Hello darlings! It's Emma, your pink-tutu-loving time-traveling ballerina, and welcome to #TutuTuesday, where we delve into the enchanting world of the tutu! Today we're taking a trip back to January 1st, 1861, and let me tell you, the fashion scene was a real treat!
Remember that train ride last week? I took a direct express to Paris, you see, as the French capital was just buzzing with the latest in ballet fashion. I spotted this glorious ballet at the Palais Garnier, Le Lac des Cygnes (Swan Lake)! Now, 1861, you wouldn’t quite recognise it as we know it today. It's still quite early for the graceful choreography we adore so much, but just imagine, this iconic masterpiece was in its very infancy!
Can you picture it, dear reader? All that beautiful tulle swirling and the exquisite movements, the ballerinas' tutus - those glorious wisps of loveliness! Now, it’s important to remember, 1861, those were proper romantique tutus! Imagine billowing, gauzy layers of tulle and delicate fabric – almost like a diaphanous cloud in motion! A beautiful contrast to the more structured tutus we know now, wouldn't you say? They looked positively ethereal in the dimly lit theatre! They did need a rather vigorous costume change backstage though, wouldn't you agree? 😉
I even spotted some magnificent dancers in these extravagant tutus, all in delicate colours like blush pink, ivory, and the most beautiful baby blue – the colours of dreams! They all twirled and leaped with such passion! One ballerina, Madame Carlotta Grisi (yes, you know that name!), she had an exquisite light pink tulle tutu - and all I could think was that is pure ballet magic. I simply had to have one myself, though you'll have to trust me, my version of a pink tutu was considerably more flamboyant, let’s just say I didn't exactly look like I was fresh from the theatre after that trip backstage…
I even managed to get some vintage tulle in a darling Parisian boutique – just look at the exquisite lace trims and that exquisite embroidery! Oh, I must say it’s absolutely glorious, it wouldn't be amiss for a ballerina's evening stroll in Paris' Jardin du Luxembourg, would it?
However, let's rewind to 1861! What were others wearing for ballet that year? Well, just like the fashionistas at a ballet, 1861 was all about crinolines for the ladies! You see, my lovely, these massive skirt contraptions, those hoop skirts – imagine the volume! Imagine these enormous bell-shaped forms creating such dramatic silhouettes. Oh, and don't forget, those corsets - they were everywhere, constricting their waists into a slender, hourglass form. And if you want a real chuckle, the hats, my dear, were something to behold! Imagine, feathers, ribbons, elaborate, sweeping veils – the real statement pieces of their day!
Speaking of elaborate, you wouldn't have caught me dead without a gorgeous feather boa in that era. You see, a Parisian soirée or a visit to the theatre demanded a little bit of "featherly" drama – just imagine the swirl of feathers, so fashionable, don’t you think?
Speaking of feathers, darling, what better way to describe 1861 than… "featherly" delightful? Remember how much I love shopping? I was at every atelier, ooh la la!
Just think! In 1861, even the fabric choices had a sense of drama - delicate silk, intricate lace, and even those glorious velvet textures – for the real high-society occasions. Now I’ve got an idea, a real vision, imagine a tutu in black velvet. What a stunning statement! So, just a quick brainstorm to my lovely atelier workers, who can craft such lovely pieces.
And don't even get me started on the hats! The most enchanting bonnets, with beautiful blooms and those wonderful, ornate bows, perched delicately upon ladies' coiffed curls – just glorious, it's practically a theatrical stage piece in itself! Imagine yourself entering a 19th century drawing room wearing a bright pink bonnet adorned with velvet ribbons and tulle netting, a magnificent and theatrical sight!
Speaking of the theatre, I spotted these divine, embroidered gloves with intricate embroidery. You see, ladies of that time were obsessed with intricate embroidery and embellishment on everything, from the hems of their dresses to those extravagant silk gloves. A symphony of elegance, that’s 1861 for you.
You know, my darlings, sometimes, when I look back at all those gorgeous layers and intricate embellishments, all that romanticism, I just feel inspired to create a modern take! I wouldn’t mind making an extra extravagant tutu with those elegant embellishments, with those elaborate lace accents, that stunning black velvet - wouldn't that be truly glamorous? Perhaps a black velvet tutu with beautiful ivory and blush pink embroidery – a little 19th-century chic with a modern touch, what do you think?
So, that's a little taste of 1861 from our fabulous time-travelling ballet bunny. Join me next week for more fascinating facts and historical musings – and don’t forget to rock a pink tutu! See you next Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com!
XOXO, Emma
