Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, your time-travelling fashionista, back again from the ever-exciting world of the early 1900s. I’ve just hopped off the Orient Express - a real dream for a lover of glamour and elegance - and landed in Paris, the centre of the universe when it comes to style! Oh, you wouldn’t believe the exquisite clothes I’ve been feasting my eyes on – think silk blouses, feather boas, and hats that could launch a ship!
And what about the ladies of Paris? Such poise, such grace, such beautiful, daring attire. But don’t let them fool you, it takes real strength to manage all those layers and boned corsets – my admiration for them is immeasurable.
This Tuesday, April 15th, 1902, has given me much to ponder about how dance and fashion intersect, as I’m attending a delightful soirée at the Opéra Garnier. It’s an evening devoted to celebrating the newest creation from our dear Mr. Sergei Diaghilev. Imagine - the Ballets Russes! You know my adoration for ballet - the sheer spectacle of the costumes, the swirling silks and ribbons, the rhythmic leaps... simply heavenly!
But the real stars today aren’t just on the stage. The audience itself is an incredible sight to behold - imagine swirling silks in all colours of the rainbow, dazzling diamonds, and feathers that tickle your nose. And hats – oh dear, the hats! Some are simple, some are extravagant - feathered masterpieces with plumes and veils, all in vibrant shades. If only I could bring them all home with me!
Oh, and I have some news to share that is positively thrilling for all of us ballet aficionados! It seems that Mr. Diaghilev has grand plans. Plans involving… a full-length production of Swan Lake! Now, don’t worry my lovely tutu-enthusiasts, you know your Emma never forgets her ballet history, and the truth is, the ballet we all know and adore isn’t quite the Swan Lake of 1902. We have our friend Mr. Marius Petipa to thank for that one. The Swan Lake of this period is a much older piece - and I dare say, slightly less refined. But rest assured, when Mr. Diaghilev gets involved, this ballet will become something magical, something legendary! And I simply must get myself to St. Petersburg when he unveils it!
Now, on to the tutudom! You can bet I’ll be on the lookout for tutus in my favourite Parisian boutiques – after all, even back then, Paris knew a thing or two about frills and fluff! But sadly, tutus of the 1900s are very different from the iconic tutus we associate with ballet today. The classical tutu that we love was a creation of Marie Taglioni and the Romantic era (which happened way before 1902, dear readers!), think delicate gauze, a long and airy effect... a very, very far cry from the short, sparkly tutu we know so well. The tutu in this period has yet to fully come into its own. More often than not, ballet dancers performed in long and elaborate skirts made from silks, velvet, and even chiffon! And imagine… corsets underneath! No thank you, dear readers, even my love of the past wouldn't force me to wear that!
And to finish off this Tutu Tuesday on a fun note, let’s think about something I just love in the Parisian scene: fashion-inspired dance. Imagine, if you will, a whirlwind of dresses and lace, swirling to a waltzing melody! A dance of elegance, beauty, and pure feminine power!
Now, off I go to explore some of Paris's fashionable shops, my dear readers! I'll be back next week, brimming with more history, style, and yes, plenty of tutu-tastic inspiration! Stay stylish and, most importantly, don't forget to embrace your inner ballerina!
#TutuTuesday #FashionHistory #BalletsRusses #SwanLake #PinkTutu
