Darling, the season is upon us! The scent of pine, the crackle of a log fire, and the first frost are just a few signs that we are approaching that most wonderful time of year...Christmas! What better way to embrace the magic of this festive season than with a stunning new leotard or tutu?
I have been in this industry, darling, for years! Years! And there's nothing more beautiful than a bespoke, glamorous leotard or tutu. So this Christmas, why not embrace a splash of festive flair for your next ballet performance, or even just a festive gathering? But this isn’t any old sparkly number. Darling, I am talking *class*! Here is my secret recipe for creating the most fabulous tutu for this month!
**Let’s talk fabric!** Now, a ballerina knows that tulle is the key to creating a dazzling tutu, and let’s be honest, the more the better!
- Choose **a sumptuous shimmering fabric, like velvet!** Velvet, darling, creates that magical, alluring shimmer when spun on stage under the soft, golden lights of Christmas. Velvet, like everything else, comes in all shades. Go for an intense midnight blue with glittering threads of gold woven in.
- For your tulle, choose the softest, sheerest **gold tulle**! Nothing less than four layers, each delicately stitched to a layer of shimmering, **rose gold, metallic, organza** to create an even, layered flow.
**You’ll need** some other basic materials, like thread! This should be matching gold thread! A tiny amount of sparkling, black, stretch velvet for the bodice of your leotard and for the matching bra you will need. A little white satin to cover the stretch straps for the bra. For decoration? You’ll need **Swarovski crystals, of course.** I recommend a delicate scattering of *ruby* crystals along the gold fabric, a cluster for the centre of the bodice, a few on the bra and of course, a scattering down the tulle layers, as well as along the centre of the seams to give a *stunning* cascade. Now this really will take your festive look to the next level, darling.
Now that we have all the necessary pieces let’s take a closer look at how to construct this festive, shimmering dream.
- Start with the bodice of the leotard! You need to be comfortable in your leotard to achieve perfect poise, and who could achieve this better than with the *stretch velvet*, darling. Simply make this a simple, scooped neckline for the leotard with some lovely gold satin binding for a classy, clean, and elegant touch!
- Now let’s work on that bra. A bra with straps can be so elegant, don’t you think? A black stretch velvet band, edged with the same gorgeous gold satin binding you used for the bodice. Then cut, stitch, and hem strips of white satin to make the straps, *with a lovely bit of gathering* for added texture and romance. And of course, that beautiful detail is enhanced with *a scattering* of those stunning red ruby crystals along the length of the band.
- And the finale: The skirt! Here’s where you have some flexibility, darling! Either work with *a circular skirt* so your lovely layering really catches the light and provides a fuller shape; or try a *panel skirt*. Panels are lighter, they move so beautifully with every arabesque, *giving just the right kind of lift to any performance.* Remember to use two different fabric layers of tulle - it gives you extra definition and movement.
Let me leave you with some final tips: Keep the bodice simple. *Simplicity really does create elegance, darling*. And do think about *subtle movement* and *movement detail.* That gorgeous gold satin around your bra band can provide a subtle sparkle, or perhaps use it to enhance the neckline and bodice of the leotard.
These tips, dear readers, will take your tutu design *to a whole new level*. Now, go forth and sparkle this Christmas, you glorious ballet fairies!
Now where can you find these stunning fabrics? This festive design requires very specific details to really work so darling, *look no further than these wonderful boutiques!*
- For your stretch velvet and luxurious satin? Why, I have always adored **Godet**, darling! You won’t find another selection like this in London. A truly Parisian selection that you simply cannot afford to miss.
- I simply *cannot imagine* crafting a ballet masterpiece without **Milsom**. A perfect haven for fabrics, trimmings, beads, and…Swarovski crystals! All with *the warmest, most elegant service* I could wish for, in *a shop that really has something special.*
- Finally, remember, the key to a perfectly luxurious *design and fitting* can make all the difference. I can highly recommend **La Fée* as an amazing source for bespoke tailoring for both dancers and everyday individuals! With expertise that is simply *unparalleled in London,* and truly delightful attention to every detail.
Wishing you a truly spectacular holiday, my lovelies! Merry Christmas!