Hello darlings, and welcome to another fabulous #TutuTuesday!
This week, my time machine took me back to September 1st, 1885 – and what a whirl of excitement it was! Can you believe it's been over a hundred years since the most glorious of garments – the tutu – graced the stage in its classic form? But before I gush any further, let's put on our finest feathered bonnets and step back in time, shall we?
My time travel took me to Paris, France, the absolute heart of ballet and fashion, as you well know. Now, 1885 was quite a bit different from the modern-day Paris we adore. While some would say Paris was always "chic", back then, there was a sense of refined elegance about everything. Ladies in their shimmering silk dresses and impossibly-tall hats strutted through the city streets like swans in a ballroom. Even the men, in their perfectly tailored suits, looked dapper!
But even with all this fine attire, it was ballet that truly stole the show! Think sweeping ballrooms with chandeliers that glittered like diamonds, and the intoxicating music of the grand opera. Every show was a magical spectacle, and my darling, I just had to see it for myself.
You know me – I adore a good ballet performance, so off I went, waltzing through the Parisian streets, until I arrived at the grand Opéra Garnier. Talk about a place to take your breath away! It was truly magnificent, and even the most elaborate tutu would feel at home amongst all those beautiful frescoes and marble columns.
Speaking of tutus, 1885 was a year when the iconic "romantic" tutu truly started coming into its own! These tutus were long, reaching to the knees, and made of layers and layers of tulle, creating a wispy, ethereal silhouette. It's such a beautiful and dramatic look!
Imagine those tutus swirling on stage, catching the light and floating like feathers. It's easy to see why everyone was mesmerized! Ballet was a sensation, and every fashionable lady was vying for a seat at these grand productions. Now, while we didn't quite have the famous tutus of later decades with their incredible layering and drama, the 1885 ballerinas looked stunning with their romantic, layered designs. They were captivating!
The performances I witnessed were divine. You know I adore seeing talented ballerinas grace the stage, and even without the modern tutus, the movement and the artistry were truly captivating. Seeing ballerinas dancing in these light, airy tutus – you could almost feel them take flight!
My journey to 1885 wasn't just about the stage though. Let's talk about fashion! Even then, a love for pretty things and fabulous clothing was a given! It seems even in the 1880s, shopping in Paris was quite the delightful affair! Boutiques filled with bonnets, corsets, and lace were a sight for sore eyes! While my time traveling outfit was still, of course, the fabulous pink tutu (never changing!), it was fascinating to look at the styles from over a century ago.
And I couldn't leave Paris without picking up some lovely lace for my new design! I imagine I’ll incorporate the delicate design and intricate detailing onto a modern ballet tutu, maybe a subtle pattern over pale pink. A lovely nod to history with a little bit of my own spin on it, wouldn't you agree?
I'm telling you, my dears, the more I explore the history of ballet and the tutu, the more I realise what an incredible journey the tutu has been on! From its early days of experimentation and simplicity to the extravagant, gravity-defying designs we adore today, each decade brings a new level of beauty and grace.
Well, my dear darlings, that’s it for this #TutuTuesday! Remember, if you ever want to make a grand statement, don your favourite tutu, and get out there and swirl!
And, don’t forget, you can join my journey of ballet and tutus every Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com – there’s nothing quite as magical as exploring the history of ballet and the tutu.
Until next Tuesday!
XOXO,
Emma
