Welcome, darling tutu lovers!
It's me, Emma, back again with another fascinating #TutuTuesday deep-dive into ballet tutu history! Today, we're travelling back to March 28th, 1848, and oh my, this was a BIG year for fashion, let me tell you!
This week, I'm hopping on the Orient Express – oh, the thrill of that sleek silver engine cutting through the European countryside! The fashion is simply divine, and Paris, darling, Paris is buzzing with excitement, like a sugar plum fairy on her tip-toes! It's where all the latest styles are showcased, and darling, the Parisian tutus are something to behold!
We're talking tulle so fine it looks like spun sugar, layers upon layers, creating billowing, ethereal forms that would make any ballerina swoon. They're still relatively simple – imagine your classic short tutus, but a little fuller and a touch more dramatic. And they’re adorned with an array of colours that’ll make you feel like you've wandered into a fairytale – delicate blues, pastel pinks, soft yellows, and elegant creams are all the rage.
Of course, the real star of the show is the pink tutu, and, my dears, pink has never looked more magnificent. The Parisian ateliers are showcasing a dazzling array of shades: from soft, baby-pink to the most dazzling, eye-catching fuchsia – I swear I even saw a tutu with sequins that literally sparkle!
I must tell you, I spent a whole day just gawking at the latest designs in the Rue de Rivoli. Imagine the sheer thrill, darling, of seeing all the exquisite materials, the fine stitching, and the delicate lace trims! Oh, to have the time to twirl in all of them, imagine the photographs I’d get!
But, my darling tutu enthusiasts, what is there to wear with these tutus? Well, for one, we’ve got those charming little "cotte" shirts, so simple and feminine, paired with the perfect ribbon sash tied around the waist to emphasize the tiny waist and delicate feminine form. Then, darling, we have the shoes! I am, of course, talking about satin slippers, which have evolved since those bulky shoes of yesteryear, to now fit the delicate ankle like a glove! The colour? Well, my darlings, it's all about delicate tones to match the tutu; we are talking pearly ivory, baby blue, or blush pink for the ultimate romantic look.
Remember, a good ballet outfit is all about the details, and Parisian ballerinas are not afraid to be bold with their style. A string of pearls, a feather boa, a shimmering belt, and even the addition of a jeweled headdress completes a truly theatrical ensemble! It’s the epitome of classic elegance with just a touch of playful rebellion!
And as for me, well, my dear tutu lovers, I am living the life of dreams – in Paris, of course! This little pink tutu enthusiast couldn’t have dreamed of a better day. I saw the most amazing production at the Palais Garnier – think towering marble, gilded chandeliers, and dramatic velvet curtains! Oh, the theatre experience in this city is beyond anything we experience in England. And the ballerinas! Such skill and grace. They literally take flight!
Of course, I'm already sketching out my own designs inspired by everything I’ve seen today, with pink, darling, naturally being the star of the show!
I'm also off to try my luck at a few of the renowned Paris fashion houses – fingers crossed I can snaffle myself a fabulous new pink tutu or two, darling! This vintage treasure hunt for the ultimate ballerina must-haves is truly exciting, and what an honor to add them to my ever-growing collection of stunning ballet fashion history!
So, there you have it! Fashion has truly made some strides, and 1848 was certainly a year for tutus! I simply love delving back in time, remembering what's inspired our passion for this incredible garment.
Keep those tutus twirling and, until next week, darling tutu lovers, don’t forget – it's never too late to embrace the joy and power of a good pink tutu! 💖
See you next Tuesday for another dose of #TutuTuesday history, here on www.pink-tutu.com.
Love, Emma xx
