Wednesday, 22nd April 2015
Oh darling, I am positively thrilled to be in Rome! The train journey from Derbyshire was a dream – I finally remembered to bring my little travel knitting needles, and whipped up a brand new, pink, cashmere beret! Honestly, I’ve never felt so stylish. (There was a lovely elderly Italian gentleman sitting opposite me, completely enchanted by my needles and my pink, tutu-ed, beret-wearing self. I hope I inspired him to wear a little more pink!)
As I stepped out of the station and onto the Roman pavement, I was utterly swept away! It's just… magnificent. The sheer size of everything, the cobbled streets, the terracotta rooftops, the aroma of coffee and pastries - every corner I turn screams "ciao bella!" in a rather flamboyant, but most definitely delightful, way.
Now, as you know, Rome is a city overflowing with culture. My first mission, as a dedicated ballerina, was obviously to pay homage to Rome's legendary opera scene. I’m not talking about those tourist traps at the Coliseum, darling, but a proper, real, opera show! You can't go to Rome and not immerse yourself in the artistic magic that has thrived here for centuries. I felt so very much the part, waltzing down the streets to Teatro dell'Opera di Roma in my tulle tutu and a perfectly matching hot pink velvet coat. The perfect Parisian chic to a Roma night.
After the stunning performance of Aida (and yes, of course, I shed a tear, I am a sentimental little thing), I discovered the best little vintage shop hidden on a quiet side street. Inside was a treasure trove of fabulous fabrics and textures! I unearthed the most glorious scarlet velvet dress - picture scarlet with gold embroidery, and the most gorgeous draped neckline - that would look utterly fabulous in a 1940s inspired show. This piece is most certainly for a stage debut in the future, darling! And to complete my purchase, I snagged a truly glorious hat that I knew would look divine with my favourite baby pink tulle tutu. It's absolutely essential that even on the streets of Rome, one remains utterly stylish and whimsical.
On my walk back, I couldn’t help but stop for a delicious gelato (mango, of course! ), and of course, indulged in some people-watching. The fashion here is utterly exquisite, even in the way the most humble shop owner chooses his socks. Now, Rome might not be renowned for it's love of ballet (though I'm sure it is, I'm sure it is), but the elegance and passion for life and for beauty that I have witnessed already makes me certain that it only needs a little inspiration for the pink tutu movement to bloom in the Italian capital.
Now, my dearest readers, the next stage of the Rome adventure - the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. But that is for tomorrow's post. Remember to check in every Wednesday for a little glimpse into the life of a tutu-wearing girl, who happens to adore seeing the world one city at a time!
And always, remember to wear pink (especially a pink tutu)!
Lots of love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
