Bonjour, darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure through time, and guess what? It's Tutu Tuesday, which means we're taking a little trip back in time to explore the fabulous history of the tutu!
Today, we're hopping on a train (my absolute favourite mode of transport - oh, to see those grand railway stations of yore!) and whisking ourselves back to 11th November, 1862. Now, while that might not sound like a groundbreaking date for tutus, it was actually a pretty big year for our favourite ballerina attire!
I'm currently perched on a velvet chaise lounge at the Palais Garnier in Paris, feeling rather dashing in my lovely pink tulle tutu (one that's delightfully vintage-inspired, natch). Can you believe that at this very moment, a production of "La Fille mal gardée" is taking place here?! Goodness gracious, the romantic, heartwarming tale of the stubborn daughter who eludes the matchmaker and escapes to dance with her true love, makes me positively swoon! But wait for it… it's the very same production where, wouldn't you know it, Marie Taglioni made history.
It was at the Paris Opera House, a hundred and five years ago in 1857, that Marie Taglioni debuted a new style of tutu – the "romantic" tutu, if you will, with its soft, diaphanous layers of tulle falling to her knees. Now, I know we've spoken about tutus and their history in the past (have you checked out my #TutuTuesday archive, darlings? It's filled with delightful insights!) But just let me take a moment to admire how incredibly transformative this creation was!
Imagine, my darlings! It revolutionised ballet performance, making it lighter and more graceful. We all know the ballerina of the era was a vision of beauty and elegance! You've simply got to see "La Sylphide" (it debuted a few years earlier in 1832), to truly appreciate the artistry of movement allowed by this beautiful invention. This is how tutus truly become an extension of the ballerina's movements!
Back to 1862. Why is this year important, you ask? It marks a fascinating time where we begin to see more elaborate use of tulle in performances, often featuring extravagant costumes that incorporated layers and layers of this dreamy fabric! It was as if everyone wanted to see the tulle billow and twirl to create the illusion of lightness, the very essence of dance! Oh, to have witnessed it firsthand!
This isn't all about the stage though, my dears. Believe me, you won't find a single Victorian drawing room in England that doesn't possess a fabric shop catalog dedicated to tulle! It became all the rage for ball gowns and dressmaking! The Victorian era saw women swooning over layers and layers of tulle in soft, delicate shades. The Victorian era fashion trends (just like our beloved tutus) embraced ethereal and graceful shapes. Imagine those layers of tulle used to make crinolines. And can we even discuss all those delicate embroidered motifs added to those gowns - I swoon at every delicate flower and romantic design.
Now, a lot has happened since 1862, especially in the realm of fashion! However, it’s truly humbling to see how this elegant, airy creation like the tutu continues to hold its place in our hearts and wardrobes. And that, darlings, is what makes this tutu story truly fabulous. We continue to learn and be inspired by the women who pioneered the dance world with their amazing artistry and flair!
So, while we're celebrating a little Parisian ballet magic from the past, I'll be here channeling that elegance, sporting my latest creation: a pink tulle tutu with intricate beading (ooh, you have to see the details!), and rocking it on a dance floor near you. But until next week, go forth and embrace your inner ballerina. Let your imagination take you on a journey of artistry and style, and maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself sporting a beautiful tulle creation soon, because every single one of you deserves a pink tutu in your life! Until then, darlings, keep twirling and stay fabulous!
