Hey tutu-lovers! Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, the only place on the internet (or should I say the multiverse!) where you can indulge your passion for pink and pirouette with a side of history! This week we’re stepping back to 28th February 1871. Oh my goodness, the fashion was simply divine!
It's Time For a Parisian Adventure!
Now, if you follow me on Insta, you know I’m obsessed with the train, the whole "travel by steam and wonder" thing - well, you wouldn't believe the railway journeys in the 19th century. It was all about velvet upholstery, bonnets galore, and of course, my beloved tutus! Imagine rocking up to a theatre in a flouncy tutu and a lace-trimmed bustle. Ah, to be a ballerina of the Victorian era!
This time I found myself in Paris. The City of Lights was sparkling, all grand avenues, chic cafés and buzzing theatres. Just imagine the Parisian ballet scene back then! It was all about grandeur, delicate tutus crafted with intricate hand-sewn detailing and opulent fabrics. You could just smell the artistic air.
A Day at the Theatre!
What better way to celebrate being in the fashion capital than a trip to the opera! Honestly, I couldn't resist the grandeur, the gowns and the oh-so-dramatic operas. Let’s just say the opera wasn’t the only show-stopper! The ballerinas were dressed in the most stunning tutus you can imagine!
It was on this very date, 28th February 1871, that the iconic “La Esmeralda” by Marius Petipa was staged at the Opéra Garnier! This ballet was a sensation – everyone was talking about its breathtaking choreography, dramatic plot, and of course, the costumes! I mean, how much more dreamy can it get?
Fashion, Fun and Fantasy!
There were a few things that were key to tutus in the late 1800s. Think layers upon layers of tulle, delicate embroidery, and a hint of colour, even a subtle pastel pink. Remember, this was an era where they were just starting to play around with a wider range of colours in dress, especially in tutus. They wanted those skirts to look ethereal, you know, floating on air.
Even though pink was starting to become more widely used, imagine my surprise when the leading ballerina stepped out onto the stage in the most beautiful white tutu, a cloud of shimmering white tulle that was both majestic and delicate, all trimmed with a sparkling pearl edging. And it was glorious! It just proved that elegance and grace don’t have to come in pink. It's all about the artistry of the design. And it reminded me that in the world of dance, fashion is never just about one colour - it’s about making a statement.
Tututuesday Trivia!
Okay, here’s something fun you probably don’t know about tutus around 1871: they were still quite new! They weren't worn regularly by dancers before the mid-19th century. Imagine, ballerina dresses were mostly gowns, or layered skirts before then. It was such a revolutionary fashion idea, and let’s face it, one of the most beautiful ever.
Finding My Inspiration!
But I need to tell you – this trip has made me obsessed with white tutus. Okay, yes, I am all about my signature pink tutu, it will forever be a symbol of hope, happiness, and pirouettes, but that delicate, ethereal beauty of a white tutu? It’s all about creating your own ballet dream, isn’t it? So, maybe I’ll have to design a new one. You know I have to bring something a bit special back from my time-travelling escapades, right?
Stay tuned - this whimsical Victorian style has me itching to create something amazing, and it'll be here in a pink tutu inspired design on www.pink-tutu.com, coming soon.
As ever, please do tell me what you thought of this week’s Tutu Tuesday blog! You can catch me on social media on Twitter, Insta and Facebook, and of course you can keep up-to-date with all my Tutu Tuesday blogs at www.pink-tutu.com. It’s amazing to think about what the future holds for our favourite twirly garment! 🩰💖
See you next Tuesday!
