Greetings, darling readers, and welcome to another fabulous edition of #TutuTuesday! This week, I'm twirling right back to 1860! It’s a little chilly today in Paris (they still haven’t discovered the magic of central heating!), but it's a day for exploring and, of course, admiring tutus. Oh, did I tell you about my gorgeous new pink tulle tutu from Maison Worth? It's heavenly! The way it twirls is absolutely divine! It's giving me visions of dancing under the chandelier in the Palais Garnier (but without the mice, hopefully)!
As you all know, my passion for tutus takes me on incredible adventures across time, and this week, we're in the heart of Paris, the city of romance and elegance. In 1860, the world was on the cusp of great change! This year saw the creation of the Red Cross, which, while important for its humanitarian work, has no impact on tutus (at least not yet!), but 1860 does mark the birth of the "crinoline". Yes, my darlings, the hoop skirt that changed fashion for women forever. Gone were the cumbersome petticoats, and in came the voluminous shape that allowed ladies to move freely and with such beautiful elegance! And guess what else?! They started using steel, making the hoops even stronger and sturdier, perfect for giving tutus that extra lift!
I confess, darling readers, that the fashion of the period is a bit of a conundrum! So many frills and layers, almost a touch overwhelming. Even my petite frame couldn't withstand that much fabric, especially in a bustling Parisian cafe. But that crinoline… oh, my goodness! I had to try one on, just for the sheer joy of it, and I couldn't help but imagine all the possibilities for the ballet! Think about it, my darlings: imagine the dramatic pirouettes, the elegant poses, the grand sweeps as we twirled and soared on stage, all enhanced by the crinoline’s magnificent volume! Now that’s an image worth dancing to, wouldn’t you agree?
My journey through Paris's past is taking me to the Salle de la Comédie Française, a theatre so iconic, so beautiful, it’s simply divine. While the dancers aren’t yet adorned in tulle creations (not in a full, ballet-focused way anyway, dear readers!), you can definitely see the foundations of what’s to come. Think, the intricate swirling movements, the controlled yet expressive motions, and the exquisite postures, all things we adore in our ballet darlings of today. It's such a beautiful art form! The French really knew how to make things pretty. The sheer talent and passion radiating from the stage… it's mesmerizing, my darlings! I couldn't help but wish I could have taken a turn on the stage!
Speaking of mesmerising, the shops are filled with divine new styles! Beautiful silk, lace, velvet… all in breathtaking shades. If it were me, I would choose all the pink and make every outfit a symphony of my favorite color. Now, isn’t that just divine? Of course, after all, it’s Tutu Tuesday and pink is simply essential.
Today, dear readers, I'm indulging in the finest of French cuisine, oui, *oui, delicious and oh so very fashionable! A little escargots followed by a sublime piece of gateau? You bet! But I must admit, my heart still yearns for a raspberry macaron to finish my journey. (You knew it was coming, right?! A pink moment is a pink moment!) After a long day of exploration, I'm enjoying a nice hot chocolate, a ritual my fellow voyageuses from Derbyshire find utterly essential. What could be better than watching the Parisian twilight settle over the city, the soft light reflecting off the buildings, all while enjoying a hot drink? Perhaps a little bit of twirling myself while I sip and soak in the beauty, perhaps? Oui, très bien!
Don't forget to follow me on pink-tutu.com for all your #TutuTuesday needs and for more fabulous travel updates. And as always, my dearest readers, wear pink! We are the tutu trendsetters, the pink warriors, the dance-lovers! Let’s embrace life in all its swirling, beautiful glory, and let's remember, every day can be Tutu Tuesday if you make it so! Until next week, darlings, let the magic of ballet swirl around you, and remember, "a little pink makes the world a happier place!"
Much love, Emma pink-tutu.com