Bonjour from Paris, mes chéries!
It's me, Emma, your resident Tutu Queen, back from another whirlwind trip through time – this time to the glorious, flamboyant era of the early 20th century! I’m on a mission, as always, to unearth all the delightful deets about our beloved tutu, tracing its evolution across the decades.
This week’s date? 23rd May 1905! And oh, what a time it was. Fancy frocks and decadent details – I’m talking ostrich feathers and jewels galore! And as luck would have it, I arrived just in time for a spectacular ballet at the Opéra Garnier, the heart of Paris's glamorous ballet scene. Talk about a tutu lover's dream!
The tutu itself? Well, let’s just say things were starting to get very exciting in the early 1900s! Forget those heavy, bulky layers – now the silhouette was streamlined and ethereal, lighter than air. I’m talking ‘floating’ designs, with layered tulle reaching almost to the knee. I’m thinking swirling fabric that danced with every twirl!
But remember, dear readers, Parisian fashion back then? It wasn’t all about flowing lines. The early 1900s embraced curves and voluptuousness in all its glory. Think tightly corseted bodices, accentuating every delightful inch of feminine charm, with flowing, elegant skirts skimming the figure, a glorious silhouette indeed! It was the age of beauty and elegance in abundance, all highlighted by an air of sophisticated grace and freedom – and that's a fabulous recipe for creating truly spectacular stage costumes. It was practically made for a tutu!
Imagine me in my pretty pink tutu, a true ode to my beloved Derbyshire countryside, mingling amongst the high-society Parisians – all bejeweled tiaras, sleek velvet, and elegant silhouettes. I even spotted a woman wearing a dress made from an impossibly intricate mix of lace, embroidery and tulle. And did I mention the feathers? Oh, the feathers! I spotted every hue imaginable - from shimmering pale blue to radiant emerald, even shimmering lavender! Parisian style is truly an experience!
And speaking of experiences, oh my, I was positively charmed by the enchanting spectacle at the Opéra Garnier! It was a grand occasion - chandeliers twinkling overhead, velvet seats as red as my favourite vintage shoes, the murmur of excited whispers swirling through the air… And then, the music began – and that’s when it all clicked. It’s no wonder tutus are synonymous with ballet! They're simply breathtaking on stage! The dancers looked utterly magical. All the movement, every graceful step, seemed to be made even more magnificent by the lightness and sheer poetry of the tutus. It truly is an exquisite combination of art and fashion, a fusion of graceful movement and delicate elegance.
I’m not even mentioning the colour palette! It was pure Parisian dream. A rainbow of delicate shades – pale lavender, celestial blue, creamy rose. It’s hard not to be captivated by the sheer artistry of the entire performance – every single costume a captivating work of art!
My favourite part? Of course it’s the tutu. Every graceful pose, every twirl, was a pure symphony of beauty, set to the stage with all the captivating grandeur that only Paris can provide. The graceful lines of the tutu, the subtle shimmer of the tulle – it’s all such a feast for the eyes, especially in a setting as opulent as the Opéra Garnier.
The evening finished off with a scrumptious dessert of delicious macarons, delicately flavoured with lavender and rose water. They were practically meant to be enjoyed with a glass of Champagne, sipped amidst the bustle of the city!
So there you have it, dear readers – 23rd May 1905! Another glorious slice of #TutuTuesday, served straight from the heart of Paris. Who wouldn't want to travel back in time for that, wouldn't you say? As for me, well, I’m off on another exciting adventure - with my trusty tutu in tow, of course!
I’ll leave you with this little gem of wisdom. It doesn't matter where you find yourself – a dusty museum, a swanky gala, or a Parisian café – there's always a little bit of magic in the air. And who knows what wonderful discoveries await on the other side of a #TutuTuesday, right? Stay fabulous, mes chéries, and remember - it's never too late to embrace a little bit of Parisian flair. Until next week, may your life be as full of joyful colour and delicate beauty as a swirling pink tutu. Au revoir!
Love always,
Emma, the Tutu Queen xx
Don’t forget to follow the adventures of the Tutu Queen, at www.pink-tutu.com, or catch me every Tuesday with a new blog post.
