Dearest readers,
Oh, the joy! Today, April the 5th, 2002, is a day for celebrating all things tutu! Why? Because, my dears, it’s a day for reminding ourselves that fashion and ballet are truly intertwined. After all, what’s a graceful plié without a fabulously frilly tulle skirt to accentuate the perfect arabesque?
Today, darling, we raise a glass (or a glass of something stronger, as it's nearing the evening) to the glorious history of the tutu, that exquisite garment of dance that, in its many forms, has graced the stages of the world since the dawn of ballet (and probably earlier, if you ask me. Let's just say the ancient Greek's had an uncanny way with fabric. You see where I’m going with this, dear readers?). The tutu is an icon – a sartorial masterpiece.
Don't think, for a moment, that the tutu is confined to the world of ballet, my loves. Not at all! They have popped up at haute couture shows (look at the genius of Chanel!). Even that beloved darling of the world and a modern-day Queen Bee herself, Madonna, donned a delightful tutu for a legendary performance of her “Material Girl”. (I still shudder at how much I love that music video). And the Tutus we have been spotting in our day, are no longer just the classical pouter pigeon style in a dreamy pink tulle or, heavens forbid, a hideous shade of fluorescent neon. They’re sexy, edgy and utterly, outrageously fabulous. They've gone goth, they've gone metallic, they've gone sheer (in the best way) , and they've gone grunge.
I simply adore how designers like Alexander McQueen have managed to make the tutu the ultimate power symbol (even if it was just the fact he designed for one of the Queen Bee’s favorite, the divine Sarah Jessica Parker – remember Carrie Bradshaw and all those fashion moments? ).
Today’s the day, darlings, to celebrate the beauty of tutus and how they have so expertly crossed into the mainstream and graced fashion houses, street style, even the wardrobes of everyday life (well, that’s just in our daydreams of course - maybe it’s time to order one or ten from Amazon…). They embody grace and elegance, of course, but also boldness and attitude – think of how an elegant swan with the swish of her feathers embodies poise and grace and yet, still stands strong in her elegance. Think how the swan gracefully glides to make a statement and commands attention. The tutu is just that. It exudes elegance, it exudes femininity, it makes a statement (even if you're only wearing it to pick up the milk and the weekly paper).
Now, I want you to stop reading, darlings, and really let your minds drift –
Picture yourselves twirling in a cloud of tulle on a breezy Spring Day. The breeze caresses you, it catches the skirt of your perfect tutu, and you look the epitome of Parisian chic. You, my loves, feel like the queen of all the fairies in a magical forest, in a realm of delicate magic where butterflies flutter around you.
It's easy to get carried away, darling, isn’t it. I've gotten lost in that fantastical ballet daydream, but we mustn't forget that the beauty of tutus isn't just in our minds. It’s a reality, darling, in those layers of tulle. The world, from Paris to London, has gone absolutely crazy for the ballerina chic aesthetic! And that's a very, very good thing!
I do hope, you dears, have been inspired by my little “tutu” love letter to all things frilly and graceful. But above all (even in this modern age with our crazy modern day styles), let’s not ever forget the roots, and that a perfect classical ballet tutu is still as breathtakingly gorgeous as ever. They are the original power garment and, my loves, will never fail to impress!
So, today we wear our tutus – in our imaginations at least! If, in real life, it becomes a little too wild, you can just buy yourself a little gift in the shape of a gorgeous pink tutu or maybe just one of those stylish designer tutu bags for those fab new pairs of designer shoes ( there's a fab store in Oxford Circus – can't tell you the name as that would spoil the fun – and of course it has been featured in Vogue so you'll just have to use your little black book and your super style and hunt for it, dears!).Now go and twirl, darling. Happy tutu day.