Hello my dears! Welcome back to another Tuesday, another Tutu Tuesday! Today, I'm so excited to take you on a journey back in time – to July 1st, 1890, to be precise! Buckle up, my darlings, because we're hopping aboard the train of time to Paris, the heart of ballet and fashion!
Now, imagine, if you will, a world where horse-drawn carriages clatter down the cobbled streets, ladies in elegant dresses flutter about like butterflies, and the air is filled with the enchanting melodies of Tchaikovsky. This is the Paris I'm about to step into! I’ve just caught the last train from Derbyshire, a quick hop from London to this magnificent city!
Oh, Paris, you never disappoint. I can almost taste the buttery croissants and feel the gentle breeze rustling my tulle as I step onto the Champs-Élysées. The cobblestones sing under my boots, a symphony of history that makes my heart beat faster with excitement. I’m at the grand Palais Garnier, ready to take in the wonders of a ballet performance, my new pink tutu already fluttering with anticipation.
Today is a special day. Not only are we getting to experience a slice of 1890s ballet, but we're also delving into the fascinating evolution of the tutu itself. You know I love a good tutu history lesson!
Now, before I whisk you away to the stage, let me share a little insight into what’s going on in the world today. You see, in the 1890s, fashion was undergoing a dramatic shift! This period is known for the emergence of new fabrics, intricate patterns, and the rise of what they called "the aesthetic movement". Oh my, wouldn't you know it, tutus were in their prime, even before they reached the status of my beloved, modern, frilly marvels! They had changed drastically from their simple beginnings, evolving from those humble, knee-length, gathered skirts. Now, tutus were getting more elaborate. They were longer, becoming full-length affairs. Can you picture it? Elegant layers of shimmering tulle flowing from waist to ground! A true spectacle of romance!
I'm so in love with these late 19th-century tutus! They're simply stunning. Their voluminous, airy skirts accentuate every move, creating ethereal beauty, just perfect for capturing the elegance of classical ballet. I can almost hear the whispered compliments from the audience! "Look at that graceful ballerina! So poised, so light! And just look at the majesty of that gown!"
Speaking of our ballerinas, 1890s ballerinas were all about a sophisticated charm and demure beauty. Imagine, they had beautiful hairstyles with intricately braided plaits and decorative hairpieces! Their make-up was simple yet elegant. No clown-face here! Think porcelain skin, delicate touches of blush, and an air of subtle allure! Oh, and the footwear – sleek satin pointe shoes with a romantic twist.
Tonight's ballet is sure to be a vision. I can practically smell the scent of jasmine and fresh powder and hear the whispered exclamations as the curtains rise!
But my lovelies, I wouldn't be me if I didn't sneak a peek at what's going on with Parisian fashion this year! And, what a year it is for style! The colour palette of 1890 is a kaleidoscope of rich hues, think jewel tones, luxurious velvets, and, my absolute favourite, the ever-so-elegant pale pinks!
Have I mentioned that pale pinks have made a comeback in the fashion world this year?! I, of course, am here for it! This delicate pastel pink fits perfectly with my own aesthetic. Imagine me, waltzing through the streets of Paris in my newest tulle creation, this magnificent pastel pink ballet tutu! The tulle flutters in the gentle breeze, making me feel like a fluffy pink cloud, oh so dreamy! The world melts away, as all that matters is my dance!
There you have it, my darling tutufolk, a little glimpse of life and fashion in 1890! Can you picture the magical scene: elegant tutus swirling on the grand stage, shimmering in the gaslight glow, dancers gliding effortlessly like feathered birds in their beautifully embroidered pink gowns? A symphony of elegance and passion! I, for one, am in utter awe. Oh, the wonders of time travel, you say!
I'm off to explore more of this beautiful Parisian wonderland! I have my shopping bag at the ready! Perhaps a silk scarf or a vintage hat will join me on my next journey, alongside my always faithful pink tulle ballet tutu.
Stay tuned, my loves! There’s much more to discover in this grand adventure! Until next Tuesday, remember, it's always a good day to dance and spread the joy of a pink tutu!
Yours always in tutus,
Emma
