Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday blast from the past! Today we're stepping back in time to a gloriously stylish date â 7th April 1891! And, oh, how exciting! The world of dance, and, dare I say, fashion (gasps in delight) were on the brink of something extraordinary. You see, ladies and gents, the 19th century was a bit of a⌠well⌠let's call it a transition period when it comes to the tutu!
Think fluffy, voluminous skirts made from layers and layers of tulle! Imagine an elegant ballerina floating across the stage in a dreamlike vision of delicate, diaphanous layers. This was what I found in the world of the Victorian tutu, an ode to the bygone era! (I adore finding myself amidst these historical treasures).
Before the tutus became really captivating â just wait for that reveal, you wonât believe how stylish things get! - there were some other trends that took the stage in the 1800s. Imagine: big skirts made of fabric like muslin and gauze! Those are lovely, and I have some adorable examples tucked away in my vintage collection. But donât think it was all fluffy! I found some wonderful historical references for those more classic ballerinas who opted for tighter tutus and what would eventually become our beloved âRomantic tutu!â
Let's delve into some of those historical highlights, shall we?
The Dance of Style - Victorian Tutus!Now, a tutu back then might look super different from what you're used to. Forget the tight-fitting designs we love today. Instead, think billowing, dreamlike layers! These beauties werenât just tutus, dear readers; they were more like dramatic statements on a womanâs grace and style. ( Isnât that the ultimate goal, to captivate in all of our delicate, delightful* femininity?)
You see, they were made up of yards and yards of tulle! It just creates such a beautifully elegant, weightless silhouette â simply dreamy! And it made a statement in how much material was used â such extravagance!
I must admit, it reminds me of the enchanting, romantic charm that's starting to return in dance - a little bit of that ethereal Victorian magic in the 21st century!
Imagine being transported back in time, taking a train ride (yes, darling, itâs the best way to travel for a real lady) through the Victorian countryside. Just a touch of excitement to imagine what the future held for our favorite tutues and just where their revolutionary journey might lead them.
Canât you picture the scene: the train hurtling towards the grand ballet theatre, just the thought gives me goosebumps. As a lover of the grand gesture and the perfect train (I must admit to a slight penchant for velvet upholstery!), the railway in these times held such a romantic place in my heart and fashion. (Do you know about all those gorgeous train dress accessories designed for the trip - the traveling shawls, the travelling shoes... oh my dear, such a magnificent way to make the trip! But I must digress, dear reader, the ballet awaits!)
But, for today's tale, dear reader, the real magic comes on the 7th April 1891, specifically at the ThÊâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin in Paris. There was a reason I made this special journey - it was to be my introduction to the legendary ballet choreographer, Marius Petipa (canât you feel a touch of electricity in the air, dear reader? ) and his amazing production: "The Sleeping Beauty"!
Yes, ladies and gents, I took in every detail: The exquisite stage, the music that transported me to a world of pure wonder, and the captivating tutus, those graceful masterpieces worn by the exquisite ballerinas on stage.
There was a special moment on that stage - Tchaikovskyâs glorious music resonated through the theatre and - there it was - that sparkling magical transformation: from the delicate, Romantic whimsy of a fluffy tulle skirt (it reminded me a bit of a spun sugar dream, and so feminine, right?!) to a tight, sleek, almost athletic line of a Romantic tutu. It felt like the moment everything truly changed!
Imagine - and you just know I had my note book at the ready recording every last delicate detail - the elegance, the freedom, the perfect way it all worked, how it perfectly embodied both power and femininity on stage.
The impact on the ballerina was absolutely stunning - such confidence, so beautiful.
Now thatâs the magic of #TutuTuesday - stepping back into the past to find those key moments in history where our love affair with tutus began - donât you just love it!
### #TutuTuesday Adventures & Shopping
It wouldnât be me without a little trip to a vintage store. Paris always has the best â you know I always love the hunt, the chase of finding that one unique treasure, that must have piece. I must admit, so much has changed in fashion. The colours and textures and the designs. (You know exactly how it works for tutus and dresses for your outfits) but thereâs always that beautiful thread of timeless, classic elegance, especially in my Parisian favourite places - where the stores are always stocked full of gorgeous things! It really gets my creative juices flowing.
Imagine: I'm walking into the store, trying to remember the name - (it is just across from the Louvre. You canât miss it!) the air filled with the scent of aged fabrics and that unmistakable Parisian charm and there in the middle - the most amazing velvet hat... I mean, just perfect. (The kind that is ideal with a fabulous fur stoal, all very dramatic, you know) The way the velvet shone in the lamp light... *such a beautiful thing, I couldnât leave without it. Itâs going to transform so many #TutuTuesday ensembles!
And then â what a lovely surprise! I discovered the most stunning collection of antique jewelry (don't you love the way the delicate glass beads shimmer in the light, with their antique gold clasps and accents). Just imagine, how wonderful they would look on a tutu made of shimmering tulle! (Oh my!) This is what #TutuTuesday is about, ladies and gents - it's a day for creating, designing and discovering those unique vintage pieces!
Donât forget: You must start your week with some fashion* inspiration! Even if itâs just that *little spark - maybe a new idea for your #TutuTuesday style. Just maybe it's that touch of a vintage find to bring something truly unique and beautiful to your tutu - I just love finding that special piece - even if I do love travelling by train in search of that special fashion gem.
I am a firm believer: Every tutu has a story to tell - don't you think? I'd love to hear about your favourite tutu story in the comments!
Now go out there and rock that pink tutu, darling! Until next #TutuTuesday!
