Oh darling, where to even begin? It's 24th October 2001, and the world feels like a sequin-covered, swirling whirlwind of tulle and trouble, which is quite frankly exactly how I like it! I just popped over to the Royal Opera House, having finally dragged myself away from my endless stash of Vogue magazines and, oh my word, let me tell you - the tutus! It's a tutu revolution, a tutu explosion, a tutu... well, let's just say a tutu-tally delightful spectacle, darling!
I popped into a rehearsal and saw these glorious creatures – dancers, I mean! – absolutely flapping and twirling around in tutus, you wouldn't believe it. Imagine a fluffy pink cloud just waltzing down the stage and that's what these ladies looked like! Then, there was the one with a sparkly, almost-transparent tutu – like a disco ball met a feather boa! I practically swooned. The poor stage hands must be utterly exhausted! It’s like the whole world's gone bonkers for tutus and I, my darlings, wouldn't have it any other way. It's simply divine!
Honestly, these tutus are getting out of control. I've spotted tutus that look like upside-down wedding cakes! Tutus so frilly they look like someone poured a bottle of bubble bath onto a hoop skirt. Even the ballet boys – those dashing darlings – seem to be embracing the tutu madness! There was one little chap – I do love those tiny, darling creatures – spinning about the stage in a little fluffy blue number. His tutu even had little white bunny ears sewn onto the top! Adorable, darling, just adorable!
And the thing is, you know, it's not just a ballet thing. Tutus are now, like, a huge fashion statement, apparently. You wouldn't believe the number of people rocking those swirling, glorious creations at a recent party I went to. Honestly, darling, even the men looked a little bit tempted! I’m sure we’ll see some serious, well, tutu-rageous looks hitting the runway in no time. We all know how obsessed those designers are with fashion! They will be positively swooning over this whole trend. Mark my words!
But back to the Royal Opera House! This place is just overflowing with tutus. Not only do the dancers look like walking, twirling dreams but all the women have gone a bit 'Tutu Mad' too, the programme girl was sporting a fabulous bright yellow tulle creation, and even the lady at the concession stand was wearing a miniature pink tutu over her uniform - very cute! I actually saw an old fella rocking a full-blown tutu on the balcony – it was, to put it simply, darling – utterly fantastic!
Look, I just feel that the world's a little too serious these days. And we all need a little bit of sparkle in our lives. So when we see a tutu twirling on a stage, or a tutu floating in a cocktail party, it puts a smile on our faces. And that, my dears, is something we all need right now. Now if you'll excuse me, darling, I'm off to the costume shop to pick out a tutu or two - after all, it's simply the right time to embrace a little bit of fluff!
Let’s have a look at some tutu-fabulous highlights:- There's the fabulous ballerina, Henrietta, looking like a walking, talking pink meringue. Apparently she’s off to lunch to grab some pastries afterwards, what an absolute treat! Oh! Don’t get me started about Henrietta’s shoes! Darling, these are simply not real! These beauties need to be on display at the Louvre!
- The head of the company – let's not forget her – she was twirling in a stunning black tutu, with intricate gold embroidery. If ever a tutu was a masterpiece this one definitely was! I do hope she takes it home after rehearsal, for a quiet evening of a good read and a nice cup of tea with a little Earl Grey! It simply begs for it!
- And a quick little fashion tip from the Ballet Fashion Diva! I'm obsessed with how this year everyone is all about mixing a bit of tulle with our outfits. Don’t be afraid to be brave darlings and give it a go, it'll bring some glamour into any ordinary look, just make sure that you’re keeping things simple to avoid any clashing. There's a lot to be said for simplicity and this tutu thing really embraces it perfectly, doesn't it? Just look at Henrietta - elegant as always!
- As we all know darling, the real secret of tutus lies in their magical quality - to make any of us, whatever our size or shape - feel like an absolute queen! Just slip it on, darling, throw on a bit of sparkle and then - you go for it!
The tutus, darlings, they are more than just a garment; they are an attitude, a declaration of self-expression! And isn’t it amazing that in the most unlikely place – the world of ballet - we have rediscovered what fashion is truly about? It’s all about embracing yourself. About owning your sparkle, my dear, and taking on the world!