Darling, August is upon us, and that means it's time for a new look! The studios are buzzing with anticipation for the new season, and this year, everyone's talking tutus. I'm sharing my secrets, darling, to creating the most dazzling, covetable look, and believe me, you'll be the envy of every dancer in the studio.
The Secret to a Starry Tutu
Forget those dusty, old-fashioned tutus, my dear. We're going for modern elegance this season, with a touch of whimsy. I’m all for keeping things chic and minimal but a pop of color makes a big difference.
1. The Fabric: This is the heart of your creation. For a look that’s truly breathtaking, we're using Tulle. And not just any tulle, my darling. We want soft, shimmering tulle, the kind that dances in the air like a dream. The fabric we all covet is known as 'nylon tulle' but 'stretch nylon tulle’ is even more luxurious, offering a lovely drape that you just can't find anywhere else. I'm thinking a lovely soft shade of pink or blue this year – heavenly!
2. The Cut: We want a silhouette that’s light and ethereal, darling. So go for a classic single-layer tutu, perhaps with a slight ripple to the edges, or go for the slightly daring double layer – this can create a real sense of movement when you're spinning.
3. The Embellishments: This is where your personal style shines. A few crystals are de rigueur, of course – nothing says 'elegant' like some glittering accents around the waist and perhaps along the hem of the tulle. A touch of silk ribbon around the waist or a delicate fabric flower in your hair just completes the picture. I am always drawn to pearl accents as a subtle way to dress up a look.
Items You Will Need
- Tulle (at least 4 metres for a single layer tutu, 8 metres for a double layer tutu)
- Elastic (at least 4 metres)
- Needle and Thread
- Sewing machine (optional)
- Crystal Rhinestones and Sequins (around 100 pieces)
- Ribbon and fabric flowers (for embellishments, optional)
Where to Find the Magic
- Sewing Supplies: Find all your sewing essentials, from needles and threads to beautiful fabrics, at local craft stores like John Lewis or Liberty’s.
- Fabrics: Try The Fabric Centre or Sewn on Kings Road for the finest quality tulles. Remember you'll need around 2m for a single layer tutu.
- Embellishments: Head to online stores like Amazon and Etsy to browse stunning crystal rhinestones, sequins, and embellishments galore.
Now, remember darlings, it's not about the costume, it’s about how it makes you feel. So have fun and get creative. After all, ballet is about passion, elegance and above all, artistry. Let's dance!