Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, Pink Tutu! It's #TutuTuesday, and this week we're taking a trip back in time. I've just arrived in Paris, my trusty travel trunk overflowing with my very best pink tulle. Today is June 14th, 1904, and oh my, the fashion scene is quite the spectacle! I wouldn't be surprised if the ladies swooning over the newest fashions at the Grand Prix de Paris could hear the fluttering of my pink tulle from here. Speaking of swooning, how about I whisk you all back in time for a whirlwind tour of the tutus of yore!
Blog Post #3781 - as my loyal readers know, every week I delve into the magnificent history of the tutu. After all, these marvels of fabric and design are more than just swirling skirts – they are expressions of artistic freedom, graceful movement, and pure delight!
Now, back in the early 1900s, the "tutu" wasn't exactly a fully fledged fashion statement as we know it today. The "tutu" was still evolving; you could say it was still dancing its way into the hearts of the world. It was a far cry from the layered masterpieces we see now, mostly a wisp of tulle, a single layer of soft fabric meant to make dancers seem lighter and more fluid, allowing for those breathtaking leaps and fouettés.
We mustn't forget our beloved ballerinas, however! Let's be honest, ladies – it's all about them. I was so lucky to be able to catch a stunning performance by La Belle Otero in a theatre here in Paris. La Belle, the ultimate epitome of Parisian elegance and a master of the swirling skirts, was a real vision on stage. I almost couldn’t take my eyes off her beautiful form. Even in the most modern productions, a single wisp of tulle makes such a powerful statement on stage!
After the performance, I dashed off to "Au Bon Marché" - Paris's most famous department store - to hunt for inspiration. It's truly a marvel! Rows upon rows of lace and silk. You just know a lovely shade of pink must be tucked away amongst these piles! I couldn't help but feel the urge to try everything on, but I held back, as I can’t forget my goal – spreading the gospel of pink tutus!
My research took me to the heart of Parisian couture, nestled among the designers and seamstresses. * It was there that I learned a crucial bit of history. See, the *famous ballerina, Isadora Duncan, wasn't a fan of these "classical" tutus. She believed in freeing the movement, embracing the fluidity of the human form, and letting the dancer tell her own story without constricting fabric. She embraced flowing garments instead, almost the opposite of the tight tutus seen at the Ballet Russes back then! This is a trend that continued even with modern-day contemporary ballet.
This journey, however, hasn't just been about tutus. This beautiful city holds a wealth of hidden fashion gems! My favourite place for a little Parisian window-shopping is a little store tucked away down a quaint cobbled street. Its shop front is decorated with roses and whimsical fabrics. A small sign hangs outside with a painted inscription that reads “Rose et Rubans" (Rose and Ribbons) and the aroma of lavender fills the air as you pass by. I just adore this little place – full of sweet notions and ribbons in shades of lavender and, of course, pink! I love picking out gorgeous silk ribbons and delicate laces – imagine all the tutus I can trim!
But I digress, darlings. We've a fashion show to see today, something I simply can't miss! I heard it’s about a daring fashion house daring to create a tutu inspired by a dancer's life. It has the most elegant swirls and billowing, layered tiers. So sophisticated! I'm imagining these skirts twirling and floating on a breeze - just like our favourite dancers! The best part is, the fashion houses have realised that even "real life" needs a bit of tutu flair. You can't blame them for borrowing this fabulous dance garment and reinterpreting it for the everyday! Imagine, darling! The whole world dressed in tutus - just imagine! Pinch me, I must be dreaming
As the sun sets on Paris, painting the sky in a beautiful pink hue, I feel a rush of excitement. The pink-tutu-clad dreamscape feels within my grasp. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve a ballet performance to catch – it wouldn’t be #TutuTuesday without seeing a bit of live ballet, right?
Until next week, darlings. Keep those twirls twirling and your smiles wide. Remember, we're all destined for a life of pink tutus!
Yours ever,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S: Be sure to tune in next week! We're diving deep into the history of one of the most iconic tutus in the world - the Romantic tutu. Don't forget your twirling shoes!
