired by ballerinas. The designs were a masterclass in layering, texture and color, with swathes of silk, chiffon, tulle, velvet, all brought together in a delicate blend of pink and ivory. A little bird told me they’ll even be showcasing ballet-themed fashion accessories soon - how exciting!
Food for the Soul
Now, after a day of dazzling runway fashion, a little sustenance is always a good idea, so I made my way to the Mercato Centrale, Milan's vibrant food market. The smells – aromatic spices, fragrant cheeses, roasted meats and of course, the iconic, delicious Italian coffee - had my taste buds singing!
The stalls overflowed with regional specialties. It was an Italian feast for my senses, and my shopping bag went from being empty to bursting with colorful delicacies – sun-ripened tomatoes, pungent cheese and a delectable spread of prosciutto.
The evening was all about embracing the culture. I settled onto a cafe terrace on Navigli, a network of canals and cobblestone streets that come alive at night. It's the perfect place to soak up the Milanese atmosphere and people watch.
Teatro alla Scala: The Majesty of Ballet
The highlight of this trip, without a doubt, was the breathtaking Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s world-famous opera house. It’s an icon of Milan, radiating history and grandeur. I’m pretty sure they named it after the theatre of The Nutcracker! You might say I was “en pointe” on excitement!
As soon as I saw the opulent foyer and the intricate frescoes on the ceiling, I knew I was in for a treat. I have been dreaming about visiting this famous venue for years.
For my Scala experience, I wore a shimmering pink tutu with silver bead embellishments, it was simply stunning, as dramatic as the opera house itself!
The evening’s program was “Swan Lake”, with a contemporary interpretation of the classic piece. The energy was electrifying! As I settled in my seat (with the perfect view, I must say), I was captivated by the exquisite choreography and the expressive artistry of the dancers.
Pink Tutu and Ballet Class
As a seasoned ballerina, I couldn’t leave Milan without stepping into a studio for a ballet class. I found a wonderful academy called Academia di Danza , just a short stroll from the Duomo cathedral. The ambiance was relaxed, with large windows bathing the studio in soft light.
We worked our way through elegant exercises, warm ups and stretches - focusing on flexibility and control. What surprised me was how much I enjoyed learning the style of Italian ballet, it was filled with such passion!
There was a charming older lady (maybe in her mid-80s), she’d spent a lifetime studying ballet. Her poise and grace showed no signs of diminishing. In fact, her enthusiasm and passion was infectious. I was humbled to be in her company.
Finding a Slice of Pink in Milan
A highlight for me was spotting a charming boutique tucked away in a narrow cobbled alley in Brera, it's the city’s artist quarter, known for its elegant palaces, sophisticated cafes and galleries.
The boutique was called “Il Bacio di Rosa, “which is Italian for the “Kiss of Rose”! It had so much character with its old, elegant wooden floors, pastel walls and hand-painted silk lampshades.
And you know what else? They were selling the most incredible pink tutu and pink dresses - not your usual, ordinary, mass-produced, high-street kind, mind you, these were very much statement pieces. They even had this wonderful pale-pink lace and silk nightgown (I just had to grab one of those, no need to tell anyone why!)
I’ve been browsing the internet, searching for more boutiques with an individual style – you know, the kind of stores that sell beautiful pink dresses. I’ve added them to my “Pink Tutu Guide to Milan”!
The Magic of Train Travel
I love the train journey back to Derbyshire. This time I had the most exquisite pair of pink satin ballerina shoes on my feet. These are the perfect mix of practicality and femininity! They look like my favorite tutus! I’m planning to post a review soon on “Pink Tutu Shoes”.
And the Adventure Continues!
Another wonderful trip in Italy comes to an end! Milan always leaves me feeling refreshed and inspired.
The next week is all about “The London Ballet,” my next destination, where I’ll be going to the London Royal Ballet.
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Till next week!
Emma
PS It's been an exciting week and my life in tutus has never been more full. I even have a brand new project - " Pink Tutu Milan Fashion"- launching in August! I'm so excited about it. More on that next week!
