Welcome back, darlings, to another edition of #TutuTuesday! Today, we're taking a delightful trip through time, all the way back to November 26th, 1907!
Now, I know what you're thinking – why this date? Well, imagine my utter delight when I stumbled upon a captivating news item tucked away in the archives of The Parisian Fashion Journal, while indulging in my latest trip through time! The very week, in fact, that this very blog post was published in the digital realm, an incredibly special event unfolded in the glamorous city of Paris. Let's rewind the clock and find out why this particular date makes my tutus swirl with excitement!
But first, some pink prosecco – wouldn't you agree? I simply cannot start a blog post without a little bubbly and a touch of the pink divine.
From Derbyshire with Love!
Now, before we plunge headfirst into this fabulously fashionable time trip, a quick hello to all of you fabulous readers. It's me, Emma, your favourite tutu-obsessed blogger from Derbyshire, back with another whirlwind adventure through the history of the tutu. I've just got back from a particularly dreamy rendezvous at the Bolshoi in Moscow – you wouldn't believe the dazzling costumes!
I know I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating – you can't wear enough pink! The more pink tutus in the world, the brighter the world will be! You could say, my dear readers, that spreading the pink tutu love is a life mission, and frankly, I'm quite good at it! But this time travel stuff takes quite a lot of cash, hence all my appearances! Who would have thought, darling, that a ballerina with a passion for history could become a world traveler by waltzing her way through time? All it takes is a little talent, a love of pink tutus, and some rather convincing time travel technology. (Don't ask me about that last part – some things, darlings, are best left a mystery! Just know I'm keeping all the patents for that very lucrative invention to myself!).
Paris, 1907 – A Time for Twirling!
So, darling readers, it was with a flutter in my heart and a touch of pink blush to my cheeks that I found myself stepping onto a beautifully appointed steam train, in 1907, bound for the heart of Paris, the epicenter of all things fashion. My very first stop was a luxurious boutique right off of the Boulevard des Capucines , just around the corner from the Opéra Garnier! Talk about location, location, location! What made it so fantastic? Well, not only did they have the most adorable pink ballet slippers, perfect for my burgeoning collection, but there were some truly spectacular silk fabrics waiting for the picking, ideal for crafting the most wonderful tutu, if I do say so myself! I was so inspired by what I found that I bought a bolt of luxurious pink satin to start on a new masterpiece right away – I think this one will involve a hint of lavender too – how perfectly Parisien! All in the name of #TutuTuesday of course!
The Dance is on the Streets!
Back then, you see, the fashion world was quite the exciting place. Paris was bubbling with energy – the latest Parisian styles were flying off the racks and women all over the world were captivated by what they were wearing in France! But it wasn’t just the stores that buzzed with style - the streets themselves were thriving with fashion, darling.
In 1907, I've heard it said the skirts were just above the ankle – almost a-line, but not quite! And do you know, even those stylish Parisiennes in their stunning outfits had a hint of a touch of pink to their outfits! Whether it was a pink ribbon tied around the waist or a floral hat with a splash of pink, they knew – pink is a timeless colour! I even saw an advertisement for a whole ballet in pink! Think The Nutcracker but set to the French Riviera, with ballerinas in tulle as soft and dreamy as a cloud, swirling through the air like pink smoke! The ballet, of course, took place at the grand Opéra Garnier, with a bevy of fashionable ladies wearing gowns that looked as if they’d sprung straight out of a fairytale, and yes, darling, there were even a few pink touches. (Don’t you just love those beautiful Empire Waist designs, with the bodice perfectly sculpted to highlight every exquisite curve? Truly a sight to behold!) What is even more spectacular? Well, it appears the very ballet that caused this frenzy was none other than the ballet titled "The Pink Feather", inspired by a scandalous, yet utterly romantic, play that had stormed the Parisian theatre scene only a few years before. Fancy that! The world is so connected, even in the past!
Fashion is a Language, Not Just a Code!
Of course, it wasn't just the clothes themselves that made the 1907 Parisian scene so exhilarating. There was something so electrifying about how every single detail, from the hats to the shoes to the jewellery, contributed to a beautiful symphony of fashion.
As I sashayed through the throngs of Parisians, I could almost feel the language of fashion echoing through the air. A soft swirl of a skirt, a flick of the wrist as a lace-gloved hand swept over a hat, a gentle tilt of the head as a woman looked over a new pink feather boa with a knowing gleam in her eyes. Each of these little moments was an expression of style, a way for women to speak to the world without uttering a single word! It felt like I was experiencing an immersive fashion show every minute of every day!
Ballet is the language of beauty and the pink tutu speaks in all tongues!
It’s funny to think how in those days, long before the likes of online stores and designer collaborations, fashion was still so intertwined with the world of theater and dance! It was just as exciting, and perhaps more intimate – even a small pink hat could spark a thousand whispered conversations about what was new and what was "très chic!" Now, just think, that little pink feather that the dancers would have worn? It's so elegant, so simple. Think how we'd be amazed today by an all pink ballet! It makes you wonder if perhaps pink should be the next color that inspires us to create new and unexpected dance masterpieces! I know I’m starting to brainstorm!
To be Continued ... Next Week, the Past Gets Rewound, 1879
As always, my dears, thank you so much for taking a stroll with me through time. There's so much more to discover in this fascinating journey into the history of the tutu! Every week, darling, I plan to uncover a little bit more of this glamorous history. But, darling, don't forget to come back next week for a #TutuTuesday about the pink tutus in the past! I have quite a surprise up my sleeve... Perhaps we can chat about Madame Caroline, the inventor of the Tutu! She deserves all the credit! And remember to check back for all your fashion history updates on www.pink-tutu.com . You can also send me photos of you wearing your favourite pink tutus! I simply love seeing my loyal fans rocking a bit of pink fashion and twirling into history with me. Stay tuned for another wonderful voyage into fashion history...and, of course, more pink!
Until next Tuesday, dear friends, stay fabulous and wear plenty of pink!
Yours in Tutu,
Emma
P.S. I just got a fantastic set of photos from my dear friend, Madame Dubois, she is a fantastic designer based in Paris and a very talented photographer as well – watch this space as we unveil more from this collaboration in upcoming weeks! I will be wearing one of her fabulous pink tutus soon - for a ballet I just found out about !
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