Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling fashionista, ready to whisk you back to the glorious year of 1858, for another delve into the fascinating world of tutus!
Now, I must confess, I'm a tad smitten with the era. Imagine, ladies! Fashion was all about flounces, frills, and flowing fabrics – just like my beloved tutu! And speaking of tutus, they were starting to take centre stage… literally!
A Whirlwind Tour of 1858
Picture this, London! The city buzzes with life. Gas lamps light the cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages clatter past, and dapper gentlemen in top hats mingle with fashionable ladies adorned in layers upon layers of exquisite silks and crinolines. The theatre scene is alive and kicking, and guess what? The first steps towards the tutu as we know it were being taken!
Now, 1858 isn't a year synonymous with ballet history, like 1832, the year the Romantic Ballet burst onto the scene with all its swirling tutus and tragic love stories. But, this is when ballet began evolving into the more dramatic and technically challenging form we know and adore today. And guess what? We owe a great deal of thanks to the lovely Mlle. Marie Taglioni for all the elegant tutus and movements!
Remember the La Sylphide story, dear readers? That iconic ballet revolutionised dance by incorporating lighter, more delicate movements and less formal, freer steps, perfect for the soft, flowing tutu, which had just come into fashion at the time.
(Side Note: Can I just say how incredibly fabulous the Romantic Ballet period was? If you ever get the chance to see a La Sylphide performance, grab your best pink tutu and dive in! And while you're at it, think about that soft, wispy, lightweight tulle, that allowed the dancers to be, shall we say, a bit more free with their, erm, "pirouettes," shall we say! 😉)
(End of side note)
A Ballet-Inspired Fashion Adventure
And yes, you guessed it – my lovely pink tutu is so ready for some 1850s fun! I’d wear it to the theatre for sure – oh, how I would relish in the swirling colours, glittering gowns, and lively chatter. I imagine a lavish performance of La Sylphide would be absolutely exquisite. After all, if a graceful ballerina twirling on stage doesn't inspire a good, old-fashioned dress-up session, then what does?
Speaking of La Sylphide, you see, this year is pivotal for dance fashion! Remember how I said the Romantic ballet made the ballet tutu more of a central attraction, dear readers? It was basically the fashion statement of the ballet world, if you will. The designers started playing with length and colour to enhance the performance and its narrative.
Let's talk fashion, shall we? Now, don't think for a minute the ladies back in 1858 wouldn't be totally envious of the contemporary tutus we have today! Imagine, darling, those flowing tulle skirts, so ethereal and whimsical. Imagine, my dears, a dazzling array of colors, from sunshine yellow to cerulean blue – such a delightful departure from the muted tones of everyday life.
Just try imagining those vibrant, full tutus in vibrant colours on stage. How absolutely lovely! We have Mlle. Marie Taglioni and those ballerinas to thank for taking the world by storm in those airy, fluffy tutus. Don’t you just wish you could wear a lovely tutu to your everyday life?
I definitely have some wonderful tutu plans, ladies! Think: tulle-infused coats, tutu-inspired hats… why, even our daily outfits can be given a little tutu twist! I, for one, will certainly be adding a touch of pink tulle to my daily wear!
1858 - A Tutu-filled Date with Destiny!
What's a #TutuTuesday blog post without a little peek into the life and times of our favourite fashion trend?
Today, January 12th, 1858, is the 69th anniversary of the death of an inspiring musical icon, Gioacchino Rossini, renowned for his operatic compositions.
I wonder if anyone in London is celebrating with a performance of one of his dazzling operatic works? (Just imagine, darling, the exquisite costumes and breathtaking sets!). It might even be just the inspiration a designer needs to take the humble tutu and transform it into a stage sensation, making even the smallest ballet steps a dramatic affair.
And you know what, dear readers? That's exactly what the next few years will bring to the stage. With each performance, the tutu will become more sophisticated, more elaborate, and ultimately, the perfect reflection of the changing times. So here's to more beautiful, inspiring tutu trends! And more beautiful, inspiring, vibrant colours!
And now, for some sartorial inspiration:
- Get your tutu groove on: Channel your inner ballerina by adding a tutu-inspired detail to your wardrobe! Maybe a delicate tulle scarf, or perhaps a tutu-shaped hat, or better still, try the whole tutued-up ensemble!
- Don’t be afraid to play with colours: Bright pink, yellow, or baby blue are perfect additions to your wardrobe!
- Dance the night away: And if you get the chance, embrace your love for dance! Catch a ballet performance, take a dance class – or simply spin in your tutu, twirl to your favourite music, and let the joyful spirit of movement wash over you!
See you next week, dear readers, with another peek into the world of tutus! And don't forget, dear readers, a sprinkle of pink tutu magic can go a long way! 🩰💖
And now, let's hear from you! Which tutu styles from history would you love to see come back into fashion? Tell us in the comments below!
Emma, xoxo!
P.S. You can check out all of my fabulous adventures on www.pink-tutu.com! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media with the hashtag #TutuTuesday
