Post Number: 3992
Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, back with another installment of #TutuTuesday! This week, I've travelled back in time to the gloriously glamorous era of 1908. I’m writing to you from a beautiful Parisian cafe, and can you believe it? The cafes here are so charming. It’s such a lovely atmosphere - like a scene from a French film, and there's just so much romance in the air. I just adore Parisian fashion! This year’s colour is definitely a dusky rose – such a perfect, delicate pink. It goes without saying that I've already picked up some stunning pink delights to add to my collection! I've got myself a pair of stunning rose pink silk gloves – you can never have too many gloves in my book - and a rose pink moire ribbon. To be honest, I just have to buy it all – this shop really is a treasure trove. I will have to return soon – but on to our fabulous ballet tutus!
The Elegance of Early Tutus
Okay, let’s take a trip back to 1908 – let's just say tutus have evolved quite a lot, you know? Think less "whirl" and more “refined" and lots and lots of layers.
Imagine a graceful ballet dancer – they’re wearing layers of stiff white net that cascade in elegant tiers – with an absolute abundance of ribbons, ruffles, and floral embroidery adorning each layer, all carefully sewn to create this extraordinary structure. Think big poufy tutus - and quite short in the skirt - lots and lots of layers of net – and a lot of tulle – but then there’s all the lace, beads and trim – imagine those tutus weighing an absolute ton – these ballerinas are definitely working out.
It’s not really what we’re used to today. Think of them as more like elaborate, theatrical creations for stage, more for elegant posture and for stunning movement than airy pirouettes. Imagine seeing this - all these tiers of white and all these layers - moving gracefully on stage - it must have been absolutely beautiful! These tutus are almost architectural, really.
I have been to the most charming theatre last night – the Palais Garnier! The architecture is fabulous – and you know me, it is just such a romantic location - the perfect stage to get inspired for my ballet shopping trip! Oh and there were two fabulous ballerinas – so much grace and fluidity of movement – and just a hint of flirtation. I was particularly charmed by the way they used their fingers in a beautiful and theatrical way - such artistry – this ballerina even stopped midway on the stage and just smiled at the audience, oh my! The show itself was beautiful - The Nutcracker - and it was a wonderful production!
This particular 1908 tutu is an art form on its own. So, why not give it a go – and if you don’t want a traditional, fluffy white one - why not try a bright tutu – perhaps a pink or a coral, or maybe even a lavender tutu! Just imagine a beautiful, ballet-inspired outfit - it really could be so very exciting - it’s your day to get creative!
Getting Tutu Ready - Let’s Shop for Our Next Pink Tutu!
I know what you’re all thinking! If you’re on this site, it is no surprise that you already love tutus – as much as me. So – as always - I'm going to give you my fashionista advice on choosing the perfect pink tutu. But before we do, we are going on a lovely journey to the UK and we need to make a decision on how to travel in style! To be honest, nothing compares to the luxury of train travel - imagine how relaxing - sipping on a nice hot cuppa and taking in the beautiful sights – so what’s it going to be this time – shall we have the luxury of first class on the London to Manchester – I am rather partial to the luxurious upholstery and those big comfy seats! That’s all for the travelling fashion - what’s your favourite travel style? Just a few ideas - a little nod to your fashion - the train is quite practical and certainly comfortable! As for me – it will have to be a stylish pink suit and a gorgeous wide brim hat, because every trip deserves a beautiful ensemble - oh, and the tutu, of course – and it’s always so wonderful when we arrive at our destination and all the heads turn as we step off that train, don’t you think?
Now on to the pink tutus – think of it like finding a special, and quite magical dress – an enchanting ballet gown. First, let's talk about the type of pink tutu we’re going to get – it’s so much fun – is it going to be bright hot pink or a a pale baby pink – what about a lavender shade - a touch of magenta! Let’s think what it is for – for your everyday, chic style – and remember – you should be able to feel both bold and confident – because if it isn’t a pink that you feel comfortable in - what’s the point of the pink in the first place?
Next – and as I'm on my own - let’s talk about length - would you want your tutu a little on the short side – just think - the added fluff, especially when you twirl - or maybe a little more - you know - graceful length. Remember - it is all about that ballet feel.
Think about the volume and layers - lots of movement is what we want in a tutu - and remember - what really takes your pink tutu to another level, is the style of the tutu and whether to go for a more elaborate one – it's your tutu – your expression – and maybe we want to just add some lace or just go for a little embellishment, and a ribbon – or – oh the gorgeous sparkly things we can put on! – so don’t be afraid of sparkle! Remember that tulle and ribbons - really do work so well – they will take any ordinary day and transform it – I’m feeling a new tutu! Oh - I simply have to go to the theatre now and just be a little romantic – so as my usual style is more “sweet and simple” - perhaps just a small, single ruffle of a pink ribbon on my favourite tutu - perhaps with some simple sequins and my beautiful pair of silk gloves. And of course, don't forget your dancing shoes!
You all know my favourite thing in the world - I’m just mad for ballet shows! So much colour! So much movement – I mean if you love tutus – like I do – you just need to go to the theatre and soak up the atmosphere - it’s magical. The music – the story - the graceful dance - and just a beautiful set design - everything works together to transport you to a different world! I simply adore all these beautiful performances and, in truth, that's what has allowed me to fund my trips in the Tardis - er, I mean, to travel to these wonderful eras.
But here’s the thing - a pink tutu – it's not just about a dance and a ballet - it is about fun. So if you want to be a tutu wearing, pink wearing , magical fashionista like me - be daring – go for the bold – be the change – be the style you always wanted – you go girl!
So – join me next week for another amazing blog! I will let you all know what day and time the next #TutuTuesday post will appear on the www.pink-tutu.com website - we’ve all got to meet and dance in the pink tutu heaven together! That's all, folks. Let me know your thoughts on this era and pink in the comments, and don't forget to follow me on Instagram for all the latest on pink and tutudom! Until next Tuesday – happy dancing and more pink for you.
Stay fabulous!
Emma xxx
