Bonjour mes chéries! It's me, Emma, your resident tutu aficionado, back with another tantalising glimpse into the wondrous world of the ballet tutu! This week, we’re stepping back in time to March 19th, 1889. Fancy a trip to the Belle Époque? Buckle up, darlings, we're going to Paris!
Oh, my dear readers, what a divine date this is! The 19th of March 1889, my friends, marks the official opening of the Eiffel Tower, that towering symbol of the "City of Lights", a testament to engineering marvels and breathtaking views. As I’m standing right now by the base of this magnificent structure, surrounded by chattering Parisians, I just can't resist imagining the glamorous dancers in their diaphanous tulle tutus twirling gracefully in the salons of the most elite establishments of the city. Talk about a truly iconic setting for a Parisian soirée, n'est-ce pas?
The year 1889 is such a vibrant one in ballet history! This year was all about the elegant, sweeping lines and ethereal grace of ballerinas in their perfectly fitted, form-flattering tutus. Gone are the cumbersome layers of skirts from the previous century. It’s a revolution in ballet attire, don’t you think? Think, sleek lines, shorter, flowy skirts with ethereal tiers, and maybe even a peek at a satin slipper! It’s almost as if the tutus were echoing the newfound freedom of the Parisian women, dancing alongside the avant-garde trends sweeping through the city.
And, as if this wasn't exciting enough, the renowned Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, is just at the start of her phenomenal career! Can you imagine seeing this darling debut on stage in such a dazzling outfit? Just as this time was known for innovation and beauty, it's fascinating how fashion and ballet merged seamlessly, creating some of the most breathtaking performances.
But let's not forget about the beautiful pannier underneath it all! Those elaborate underskirts used to create those bell-shaped tutus… oh, the thought of the sheer effort that went into each detail! It's truly a tribute to the craftsmanship of the past, isn't it? Imagine the countless hours dedicated to hand-stitching these beautiful tulle garments! Such dedication is a real testament to the artistry involved in ballet costume design, and it's why tutus have become so symbolic of grace and beauty.
As for my wardrobe, it wouldn’t be right for me to just be in Paris without a chic new number, wouldn't you say? You can't be a #TutuTuesday blogger in Paris without some haute couture additions, darling! So I just found the most fabulous silk rose pink tulle tutu for my personal collection - the perfect pop of Parisian charm!
Just imagining myself twirling around the Folies Bergère or the Moulin Rouge in my new number - oh la la! I have to admit, dear readers, being a time-traveling blogger does come with some seriously glamorous benefits. It's a full immersion experience into the spirit of the past and that means I have the best view on all the current fashions!
So what are some fun things to look for in your own personal Tutu Tuesday outfits this week?
The Parisian Vibe Think feminine charm. This means delicate layers, beautiful fabric choices - silks and chiffons will look positively sublime! It's about expressing a classic elegance that just oozes timeless style, much like those iconic tutus. A small, feminine headpiece is always an extra touch of sophistication.
But how do you make that elegant Parisian look just yours?
Color! Oh darling, remember, we're talking #TutuTuesday, which means color is KEY! Embrace the pink of the Belle Époque. Think pale pink, delicate lavender, even a dash of shimmering rose gold, all with a whisper of the "pink flamingo" shade so fashionable right now. Add some playful ruffles, and just like that, you have your very own interpretation of that graceful and daring spirit of Parisian dance.
And as I mentioned in my last blog post, it's all about those shoes. So this week I urge you to go for classic elegance with a pointed toe ballet shoe! Make that the highlight of your ensemble. A well-made pair in a classic black, white or metallic would simply radiate Parisian charm and the grace of a ballerina. Just picture that on the cobbled streets of the city - exquisite!
To the train station! It’s time for me to move onto the next destination on my travel itinerary – the excitement is palpable, just waiting to be captured! But you can bet, that no matter where I am, my tutu collection will be accompanying me, always there to capture the essence of those timeless and iconic tutu styles that just never go out of fashion. And of course, there’s plenty of other exciting things happening on #TutuTuesday – remember, my #TutuTuesday is an ongoing series exploring all aspects of the ballet tutu.
*Stay tuned next Tuesday, my dears, and remember: *
"Every day can be a little bit more like Tutu Tuesday."
Yours ever so sincerely, Emma x
