Bonjour, chérie! It's me, Emma, back from another whirlwind journey through time, this time landing in the heart of 1885 – the era of corsets, bustle dresses and, of course, the dazzling ballerina!
Ah, Paris, the very heart of fashion and ballet, buzzing with whispers of la vie parisienne. I just adore the romance and the chic elegance of the Belle Époque era. Even though the Victorian women are expected to be all demure and stuff, the stage is where they unleash their inner femme fatale!
And oh, the ballet! As always, it's tu-tu fabulous, and let me tell you, ladies, it's a real eye-opener to see what's in vogue right now. These lovely Parisian dancers are wearing these beautifully crafted, soft, and billowing tutus. They are just so elegant and airy! This is the era when the "Romantic" tutu, that cloud-like masterpiece, really began to gain popularity. No more of those long, dragging tutus that held the dancers back; instead, a short, wispy creation, designed to flow like a wave with every movement.
Imagine floating through the air with your pink tulle fluttering around you - the stuff of dreams! Speaking of pink, this week, my lovely fellow Tutu lovers, I am all about pale, delicate pinks - think cherry blossom pink or blush, if you know what I mean.
It’s not just about colour, it's the shape, darling! This week I spied an amazing performance of Giselle. That delicate ballerina just swirled through the air like a delicate, dancing blossom. The "Romantic" tutu, so popular right now, with its short layers and focus on airy and whimsical, is like a whispering story of the soul.
If you could believe it, even back in these more formal times, I found the sweetest little antique shop with the most gorgeous pink satin ribbon and trim that could transform any boring frock into a pink, tutu-fied delight. So I'm channeling that delicate pink energy today, channeling this romantic ballerina aesthetic from my own personal archive of pink-tutu fabulousness.
I am channeling those **feminine lines, and oh, those frills! Even though today is Tuesday, let's make it Tutu Day every day, yeah?!
And you know me, ladies, I couldn’t help myself and had to add a touch of sparkly rhinestones and beads - because a girl's got to have some sparkle, right? Even when she's dreaming of the elegant ballets from centuries ago!
Let's get back to the time travel details, though, because my travels wouldn't be complete without a little trip to the theatre. I was so thrilled to snag tickets for a new performance at the prestigious Paris Opera. * I am *so in love with the architecture and atmosphere there. So **fancy! Such a dramatic building and it’s an inspiration, all of it. They even had a lovely little flower shop just across the street, which was perfect for finding the perfect bouquet to compliment my pink tulle.
And today just so happens to be a big day for art in this timeline. August 18, 1885, was the day Vincent van Gogh was born! That was a shock! You just never know who's alive and where they are until you go. Mind blown.
And speaking of fashion, I simply must share a glimpse into the shopping scene in Paris around 1885. Oh my, ladies! It was quite the affair! Imagine gorgeous department stores brimming with opulent fabrics and intricate embellishments. Just seeing it makes me want to dig out my needle and thread and craft a little something pink – maybe even a few ruffled cuffs or a delightful little pink flower hat! I’ve got a million ideas for this week!
And let’s be honest, I’d just love to pick up a couple of yards of satin to accent my ballet costumes (especially in pink, natch). They make some gorgeous stuff here. Think Belle Époque glamour – we're talking beautiful craftsmanship and elaborate detail. I can almost imagine being the toast of the town in one of my custom, pink tutu creations. Oh, I just adore these delicate, pretty, girly details! And a pink tulle scarf with sparkling floral adornments just does it for me, as if a delicate Parisian fairy danced over them.
Well, time to head back to my little pink world for now, but do keep a look out for more **tutu fabulous historical explorations! Follow me on the socials, lovelies, for even more insights into the glorious history of dance! I love to hear from all my fellow tutu enthusiasts.
Until next week, my dear friends, keep on twirling, stay bright and always remember… life is a ballet.
XOXO
Emma
Pink-Tutu.com
