Oh, darlings, can you believe it? It's April 28th, 2000, and the world is still spinning, even after the tutu-calypse of '99. Remember that terrifying moment when everyone decided to wear a tutu? It was almost as shocking as the day they introduced leggings as trousers. But, let's be honest, the tutu never truly goes away. It's a bit like a favourite pair of shoes – it may get shoved in the back of the cupboard for a while, but it always comes back to haunt us, and that's totally fine.
So, let's dive back into the wonderful, frothy, and somewhat precarious world of the tutu, shall we? Today, darling readers, I want to talk about the glorious history of this most iconic of garments, but also the often ignored practicalities.
Did you know that the original tutus, in the days of yore, were a mere fluff of fabric? The idea was to look airy and ethereal. However, today, you can find them in a kaleidoscope of shapes and sizes, each catering to a specific kind of performance. The fluffy "Romantic tutu", all billows and swirls? Perfect for a delicate, wistful, "I'm-so-delicate-I-could-break-in-the-wind" role. And then, the sassy, "classical tutu", a rigid marvel of structure and pleats. It demands a confidence and power that could rival a runway model, if that model happened to be poised for a pirouette.
You know, I once saw a prima ballerina trying to get her tutu on backstage during a performance change. Picture this: the curtain drops, there's barely enough time to breathe, let alone fit into a complex garment. Her dress clung like a lovesick spider to its web. A gaggle of backstage assistants were holding up a fabric fort, while she precariously, but bravely, attempted to wriggle into a seemingly insurmountable mound of tulle. My dear reader, I swear, I felt like I was watching a high-fashion fashion show, one with the urgency of a hostage situation.
Speaking of fashion, have you seen the "deconstructed tutu" trend? Oh, my. I saw a drag queen wear one once. Imagine a perfectly good tulle, cut up and draped with such a nonchalant air that it screamed "I just woke up and somehow ended up on a runway with the fashion Gods themselves staring down at me". It was utterly subversive. I almost cried with laughter. I, of course, cried with laughter with a beautifully painted hand covering my mouth to let out a sound that was just a bit quieter than a champagne bottle cork pop. It was the height of glamour, in all its deconstructed glory. A masterclass in using fashion to comment on societal norms – with an absolute, 100%, unshakable, flair.
Speaking of deconstructed fashion, the tutus worn by our favourite modern dancers are equally thrilling. Some of them take the traditional, fluffy, voluminous shape and shred it down to the bone, literally! They use tulle that has been cut up, woven together, then layered for a very daring effect. Others create designs so daringly tight-fitting, you'd swear it was sculpted right on to the dancer. It's almost like they are wearing a liquid version of a tutu, and it flows so flawlessly as they move across the stage.
Let’s not forget those fabulous, quirky moments when designers get playful with the tutu. The tutu, after all, lends itself to almost anything, it is a blank canvas, just waiting to be brought to life by those with a splash of imagination. One day, you can find a tutu as part of a grand, fairytale costume; the next, it's a shocking splash of colour and texture. The creativity is never-ending!
Here are some of my favourite "out-there" tutus of all time- The feather tutu. What's better than layers of tulle? Layers of tulle with feathers. That’s what. Feathers are my secret weakness, they’re absolutely fabulous! They give that extra "I’m a bird about to take flight!" attitude that I can never get enough of.
- The sequined tutu. What else can I say? It glitters! It’s sparkly! Who doesn't love sparkle?! It’s like wearing the stars themselves. If it wasn't so difficult to move in, I'd live in one of those dazzling beauties.
- The layered, cascading tutu - It's not enough to have a tulle. You need *more*. This tutu's sheer drama is about layers and layers of fabric - it’s a skirt that could conquer the world, or at least the stage!
- The “It's a tutu!…or maybe not!” You can find all sorts of amazing reimaginings these days, which push the limits of “tutu-ness.” Some even include shredded leather! I do think it’s fun when designers get daring, and take this classic silhouette in unexpected directions.
It seems, then, that the tutu will forever hold its place on the stage. As a garment that's so beautifully intricate and simultaneously full of wild possibilities, it's no surprise that the tutu still inspires fashion, and art, and beauty, and sometimes a touch of delightful chaos. So, put on your fanciest heels, get a little bit silly, and celebrate the everlasting legacy of the tutu!