Darling, it’s March and spring is just around the corner. The time for bold colours and sassy statements is here. Now, this month's design for a tutu, well it's all about feeling both graceful and fiercely powerful, imagine the look on your audience's face when you pirouette across the stage. Let me walk you through how to achieve this elegant but striking design and take centre stage as the reigning prima ballerina!
You will need: * Tulle, Now my darlings, no ordinary tulle will do. We’re aiming for a classic powder pink that will really stand out, and for a lovely, fine, flowing drape - think "clouds on a balmy summer evening" - I suggest **Lily Mills** on Bond Street. They've a fabulous selection of French tulle that simply cannot be beaten. * Sequins. I wouldn’t call them sequins but little stars. For this, we are going for glamour. We are going for ‘after-dark’ glamour, so an assortment of shimmering silver sequins with a hint of cerulean blue. **Liberty’s** has exquisite tiny sequins, they’re not the easiest to sew but you have to sacrifice a little to reach ultimate beauty, darlings. * **Lycra/Spandex fabric. Choose a black shade that really accentuates your physique. Make sure it has a subtle stretch, we’ll want it to move with your every gesture. Try **Jaeger’s** in Regent Street, they’ve got a fantastic selection of stretch materials - they always remind me of the exquisite sheen of an elegant raven’s wing, but in black. * A bodice for your leotard. A bodice that perfectly shows off your figure is essential. It must be tight but supple for flexibility, the colour is very important, it must compliment the pink of the tutu without being an overwhelming statement - my personal preference would be a lovely burgundy or navy. You’ll find a truly stunning selection of corsetry at **La Senza**, a boutique in Mayfair that has that Parisian air. * Beading, Rhinestones and Ribbon. For that final touch, a dash of detail and a whisper of seduction. Get a string of fine white beads and scattered diamonds to be added to the bodice, nothing overpowering, it’s the little touches that truly elevate your design. Find your little trinkets at **John Lewis** on Oxford Street, they have an unparalleled selection and you’re bound to find the right beads and rhinestones to make your outfit perfectly alluring. Construction: Let’s start with the tutu, darlings! You're going to want the tutu to create that airy, romantic feel but also hint at something stronger, almost defiant. We will start by making the shape of the tutu: Cut layers of pink tulle into circles, starting with a generous size for the first and diminishing each circle by an inch. Be mindful of the number of layers you want, too many layers can make the tutu cumbersome. Sew each layer onto a central band with a satin ribbon in the shade of the sequins, be careful that the ribbon stays flat to avoid the uncomfortable bulk that comes with gathering the layers too loosely. We want a soft curve, like a perfectly formed petal of a blossoming rose, that doesn’t obstruct your movements. Once all your circles are gathered, adorn them generously with our chosen stars of silver. Now for the bodice, darlings: We will work on that stunning bodice. A perfect figure hugging bodice with a sweetheart neckline. Cut the Lycra with a few inches to spare and gently gather it to make a soft curve on your chest. Once it’s fitted, sew it firmly to the bodice and carefully arrange your dazzling collection of white beads and rhinestones in a pattern that mimics the beauty of an elegant moonlit sky. You must never forget that these finishing touches should accentuate your curves and never overshadow them, they are the whispered elegance, not the overpowering presence. This design demands both powerful beauty and seductive elegance, my dear! Let’s talk makeup: Since we have a light and lovely tutu, a touch of dramatic smokey eye makeup is vital, my dears. Opt for a deep, smoky grey eyeliner, paired with some lush black mascara to really highlight the beauty of your eyes and make them sparkle. Make sure your eyebrows are strong, neatly defined, yet gently brushed with a touch of black mascara, to accentuate the beauty of your face. A vibrant red lipstick will beautifully offset the white tulle and provide that alluring edge. Don't be afraid to show some skin, my dear. After all, the allure of ballet is in its vulnerability, just be sure to apply body makeup that blends with your skin colour and never lets your lovely legs down, don't worry too much about a bit of glitter - this season it’s acceptable, even recommended. With the graceful flow of your tutu and the seductive power of the leotard, you'll truly captivate everyone with the elegance, confidence, and artistry of your performance. Your design will be a statement of both classic sophistication and modern daring. Enjoy!
