Hello my darling tutus, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! Today is Tuesday, which means it's time for a trip through history with #TutuTuesday! Today we're spinning back the clock to October 12th, 1909 - such an exciting time for ballet and fashion! Remember, you can find all of our Tutu Tuesday posts on www.pink-tutu.com, and this one is #4059.
Today, my adventures brought me to the heart of Paris, the City of Lights, where I'm absolutely obsessed with the beautiful architecture and all the fabulous shops filled with exquisite clothes. Did you know they are calling the look for 1909 'La Belle Epoque'? How divine! The Parisian ladies are looking simply radiant in their glamorous gowns. It is very 'Grand Duchess' for sure. They're all about elegant shapes and graceful lines with lots of luxurious fabrics, and don't even get me started on the hats - so magnificent!
Of course, ballet is thriving in Paris, too. The ballet season at the Opera is in full swing, and the ballerinas are breathtaking. Can you believe their costumes?! Absolutely captivating! And you just wait till I tell you about this new little number called a "tutu" which is just starting to catch on!
While we may not be seeing those fluffy, frilly tutus we adore in modern times, these early tutus were something else. They are short and pretty and the fabric is so light, flowing beautifully when they move, oh so elegant. They are all about movement! It's a perfect way to show off all the gorgeous leaps and spins that these dancers are doing. I'm just so impressed with their artistry.
The ladies here are just beginning to get acquainted with tutus as something other than just the stage wear of ballerinas. And believe me, when I tell you, this is something that will absolutely take off! I am absolutely confident that tutus will be worn by stylish ladies everywhere. Imagine: imagine everyone dancing down the street with the most fabulous tutu! That's the dream.
Today, in 1909, ballet is such a grand event! It's all about performance. Ballet is meant for the theater - they put on these lavish shows, the set designs are opulent, and there are always lots of exquisite costumes. The music - oh my, simply stunning. I can tell, ballet has such a bright future. It is truly an artform!
Speaking of exquisite costumes, this brings us to our trip through fashion history! I mean, come on, who wouldn't want to travel through time and explore the incredible style and costumes of the past? You bet! Here's a quick little peak into the fashions for the ladies, that is just simply delightful.
Imagine this. Imagine you have a pretty silk gown in some sort of divine color, say, a dreamy pastel lavender. Pair it with a stunningly decorated top - perhaps embellished with delicate beadwork or fine lace and then cinch the whole look with a sash at the waist! To top it all off, let's put on a wide-brimmed hat adorned with elegant feathers or ribbons, all the while carrying a fashionable lace fan. You know me, a girl who always has a little flair!
And remember to keep your hands busy with gloves that come up almost to your elbows, like some stunning long, graceful and decorative lace gloves! If you are shopping for these in Paris, check out "la rue de la Paix" - my favourite! The shops are all a delightful symphony of colours and textures! It is a stylish and luxurious street in the 8th arrondissement and you might even find a perfect hat to complete your Parisian outfit.
If you ask me, we're definitely getting more beautiful than ever. They are making the costumes even more spectacular! Can you imagine what's in store for the future of ballet and the ladies who love their tutus and exquisite fashion!
That was the fabulous trip back to Paris in 1909, my loves! If you find this fascinating as I do, remember to come back next week! I'm headed to Vienna this time - and let me tell you, we have a royal treat coming!
Keep dancing and always remember, the world needs more pink tutus!
And now, for a special treat. Imagine if all these historical looks from this trip through time with #TutuTuesday could actually be on display for us to see, for real! And if it were a collection of these costumes?
This just got me thinking - and if anyone out there in our lovely little pink tutu community knows of a beautiful fashion museum with ballet exhibits - oh, please share them with me! I've always wanted to visit! Let's start the dream of building a tutu collection, showcasing the glorious and unique evolution of the ballet and its wonderful costumes. I feel that my time travels through these magical eras will not be in vain and hopefully one day I can see these beautiful costumes on display at a museum - that would be a beautiful ballet of historical fashion!
Well, my darling tutus, until next Tuesday. Don't forget to "tutu yourself!" It’s about bringing a touch of pink and sparkle to everything! And who knows, perhaps we might even have a "tutu yourself" fashion show soon! Just remember to be a little bit brave and a lot bit stylish.
Until then, be fabulous and dance your hearts out.
Lots of love,
Emma
