Hello darlings! Emma here, back for another glorious #TutuTuesday! Welcome to my little corner of the internet dedicated to all things tutu - your one-stop shop for swirling tulle and graceful history! Today, we're travelling back in time to the sweltering summer of 1901. Grab your finest pink teacup, pour a cup of Earl Grey, and settle in, my dears, because we've got a tale to tell!
Tutus in the Edwardian Era
This week, I've popped back to the era of Edwardian fashion - a time of grand balls, delicate embroidery, and a whole lot of swish! The early 20th century was an exciting time for the world of ballet, and I daresay, it was also a period of major transformation for the tutu. We're talking big, voluminous, dreamy skirts with the most incredible embellishments, ready to catch every spark of the chandeliers and flutter like the wings of a butterfly!
Think, for instance, of Anna Pavlova, the darling of the Edwardian stage, with her flowing, translucent gowns. She brought a certain fairy-like grace to the stage and revolutionized the design of the tutu with her focus on lightweight fabrics and free, expressive movements.
The Perfect Pink?
Whilst we were in the midst of the Victorian era in the late 19th century, with the colour pink being linked to young boys and blue being linked to young girls, this thinking was beginning to change. The beginning of the 20th century brought with it a gradual shift to see the colour pink as very much a feminine hue, with women starting to wear delicate shades of pink as a sign of romance and grace, especially in dressmaking, You could say it's the start of the Pink Tutu Renaissance. 💖
August 20th: A Day of History and a Whirl of Tulle
Here, in Paris, on this August 20th, 1901, I've been captivated by a magnificent performance at the Opera Garnier of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake! It truly is a testament to the artistry of ballet. The ethereal grace of the corps de ballet, their shimmering white tutus like a swarm of snowflakes, and the sheer magnificence of the swan's solo – absolutely breathtaking. You can find the details of the performance in my ballet diary, naturally, and will feature as part of my 'Ballet History Through Tutu Designs' collection in a forthcoming blog post!
Let's Shop!
As a fashionable tutu devotee, of course I couldn’t resist spending the day indulging in a delightful shopping spree at the Palais-Royal in Paris, in search of inspiration! The boutiques of Maison Worth, Jeanne Paquin, and Lanvin – a veritable playground of silk and satin and every shade of pink imaginable! What more could a tutu enthusiast wish for? I’ve even managed to acquire the most exquisite shade of pink, perfect for my next creation – and believe me, it will be worthy of your very own #TutuTuesday!
Inspiration Everywhere
My dear blog readers, there's something truly enchanting about this time period. Every street corner feels like a scene from a ballet performance, every tea room a Parisian salon where a flurry of creativity swirls around. From the ornate architecture of Paris to the fashionable ladies parading their silk frocks, I truly feel transported back in time!
A Personal Touch
If you're feeling a little inspired and wish to recreate the spirit of the Edwardian Era, you don't have to journey all the way to Paris! Just step out of your home, channel your inner prima ballerina (pink tutu highly recommended), and give your day a touch of that exquisite ballet grace. Let's make everyday life a whirlwind of tutus and joy!
As for me, I’m off to catch the next train back to Derbyshire, a grand chateau awaiting my return. The thought of my pink tutu twirling with the wind through the meadows is enough to keep me dancing all the way!
Until next #TutuTuesday, my darlings! Keep those pink tutus swirling and stay fabulous!
Love and twirls,
Emma 💖
www.pink-tutu.com
Post number: 3634
