Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we celebrate the magical, twirling, and oh-so-pink world of tutus!
This Tuesday takes us right back to 1899, a year bursting with Parisian flair and oh-so-chic elegance! Can you imagine, a time when every fashion house in the city was buzzing with inspiration, each seamstress carefully crafting the latest trends for the elite and glamorous?
Now, I may have arrived in 1899 on a bit of a wild goose chase (those steam trains, you know!) - a grand ballet gala, the biggest performance in Paris, that simply had to be seen. Let me tell you, it was breathtaking! Think a hundred perfectly-lit gaslights illuminating the stage, the scent of fresh powder and perfume filling the air, and an orchestra that played with the heart and soul of every single musician. And then there they were - the ballerinas, with their swirling, airy costumes, a kaleidoscope of pastel colours against the black backdrop of the stage. It was an absolute dream!
While I wasn't expecting the modern, multi-layered tulle tutus I love today, let me tell you - they certainly weren't short of frills! Each ballerina wore a knee-length skirt of crisp tulle, adorned with rows and rows of delicate lace trim, sometimes even ribbons in matching pastel colours, dancing with them like so many miniature butterflies! These graceful dresses, combined with the ballerina's exquisite movements, really captured the feminine elegance and the "airiness" that a ballerina seeks to convey in every pirouette, every plié.
But the true delight came from a chance encounter - a charming milliner, with a tiny, Parisian shop full of lace and ribbons and hats - hats everywhere! Now, I always love a good millinery encounter, and this one was no exception. As I excitedly admired her designs, she chuckled and said, "Oh Mademoiselle, if you want to see true elegance, you should go to see the 'Folies Bergère'." She whispered the name as though it were a secret, then winked and said, "It's quite a sight! The ladies there are wearing gowns that are all the rage."
Oh, the "Folies Bergère"! This was a famous cabaret, filled with lavish shows and some of the most daring, colourful, and, yes, sometimes shocking costumes. Apparently, these shows featured elegant and playful music, dazzling dance performances, and - can you imagine - even live female singers. The women wore long, shimmering gowns, heavily embellished with pearls and beads. Some even wore tutus - think a looser, softer version than the elegant tutus seen at the grand gala, but oh so eye-catching and vibrant with shimmering, iridescent colours. These were, indeed, quite the sight.
From there, it was only a hop, skip, and jump to a charming Parisian tearoom! My afternoon spent on a little cushioned bench, a tiny silver teacup in hand, listening to the clinking of china, the gossiping of the ladies, the rustling of dresses as they settled and the soft melodies emanating from the salon. The perfect end to my afternoon.
So, you see my darlings, the history of the tutu isn't just about grand ballet performances. It's about the evolution of fashion, the influence of music, and the expression of a certain feminine energy.
From those early, short, ruffled skirts of 1899, the tutu has grown into something magnificent - the symbol of elegance, freedom, and, dare I say, a little bit of mischief.
But my favourite part? Well, it has to be the vibrant colours! You can never go wrong with a pop of pink, even when we're talking about historical tutus!
Remember to share your thoughts and any tutu memories you may have, and don’t forget to join me again next Tuesday for another spin through time, and, of course, another beautiful Tutu Tuesday!
Now, excuse me while I find my own grand stage... and perhaps, the perfect pink tulle dress to dance the night away!
