Bonjour mes amis! Emma here, back for another Tuesday delve into the dazzling world of tutus! This week weāre hopping aboard the train to Paris, and Iām positively tickled pink with what weāre going to discover about fashion from back in 1862. As always, donāt forget to whip out your very best pink tutu for this fabulous trip through history!
It's the 18th of November, the air crisp and nippy as we step off the train in Paris. I'm practically vibrating with excitement. There's just something so glamorous about this city, especially when it comes to fashion. Imagine ā no internet to instantly compare looks, no online shops to fill your wardrobe in a flash! Itās all about the elegance of creating, designing, and experiencing style with every step.
Now, on the topic of steps, where are the ballerinas?! Thereās nothing quite like the thrill of watching the graceful movements of these incredible dancers. In 1862, the tutu wasnāt just taking stage ā it was infiltrating Parisian streets. Forget denim jackets, the real street fashion hero was the crinoline, a wide, voluminous skirt. Now, imagine that structure in the most gorgeous pastel hues. Weāre talking soft pinks, baby blues, dreamy lavender, all punctuated by elegant ribbons and bows. Talk about a fairytale!
But we must remember, the 1860s had its own fashion challenges, similar to our modern-day ātrend cycles.ā This period wasnāt quite about the sleek, modern tutus we love today. They were all about volume! This is the age of the Romantic Era, think big, full skirts, layers of fabric and lavish lace. And oh my, the colours! Thereās a lot of attention paid to creating soft contrasts, pastels with hints of bolder shades for a hint of sparkle. You can bet there was a ton of ribbon embroidery going on - think beautiful cascading flowers!
As for those ballerina tutus, well, they were going through their own evolution, becoming shorter and less voluminous, almost like a soft embrace on the body. Imagine a vision of soft ballet pink dancing against a backdrop of swirling fabrics and bright Parisian streets! Whatās not to love?
So what was going on in Paris on this specific 18th of November? Oh, there was plenty of history unfolding! Just a couple of years before, the French empire was experiencing the height of its political power. This was a time of significant change, where art and creativity truly flourished! From paintings to music, there was a vibrancy of new artistic movements - something we always try to celebrate in the Pink-Tutu spirit.
On our trip through history, I also couldn't resist a peek inside the ThĆ©Ć¢tre du ChĆ¢telet, the grand stage of some of Paris' most spectacular theatrical performances. I have to tell you, the artistry was breathtaking! Back then, this iconic theatre was abuzz with a vibrant mix of theatre, concerts, and the beloved opera! This would have been a great spot to see a ballet, one can only imagine how fabulous it would have been!
Hereās the thing - I believe weāve always been a world of pink tutu lovers! The power of these magnificent creations stretches far beyond our beloved stage performances. There's a spirit to it, a sense of magic. I think it's time we all embrace a little pink, even if just in our imaginations! You can practically feel the swirl of the fabrics, the delicate steps, the air charged with joy as the ballerinas grace the stage.
And so, as I leave the beautiful Parisian streets behind me, and jump back onto my time-traveling train, I take a moment to reflect. The history of the tutu isn't just about clothing, itās about an evolving expression of movement, joy, and creative power. And just like Paris in 1862, there's always room for something new, for bold fashion choices that take us on a journey through time, leaving behind a vibrant trail of pink.
Till next #TutuTuesday, keep twirling!
XOXO Emma
