Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we explore the glorious history of the tutu! Today, we're taking a trip back in time to the 4th of August, 1885!
This is such an exciting date for us tutu-lovers, because it marks the beginning of the haute couture tutu explosion! Now, I'm not talking about the shorter, flouncy tutus we see today (though, I do adore those!).
Let's travel to Paris, where all the fashionistas and ballet aficionados are gathered. I just love that Paris vibe - chic, elegant and full of such incredible energy. It’s buzzing with all the latest fashion trends! The year is 1885, and things are about to change in the world of ballet…
This year, the romantic tutu is making a big comeback. It's long, flowing and a sheer delight! Picture a tutu reaching almost to your ankles, made of tulle and netting - airy and dreamy - it’s just breathtaking! It was the embodiment of all things delicate and feminine, the perfect stage attire to accentuate the graceful movements of the ballerinas! This particular style of tutu came to be the most beloved, the ‘classic’ we still see adapted in variations across ballets today. I imagine they just floated on stage, almost like delicate flowers in the breeze!
And the colours, my dears! While pink was always a popular choice for my fashionable self, 1885 is seeing pastel blues, yellows, and soft pinks dominating the scene. Imagine them catching the light under the stage lamps, glittering with the sheer magic of the theatre. Absolutely stunning!
Speaking of theatre, this time of the year is buzzing with performance season. If you are in Paris you might be lucky enough to see a show! There's an opera happening at the *Opéra Garnier, * one of the most magnificent opera houses ever constructed. I love those big old, beautiful venues, especially ones built in the grand style, with the grand entrance, the balconies, the velvet seating! Can you imagine sitting down in those velvet seats and watching the ballerinas in their long, elegant tutus perform under the grand chandeliers, absolutely mesmerizing!
As an aficionado of theatre and dance, my biggest problem this week has been deciding where to go, to watch a grand ballet or to catch an operetta. So I’ve made the grand decision, I’ll attend both! First I will take in a showing of The Barber of Seville at the Opéra Garnier. That's a real classic. Afterwards, it will be off to a performance of La Bayadère to take in that gorgeous romantics style tutus dancing beautifully on stage, oh! the glamour of it all.
My absolute favourite part about the fashion in this era, it was all about embellishment. Think sparkling gemstones, intricate embroidery, and delicately beaded lace – pure magic! We have seen sequins become ever more prevalent and with tutus being made with such lighter materials like tulle, these jewels and sequins added a dazzling sparkle on the stage. Now I’m off to the boutique to pick out some delicate embroidery to put on a little extra sparkle to my very pink, modern-day tutu, after all I have to maintain a stylishly fashionable reputation at the opera!
Well, I think it’s time I started getting ready. That opera house is waiting! And to you all, my lovely tutu-loving readers, until next time – always wear your pink tutus proudly! And don't forget, share your tutu adventures with me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook!
Until next Tuesday, darling!
Emma xoxo
P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for my next #TutuTuesday for a fascinating peek into the *development of *tutu techniques. * What is it about those magical fabrics that makes a ballerina look like she’s gliding, flying or floating?! And how was it developed! It's sure to be *simply divine!
