Hello, darlings! Emma here, back from another exciting adventure in time, and today we're swirling back to 1871!
Hold onto your tutus, ladies, because this is a big one. Itâs been so fun being on the brink of ballet's greatest revolution and seeing the tutus in the early days of their reign! Now, I know what youâre thinking â what happened in 1871 to deserve a whole #TutuTuesday? Well, Iâll tell you, dear readers, it was a momentous year in fashion history!
While we may be known for our love of the twirl-worthy, oh-so-feminine tutus today, in 1871, the world was just starting to catch on! Fashion was evolving in the most fabulous ways, and the tutu, though not quite as we know it today, was becoming an indispensable part of a fashionable Parisian's wardrobe!
On this particular day, April 18th, 1871, Paris was still buzzing with excitement about the Paris Opera Ballet, its very soul. There were all kinds of delightful ballet performances popping up all over town. One of the grandest performances in this beautiful city took place that night at the Opera House, showcasing the most exquisite and impressive ballets. Talk about fashion inspiration! I had to pinch myself to remind me that I wasnât dreaming. The Parisian ladies were resplendent in their most stylish gowns, topped with the very beginnings of the tutus we all know and adore! I have to admit, even though their tutus were still in their early development, they were wonderfully graceful and undeniably captivating.
You see, 1871 saw the introduction of a new style â a softer, more feminine silhouette. Think less corseted and more graceful flowy shapes. This meant that even the skirts worn on the stage were getting a little lighter, and the âtutuâ as we now know it was emerging, like a beautiful, pink ballet butterfly. I imagine them fluttering around, just waiting to take flight!
I just loved how it wasnât just a matter of ballet; everyone wanted to catch that whiff of graceful femininity, darling! The Parisian ladies were not just confined to the grand theatres for their tutu fix. The fashion in 1871 allowed them to have a little bit of âballetâ everywhere! Those tutus were seen on the streets, at fancy teas, and even during the most elegant promenade around the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es. Itâs funny because when we look back on fashion history, we see these major changes happen quite slowly.
What was especially fascinating was how the Parisian designers were just beginning to incorporate those tutu elements into the fashionable dresses. We're talking soft, tulle layers and whimsical, graceful silhouettes. These delicate, billowy fabrics that the ballet dancers wore, that effortless feminine charm, quickly swept the streets of Paris, and trust me, everyone was swept away by its allure!
The real kicker for me though, and Iâm sure youâll agree, is the fact that even back then, pink was a fashion must-have. Yes, even 150 years ago, Parisian ladies were already recognizing the power of this lovely colour! It added such a playful and delicate air to the tutu, making them truly radiant! Pink just felt like the colour for those magical tulle creations, like a touch of the heavens upon the stage. Just picture those Parisian ladies gracefully flitting around with their lovely, pink tutus. It's such a dreamy image, isnât it?
Even with these new designs emerging, there was something quite traditional about it all. They retained that classic Parisian grace and femininity, always keeping their silhouettes and fabrics as beautifully structured and meticulously crafted. A Parisian lady in 1871 was certainly a master of blending the delicate and the strong. I swear, my eyes were completely entranced by the ballet performance I saw! It was like I had landed right on the page of an illustrated storybook. Just beautiful!
But you know, the greatest thing about the tutu even back in 1871, is that it's still about freedom, right? It's about moving freely, embracing a more feminine expression of oneself, and most importantly, having the time of your life. Doesnât it just make you want to whirl around like the lovely Parisian ladies?
Even now, here in my time travel haven of pink tutus, I'm completely inspired! I already have a few sketches of new designs brewing up in my mind â tutus fit for a Parisian princess. Perhaps a soft, ballet pink number, reminiscent of those dainty ballet shoes? Or maybe, a bolder, dramatic magenta with layers upon layers of dreamy tulle? Ooh! A little black one, to make those dancers stand out like elegant black swans! The ideas just keep on coming, I can barely keep up!
Anyway, this little Parisian trip was a joy! Now I know we must cherish every little bit of fashion history, every beautiful detail that makes a tutu a tutu! I hope youâre ready to dance to the rhythm of fashion and feel those tutus whisking you back to a time where ballet, beauty, and Paris met! Don't forget, ladies, you too can dance in your own pink paradise! Go out and grab a pink tutu, twirl it like nobodyâs watching, and channel your inner Parisian princess!
Until next Tuesday, dear readers, may your week be filled with sparkles and graceful spins!
Love always, Emma xx
P.S. Iâm heading to Derbyshire next Tuesday for a beautiful Ballet performance of Giselle! This ballet was created only a year later, after my last trip! Stay tuned, darlings, it's going to be an unforgettable ballet adventure! And if you're reading this in Derbyshire, letâs meet up there and dance the night away!
