Hello my darlings, and welcome to another thrilling #TutuTuesday! Today we're stepping back in time to the glorious Edwardian Era, specifically to the 4th of August 1903. My, how the fashions have changed since then, but believe me, those Edwardian ladies were definitely onto something.
Now, you might be wondering, dear readers, how on earth we could possibly have tutus in 1903. Well, my sweethearts, that's where things get rather interesting. Tutues, as we know them today, were just starting to become popular. Think of them more like a glamorous skirt or a billowing cloud of silk than the structured and defined designs we wear now. But, I promise, even in their fledgling form, these ethereal garments held the promise of movement, grace, and pure artistry!
Before we step into the history books, a quick update on yours truly. As you know, dear ones, I recently traveled back to the Victorian Era and let me tell you, shopping for corsets is quite the ordeal! The amount of cinching they do is quite alarming, and I much prefer a good pair of shapewear that actually moves with me. Anyway, enough about my corset troubles, back to the topic at hand!
Now, where were we? Oh, right! The Edwardian Era! You know what was the talk of the town back then? Ballets by the great, nay, legendary Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova! Oh, the graceful spins, the delicate movements, the pure magic! They say she inspired an entire generation to embrace the ballet. But, wouldn’t you know it, she started out her career with tutus very different from what we see on stage today. We're talking more long, billowing skirts made of silk and tulle, something a little more, shall we say, "Victorian" if you catch my drift.
Now, imagine, dear reader, a performance at London’s Royal Opera House. You've just arrived in your finest dress, complete with a stunning hat. (It was all the rage!) And there she is, Pavlova, twirling and pirouetting across the stage in her airy, almost fantastical "tutu," making every movement seem like a brushstroke on the canvas of her own imagination. Imagine the gasp in the audience, the rapt attention, the awe of a timeless artform! And I’ve got to tell you, the ladies were all about wearing pretty white dresses with billowing skirts! Just wait, there’s more to the story, my loves!
Now, imagine that same night. We’re outside, London's beautiful squares and streets alight with gas lamps, carriage rides clipping-clop through the cobbled streets, and the scent of honeysuckle filling the air! We're not just talking about pretty dresses either! A whole range of exciting accessories, and believe me, you wouldn’t believe the exquisite hats that ladies wore!
Ah, but we must travel back to our darling, Pavlova, a true trailblazer. Did I tell you she toured the world with her ballet company? Can you imagine the grand railway journeys, with her traveling trunk full of delicate fabrics and shimmering sequins for her elaborate costumes, arriving in countries like Argentina, Australia, India…oh, just dreamy! Talk about fashion that transcended borders!
Now, what's on our calendar for the 4th of August 1903, you ask? Well, if you were in London, you would be absolutely spoilt for choice! First, you'd have to decide between the annual Cowes Week for sailing fans (what fun!) or perhaps take in the grand Henley Royal Regatta. Fancy yourselves a little history, then there's the fascinating unveiling of the "Iron Duke," the HMS Dreadnought - quite a historical landmark, isn't it? Or perhaps, a little closer to our dance-loving hearts, there was the chance to experience "The Belle of Mayfair", a musical comedy at the Gaiety Theatre, just begging to be seen, in a stylish frock of course!
And just like that, my lovelies, our little journey through time is over for today. Remember, fashion is about so much more than just clothes - it's about expression, creativity, and finding your own unique style. Now, while those grand tutus might be a little different than what we wear today, the joy and movement, the beauty of ballet and the freedom that it embodies remains timeless. So, if you’re feeling inspired, pull out a beautiful, breezy, airy dress with a little bit of flow, maybe some fabulous accessories, add your very own spin, and don't forget to embrace your inner ballerina! After all, with the right kind of spirit, and perhaps a touch of sparkle, every day can be #TutuTuesday!
See you next week, my dear lovelies, until then, keep twirling and have a splendid week!
With love and sequins,
Emma
