Bonjour, darlings! It’s Emma here, your trusty tutu-clad guide to the world of all things tulle and twirls. It’s a gloriously sunny Tuesday in Paris, and the air is abuzz with the hum of chatter and the clatter of carriages. I’m back from a whirlwind trip to Vienna, where the ballet was exquisite, of course – they truly know how to create a spectacle! Oh, but I’ve got some fascinating history to share today!
You see, darling, we’re celebrating #TutuTuesday with a trip way back in time. Imagine this – it's 17th November 1863!
Now, I must confess, tutus weren’t quite as glamorous then as they are today. We’re still in the early stages of what we consider the ‘modern tutu’, you know? They weren't all frills and flounces – think of them more like structured skirts that would give your grandmamma a bit of a fright. No dainty, layered tulle for these ballet ladies!
And let’s be honest, they’re rather too practical for my taste! Think rigid, stiff skirts, with the top part stitched straight to the bodice. These were all about showing off impressive legwork and, to be honest, rather practical for showing off every single one of those lovely calf muscles.
This week's trip takes me to La Scala in Milan, where a little beauty named Carlotta Grisi, a renowned Italian ballerina of the day, is about to take to the stage in “La Traviata”. Oh, don’t be misled – the performance won’t be quite the lavish, sweeping romance it became with Verdi’s opera some years later.
No, darling, "La Traviata" back then was a simple, yet very emotional and powerful ballet in three acts by Giovanni Pacini . It follows a tragic love story with plenty of dancing and oh la la, a scandalous scene where Carlotta actually has to take off a whole section of her ‘tutu’! Très excitante!
Now, you might be wondering, Emma, why does this date matter? Well, November 17th, 1863 saw Carlotta perform in a tutu with a new invention! You see, this ballet star was very daring, you see. And rather bold!
For “La Traviata”, Madame Grisi was the first ever ballerina to wear a ‘crinoline de tulle’ - a tutu inspired by crinoline fashion (yes, like those huge bell-shaped skirts your Nana used to tell you about). I’m picturing a glorious burst of colour - perhaps a soft, pale pink, a delicious coral - imagine! The impact must have been tremendous. She practically brought the house down, darling!
Sadly, a proper pink tutu was still decades away! This period was very much in the domain of pastel colours, think buttercup yellows, soft blues, with little hints of lilac, plum and beige, it was like wearing the most elegant spring meadow. However, with such bold inventions going on – well, who knows what fashion will do next?!
Speaking of bold inventions, I'm currently working on an exciting collaboration! Can you believe, Vogue Paris are featuring some exclusive sketches for my very own pink tutu line – La Danse Rose ! You might see them in their upcoming edition!
Anyway, darlings, it's time for me to run. I've a date with a delectable pastry at Ladurée, then it’s on to a rehearsal at the Opéra Garnier for an evening performance! Oh, how I love this life of theatre and glamour! And don’t forget – if you find yourself on the Champs-Élysées with a fancy pink tutu on, give me a whistle! We'll find a fabulous cuppa!
Keep twirling,
Emma
PinkTutu #BalletHistory #TutuTuesday #LaTraviata #CarlottaGrisi #CrinolineDeTulle #VogueParis #LaDanseRoseStay tuned for a special blog post on all things Crinoline! I’ll be featuring some exquisite, vintage designs from Paris that have me completely smitten! xoxo
