Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things fabulous and frilly. It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another exciting delve into the glorious history of the tutu!
Today's journey whisks us back to May 21st, 1878, a most splendid time for the world of dance, fashion, and all things sparkly. My trusty time machine (don't ask about the engine oil - it's a bit of a mess, let's just say that!) landed me smack bang in the heart of Paris, the undisputed capital of all things chic. Now, I love Paris at any time, but something tells me that 1878 was simply buzzing with an extraordinary energy!
I just knew the streets of Paris would be full of fashion delights this year - it was the year the Parisian Exposition Universelle opened its doors, and what's more fabulous than a good world fair? I do love to see how people around the world embrace the exquisite beauty of the ballet tutu! But I have to tell you, it's clear to see just how Parisian elegance really leads the way.
Even in my magnificent pink tutu (my travel outfit of choice, obviously!), I felt I needed a little fashion boost - so off I went to the heart of Paris to Galeries Lafayette. This emporium of all things fabulous really had everything a girl could want - a veritable feast of frocks, bonnets and all things fancy.
But here's the secret: The world's most famous ballet stars all came here too. Think Fanny Elssler, Marie Taglioni, Carlotta Grisi, and even the one and only, Camille Saint-Saëns, who, if my little bird tells me true, will be composing some beautiful ballet music, a few years down the line.
Of course, the centrepiece of Parisian style this year was the tutu! It's no surprise really - it’s the ultimate embodiment of grace and feminine charm! The styles back in 1878 were simply breathtaking, and nothing has quite captivated me like those flowing skirts! There's just something so magical about watching a dancer soar across the stage in a wispy cloud of tulle. And they do wear pink so beautifully - this truly is a fabulous year to wear a tutu!
Today, it seems as though tutu designs are constantly evolving. I do love seeing how trends change - just last month in London, I spotted some darling creations! It's no surprise really - after all, London and Paris always seem to be leading the way in the world of fashion and style, but there's something about those 1878 designs - just imagine - Marie Taglioni dancing the famous "La Sylphide", her movements as light as air - all while wearing the most breathtaking of tutus! I simply have to admire these elegant Parisian dancers - even today their moves are poetry in motion and just so enchanting to watch. I think, maybe we all need a touch of this Paris charm - why not go for a little tutu inspiration and get twirling, dear readers. Do let me know what you think - have you got your own favourite tutu memory - or have you spied a great tutu fashion find recently? Leave a comment - and be sure to come back next week for another peek into ballet's glorious history, and we'll see what other fabulous outfits our favourite dancers wore next!
P.S. I simply had to make time for a little ballet performance last night, as I was in Paris, you see - just down the road, at the *Opera Garnier, no less! *The atmosphere in this fabulous theatre was magical, filled with elegant ladies and handsome gentlemen. I confess I almost shed a tear during the performance - it truly is the most graceful and enchanting form of dance.
Remember, darlings, life is too short to take yourself too seriously! Let's celebrate our love of ballet, our passion for fashion, and our inner child!
Until next week, keep your spirits high and don't forget to wear a pink tutu!
Emma
Pink-Tutu.com Blog Post 2421
