Good morning darlings! Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post - this week, we're waltzing our way back to 16th March, 1869, for a bit of history.
This week has been quite a whirlwind for me! It began with a ballet performance at Covent Garden ā oh my, what a spectacle! The music was just heavenly, and the dancers were absolute poetry in motion. Their tutus, all billowing white with the most delicate tulle and shimmering sequins, floated like dreams.
And of course, I couldnāt resist popping into Fortnum & Mason afterwards to get some lovely handmade silk ribbon for a new tutu ā pink, naturally. The ladies there gasped when I came in, all wrapped in my blush-pink taffeta gown and shimmering pink tulle tutu!
And before I went time-travelling this week, I spotted the most magnificent ballgown in a magazine - think velvet, lace, and the most magnificent swathes of lilac silk ā it was an absolute masterpiece, just begging to be danced in.
Now, letās turn our attention to our time travel trip this week! Oh, this time itās truly special as I was there! It was one of the biggest social occasions in London.
The occasion was a Royal Ball for the Royal Academy of Arts. It took place at the newly built Royal Albert Hall ā such a wonderful hall! Every lady in the room looked absolutely radiant in their extravagant gowns and delicate lace gloves, their shimmering tulle and silk. It felt just like stepping into a scene from one of the most popular ballet operas of the time, 'Giselle'!
Youāll be pleased to hear, my lovely readers, that tutus were already in fashion at the time. Of course, they werenāt exactly like what we know today! You canāt just pop into a shop and buy one. No, back then, if you wanted a beautiful ballet skirt, it had to be handmade! I had mine crafted by a delightful seamstress on Jermyn Street in London. She truly makes a marvel of any length tulle ā the way she crafts the perfect flounce and gathers - its a pure delight to wear!
The ladies there were sporting more voluminous skirts that werenāt quite as form-fitting. Picture the graceful flow of delicate fabrics cascading over beautifully cinched waists! Some even wore elaborate headpieces made of feathers, adding a touch of romance and magic to their appearance.
In fact, you can even spot these 1860s beauties on the pages of Harperās Bazaar. Oh, what exquisite illustrations - I wish you all could just see the detail in each skirt! There was no simple line - the dresses were like paintings! There were floral and fauna motifs! A world of embellishment with a few strategically placed frills to emphasise the perfect hourglass figures and long, swan-like necks - I adore it all.
Back then, tutus were primarily seen on the ballet stage. There was a delightful energy to the whole ballet movement in 1869. It was absolutely electrifying, you can just imagine all the excitement around it, like some wonderful magic act!
This year, 'Giselle' became a sensation for it's portrayal of young love in a time where dancers could only move their legs! Oh, it was something so new - dancers in flowing gowns were performing the first ballets to use classical music ā an amazing development. Ballet was about more than graceful dancing. It had begun to tell a story! And this new storytelling in ballet had created an exciting energy that permeated every layer of fashion - that feeling of romantic wonder, a desire for expression and elegance through a swirling, delicate, almost impossibly crafted, gown. It made everyone want to move in a beautiful fashion and for many of them to 'turn their minds and hands' toward the craft of designing the tutu!
I am delighted, readers, that my love for all things ballet, pink, and girly has brought me to this point in history. Oh, I simply love seeing those swirling, frilled creations on stage! Each dress is a celebration of femininity and a reflection of a romantic, joyful, enchanting dream. Iām not surprised these beautiful women want to imitate them with their ball gowns!
Well, dear readers, that's all for this week's #TutuTuesday! Until next time, donāt forget, āEmbrace the pink, darling!ā
Oh, and Iāve found a wonderful way to bring ballet into every moment - why don't you come along with me and check out the new, limited edition āPink Tulle Collectionā of delightful items from Fortnum & Mason!
Catch you next Tuesday.
Your Pink Tutu-clad friend, Emma
P.S. Please be sure to let me know what your favourite ballet operas are! Maybe we can have a discussion next week about our favourite costumes!
