Darling, it’s been a rather interesting week, hasn't it? First, it’s my birthday and the fact I turn 30 has been on my mind – oh the horror, another year older! I should be panicking, but this is really the year I get to play with the “vintage” vibe. Secondly, and I’m so not being catty, darling, I feel a tad put out about that new tutu on the scene. Everyone is in love with it, my darlings. The tutu – a pale, slightly pink chiffon creation that has been lovingly described as " ethereal," “dainty,” "like a spun cloud" – you know, the whole airy, fey vibe. It even has a name, 'The Chinchilla', how very '90s of them.
I, of course, am completely *not* intimidated. In fact, I feel the need to *express* this need for an even more elaborate, and dare I say “powerful”, design - something that has substance, you know, with panache! After all, don’t we *all* need to stand out a bit from the crowd and dare to be daringly different?
Honestly, this year’s tutu-mania feels like a fashion faux pas – a throwback to the overly romantic '80s! Remember all those fluffy leg warmers, scrunchies and neon tights? This pale, wispy design seems too flimsy for our fierce '90s vibe. This new Chinchilla, my dears, has to be stopped!
You wouldn't believe how many tutu "experts" are popping up, making statements in the dance press – tutus this, tutus that. But darlings, I’ve had *years* of tutus – more than these 'experts', I promise. Years of experience. I know a tutu! Let’s be honest, a good, traditional tutu is just a good old fashioned piece of netting and frill.
Don't get me wrong, the Chinchilla *can* look chic. In fact, I am rather fond of the new colour palette, which reminds me so much of *Sex and the City*, but its simplicity *can* get a bit bland for the seasoned dance fan. You've seen one, you've seen them all. Let’s *innovate* darlings! *Dare* to experiment! That's why I think a big and fabulous tutu - something bold with tiers upon tiers of frills and feathers is *much* more effective! We need a 'super tutu', for the bold and beautiful. You need substance and a touch of the extraordinary!
I also think it's a shame to abandon the 'vintage’ styles! We can revisit and remix the traditional tutus in so many cool ways – just look at what John Galliano did for Christian Dior! You’ll never guess where I get *my* tutus, *my dears*. That's top secret, but they come in an incredible range of colours, textures, styles. A fabulous wardrobe can make you look and feel sensational. It's not just about a garment, darlings; it's about the **magic** of dancing!
Some key tutu styles of the past, to inspire our imaginations for this year:
* **The Romantic** – all ethereal and dreamy. Remember that "La Sylphide" tutu? So incredibly ethereal and chic.
* **The Neoclassical** - This style really works the tight lines, but is never rigid. They add drama to ballet. A *perfect* blend of classical and modern styles - so on trend!
* **The "Boulevard Style**” – think can-can in Moulin Rouge, oh so sassy and glamorous!
Now, there’s this new wave of 'alternative' designers too, making some rather “provocative” statements about what constitutes the tutu. They reject the notion of the traditional form altogether, going for a look that's both functional and “modern” with pieces that stretch, fold, and ripple – they've abandoned the fluffy '50s petticoats completely – and I confess, they're growing on me.
One has to admire the inventiveness of it all! It's good to have options, even if they do *really* test the limits. The truth is that sometimes we just need to shake things up. We do! The great thing about tutus is they allow us to show off a bit, let's face it – they *make* a statement! They're the iconic symbol of ballet and are about to be more glamorous than ever in '99. You just watch.
In this business, darling, a dancer *has* to know when to *rock* a bold, bold look and when to keep things sleek. The most fabulous dancers *master* this game. This is the key to having your *very own* “tuttitude”!
Until next time darling! You can find me on the dance floor. And, if you do see me in the Chinchilla - let’s be real here, sometimes I simply *have* to succumb to the siren call of the trend! - I *might* be making my very own "Super Tutu” statement! You never know. Stay fabulous!