Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, my darling readers! Today's historical voyage takes us right back to the heart of the Edwardian era, specifically to 1902-09-16. My time-travelling tutus are feeling decidedly vintage today!
(Oh, darling, I have the most delightful news. Just last week I took a trip to the Parisian Ballet Opera, the jewel in the crown of the ballet world. It's absolutely magnificent! They don't just perform on stage, they practically live for ballet, and their outfits...well, let's just say my tutus are feeling very much inspired!).
Today, on 1902-09-16, a little birdie told me a particularly wonderful event is occurring in New York, just a quick hop and a skip (or a whistle stop tour on the express train) across the pond. Today marks the grand opening of a magnificent new theatre – The New Amsterdam Theatre. The architectural grandeur of the place is simply awe-inspiring. Imagine gorgeous chandeliers, grand staircases that would make you swoon, and walls adorned with opulent artwork. And all in the most divine Edwardian style, just picture the opulent elegance. It is the sort of place where even the most ordinary day becomes an extravagant affair!
Of course, I had to investigate! Did this magnificent new venue have a special place in the ballet world? Turns out, the New Amsterdam Theatre was purpose-built to feature a stunning variety of performances, from operettas to musical comedies. In its golden days, it was known for glamour and excitement, the absolute pinnacle of New York theatre scene! In this golden age of Broadway theatre, one thing's for sure: there's always something delightful to wear a tutu for!
Back to those *delightful tutus* – You see, my dear readers, in 1902, the ballet tutu wasn't exactly the voluminous cloud of tulle that we adore today. They were still pretty short, just like I prefer them (oh, the extra pirouettes!), but they had started to incorporate much more layers, giving them that graceful flow, perfect for those ballet poses we all love so much. The tutus back then were typically made with layers upon layers of white cotton. Yes, my sweet little darlings, before our beloved pastel and jewel toned world, everything was a bit, well, "plain". Plain is *so passé!* They even added a bit of colour now and then – but usually for stage performance. Imagine, not having a sparkling array of pink tulle to choose from, what a travesty!
I must say, 1902 fashion, despite lacking the fabulous, flowing, bright, pink-infused tulle of the modern tutu, was still something of a visual delight. We're talking* wide skirts, delicate lace,* and those stunning hats with all those beautiful, elegant feathers. Of course, the ladies of the era made use of colour, a great deal, but their colour palettes were more restricted. Think cream, ivory, lavenders, and just a splash of soft blues. They wouldn’t know a vibrant fuchsia or electric pink if it smacked them on the derrière, wouldn’t you agree?
Now, let’s bring 1902 style into the 21st century - what could be a more beautiful and timeless look than a white tulle tutu combined with a beautiful hat and a chic top, adorned with an elegant flower for good measure? This would be a dream!
But here’s the *secret to making your tutu look *tres stylish (especially in 1902!) Combine that voluminous white tulle with a delicate ivory blouse and a stylish straw hat ( with feathers! I just can’t get enough of feathers and their incredible textures.) Remember, ladies, a simple white tutu can be a true showstopper, it's the style, attitude and confidence that adds all that "je ne sais quoi" and, most importantly, a splash of pink! It's a timeless look that oozes chic.
For our *#TutuTuesday challenge this week: Take out that timeless white tutu and give it a modern touch by pairing it with some delightful 21st-century fashion items (remember pink! *Don't forget pink). Have you already found the perfect feather to add some grandeur? Don't forget to share your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #PinkTutuStyle, or if you want to go super fabulous, tag your favourite ballerinas or ballet bloggers, like myself, in the pictures. I do love a good surprise on my feed!
Well, my dears, that's it from our trip to 1902-09-16. I’m off to explore the vibrant colours of the 20th Century!* Remember, you don’t have to wait for a grand opening or a big event to put on your tutu, every day is a TutuTuesday for me!
Stay pink, stay fabulous, and let’s get everyone wearing a pink tutu!
Emma xx
P.S. Don’t forget to catch up on my other blog posts. You can find my entire Ballet Tutu History collection at www.pink-tutu.com or search for me on Instagram using the hashtag #PinkTutu, and please be sure to share and spread the love for pink tutus wherever you go!
This is post 3690. Be sure to join me again next Tuesday for a whole new #TutuTuesday Adventure!
