Tutu and Ballet News

Tutues take the lead in fashion today!

Darlings, you'll never believe what I saw today! I was on my way to a fabulously fancy luncheon (shrimp salad and delicate finger sandwiches, naturally!) when I saw it, the most glorious, incredible sight. Tutus, yes tutues, were being worn not by ballerinas at the Royal Ballet, but by shoppers, dog walkers, even a man! (He was definitely looking to stand out in a crowd). Honestly, dear readers, I nearly dropped my Hermes Birkin. It was a veritable fashion whirlwind!

Here's the scoop, ladies. Turns out this tutu-mania was inspired by none other than the glorious, fabulously talented, and endlessly inspirational ballerina, Madame Belle Chassé. This fabulous lady, known for her innovative, "outside-the-box" style, waltzed into the Dorchester in a hot pink, feathery tutu over her haute couture cocktail dress. Talk about making an entrance!

Suddenly, London's fashion scene went completely bonkers. From Marylebone to Knightsbridge, you could spot tutus everywhere. Shop girls on Oxford Street had added them over their miniskirts, yummy mummies in Chelsea sported them with their expensive pushchairs, even a couple of elderly gentlemen sporting velvet waistcoats (you know the type!) had managed to incorporate them into their wardrobes! I, of course, had to grab myself a gorgeous black number. So chic! It paired fabulously with my Valentino pumps. The paparazzi went wild. There were flashes and cries of “Move over, Emma Thompson! This is a new era!"

Why has this trend taken over? Let's be honest, my dear readers, a good tutu is not for the faint of heart. It demands a certain… audacity. The ability to be noticed and to own a room. And frankly, these days, who doesn't want to add a little sprinkle of magic to their everyday wardrobe?

What makes this trend tick?

  • **It’s surprisingly versatile.** Yes, you read that right. We're talking everything from black tulle over a figure-hugging little black dress (sophisticated!), to bold colours and layers of fabric over your favourite skinny jeans (whimsical and chic!).

  • **It adds a touch of playfulness.** Who can resist the pure joy of a swirling, twirling, feathery tutu? It takes you back to that little girl, dream of dancing under the spotlight.

  • **It makes a statement.** In this world of fast fashion, the tutu offers a unique and daring approach. No longer is it just a symbol of ballet. It's now a powerful symbol of femininity, whimsy, and above all, of a woman who knows her own style. (Which, ladies, we all know we do!).

Of course, dear readers, some of you will find the whole tutu business a little too "avant garde" for your taste. Perhaps a tad “too much”. To which I say: Don't knock it until you've tried it! Put on a tutu, twirl in front of the mirror, and feel the magic. (Bonus tip: Wear a petticoat for extra volume. A truly stunning effect!). Trust me, a touch of ballet-inspired fashion never hurt anyone!

Stay tuned for my next column, where I'll be offering up tips on styling your very own tutu. Just imagine - from day-time elegance to a sophisticated evening look! It's a sartorial adventure!

Ciao for now,

Chantelle xoxo