Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday! As always, I’m so thrilled to share my passion for all things tutus with you lovely lot. Today's post is particularly exciting because we're going on a trip down memory lane to the glamorous world of ballet fashion in the year 1888!
We're boarding the time-travelling train for a little historical jaunt, all the way to, drumroll please… Paris, darling! As you all know, Paris has long been the heart of the fashion world, and even way back then, it was buzzing with the latest trends. And trust me, darling, ballet was one of the biggest!
Now, while tutus in the modern sense, with their billowing, frilly glory, wouldn't be quite the phenomenon yet, this was still an important time for how ballerinas dressed and, well, looked. So, put on your dancing shoes and grab a cup of tea, because we're about to step onto the grand stage of 19th-century ballet fashion!
A Whisper of Pink on the Parisian Stage
We're in Paris on Valentine's Day, 1888. It's a beautiful crisp morning, with the sun reflecting off the Seine and a bit of a springy nip in the air. As I stroll down the Rue de Rivoli, my heart flutters with anticipation for the theatre. Can you imagine, darling? Back in the day, ballet was not just about the steps, it was about the spectacle. We’re talking about exquisite gowns, opulent jewels, and an air of theatricality that'd make even the most discerning fashionista swoon.
Today, I'm particularly excited to be catching a glimpse of the Ballets Russes who were still a brand new sensation back in those days! You’re probably all familiar with their dramatic and evocative work that pushed boundaries and influenced ballet fashion for years to come, but at this point, they’re still quite the newcomers! Can you imagine, seeing their innovative style right when it first swept the globe?! It’s a truly electrifying feeling.
A Waltz Through Fashion’s Tapestry
While our tutus in the way we know them aren’t quite here yet, think of it as a beautiful slow dance towards the tutus of tomorrow. 1888 sees a distinct shift in how ballerinas are presenting themselves onstage. The rigid and restrictive corseted dresses are gradually being replaced by garments designed to highlight the ballerinas’ grace and fluidity. They’re moving away from layers and heavy fabrics, favouring flowing lines and ethereal movement. This period saw ballerinas wearing full-length skirts that were loose and airy, which allowed for freer and more dynamic movement. It was the dawn of ballet that was more focused on the expressive movement of the dancer, which in turn started dictating how dancers should dress.
You could say these were the first glimmers of the tutu evolution, darling! This time marks a key stage in this grand fashion revolution, laying the groundwork for what we now know and adore.
From the Theatre to My Wardrobe
It's easy to see why this fascination with ballet has translated to fashion, and still does, even today, darlings! Who doesn’t adore the classic tutu shape, or its undeniable femininity and flair?!
From our trip down memory lane, one thing is absolutely certain: even back in the 19th century, tutus were about more than just costumes; they were, and are, an embodiment of a woman’s passion and power. They're a statement of artistry and an expression of our truest selves, a little bit of magic we all deserve to experience.
Of course, our #TutuTuesday wouldn’t be complete without my pink ode to all things beautiful, so here’s the little detail that catches my eye on this grand, history-filled day: pink! In 1888, a splash of colour wasn’t just for fancy balls or society galas. It was beginning to find its way onto the stage, particularly in the use of rosy-hued silk that danced across the floor as the ballerinas moved! A perfect hint of feminine delight, wouldn’t you say?
As we move through time together, darling, I'll be keeping you updated on this pink fashion journey, from 1888 onwards! Don't forget, I love hearing your thoughts, so let me know your favourite era for tutu styles down in the comments, darlings!
And remember, there’s always time for a pink tutu in your life. Wear it, embrace it, live it. Until next Tuesday, may your life be full of dancing, sparkles, and most importantly, tutus! 💖🩰
Emma
P.S. Did you know February 14th, 1888, marked a major milestone in history? The first long-distance telephone call was successfully placed between Boston and New York, linking people together over incredible distances. What a glorious and inspiring achievement! As for our #TutuTuesday mission to get everyone wearing a pink tutu… let’s just say, we’re on the right track! 💖
