Bonjour mes amis! It's your favourite tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, Emma, back with another dazzling dose of #TutuTuesday history! This week, we're taking a whirl through the glorious era of 1869, a year bursting with sartorial splendour and theatrical wonder. Buckle up your ballet shoes, grab your pocket mirrors (because you just know you'll need a good look in those!) and let's dive right into the fashionable frills of the past!
First off, I'm absolutely beaming with joy to share that I've landed back in the magical city of Paris! There's something undeniably enchanting about the air here, filled with the sweet scent of rosewater and the elegant murmur of waltzes echoing from café terraces. Imagine - cobbled streets buzzing with carriages, beautiful ladies in billowing skirts, and gentlemen with handlebar moustaches who know just how to tip a hat! Of course, my first port of call was a trip to the legendary Palais Garnier, the home of the Opéra de Paris. I had to experience the sheer grandeur of this architectural masterpiece - it's positively bursting with romance and historical grandeur! I can practically feel the ghosts of legendary ballerinas twirling on the stage and I can practically hear the rumbles of applause. Sigh! I can’t help but fantasize about performing here someday, wouldn’t that be simply delightful?
Now, you know I couldn't possibly resist indulging in some Parisian shopping. And trust me, my darlings, the 1860s are positively overflowing with exciting fashion trends! The streets are positively dripping with vibrant colour and intricate embroidery. We're talking bonnets and feathers, delicate lace, and gloriously layered silks. Oh, the artistry! Oh, the panache! It's truly a time of captivating opulence! But here’s the thing, this week’s history post isn't about bonnets and feathers. It’s about the tutu!
You see, in this era, the ballet was a popular affair. And, though tutus had started their elegant ascent in the 1830s, 1869 saw the art of tutu construction take flight in an amazing way. Gone were the bulky, tiered skirts and in came the tighter, fitted silhouettes that emphasized movement. I just adored their graceful curves!
It was also this era, which gave birth to the famed tulle that we adore in the 21st century. And if you haven't been lucky enough to experience the silky magic of this fabric, my dear, you are truly missing out! I had to grab a spool to take home as a reminder of my wonderful Parisian trip. As soon as I can get back to the 21st Century, I am going to create the most exquisite pink tutu that the world has ever seen. What a gift from the past! And, just so we are crystal clear, the pinker the tutu, the better, so long as it's a good blush, that's what I aim for, it's very good for the figure, all pink. I always go for a soft pastel, not a vivid fuchsia. You know, something which is rather a delight, that gives you that touch of romance that comes with this beautiful time period! And who could possibly say no to a bit of romance?
Imagine my absolute delight at discovering the Palais Garnier had an incredible dance shop right there inside the opera house itself. It’s the kind of shop a dancer’s dreams are made of! My little fingers practically flew across the lace-trimmed gloves and delicate slippers! I mean, how could a girl resist?! This was where the ballerina elite shopped for their necessities and everything seemed like magic!
It truly felt like the beginning of something beautiful – an era of unparalleled creativity for both dance and fashion! While it may not be strictly tutu history, as they weren’t the fluffy little beauties we love in their modern form, the tutu in 1869 was well and truly paving the way. Imagine how delighted the world’s ballet dancers would be when a few decades later, tulle becomes a commonplace fabric in dress making. Can you imagine? It is so pretty and very airy.
Oh, and talking about air, the 29th of June this year saw something truly thrilling, a world first, The hot air balloon trip over the Alps!. Now, I may be an ardent lover of the railway and a good old-fashioned steam engine, but honestly, my darlings, this has got to be the ultimate adventure! How gloriously adventurous does that sound?! I do love my tutus, you already know that! But a pink tutu is truly divine when viewed from high up above! Maybe I can take a ride in a hot air balloon while wearing a pink tutu!
So, until next Tuesday, remember my darlings: embrace the enchantment, love the twirl, and never, ever hesitate to unleash your inner ballerina. Because the world needs more twirls and a little sprinkle of pink magic in every corner. And what better way to achieve that than to wear a pink tutu?
Catch you next week, my lovelies!
Yours in twirls,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Pink Tutu’s Top Three Recommendations:Here are my absolute favourite discoveries from my Parisian journey:
- "Le Tulle du Palais": This exquisite boutique offered an abundance of tulle in the most incredible colors, textures and patterns. If you want your next tutu to really stand out, darling, get yourself to this shop!
- "Rose & Feather": This incredible haberdashery shop is bursting with the most decadent trims and ribbons. Just imagine the exquisite embellishment that these threads can offer!
- "Bonbons et Chocolat" I had to get my fix of this deliciousness, darlings! I find that Parisian chocolates, like the Parisian ballerinas, always know how to dance on your tongue! A must for your visit!
