Bonjour from Paris, mes amies! Emma here, your Pink Tutu Correspondent, fresh from another whirlwind time-travelling adventure, this time to the heart of Parisian ballet in 1909! I must admit, travelling back in time is always a treat, especially when it involves the City of Lights, but it's those exquisite tutus that truly make the journey worthwhile. 💖
As we know, the tutu has a history as rich and dramatic as the ballets it graces. And today, on our weekly #TutuTuesday, I'm taking you back to a pivotal time: 1909, when the tutu was evolving from the more cumbersome Romanticism era designs to a streamlined, graceful form that would be instantly recognizable to our eyes today.
Imagine, my dears, stepping off the train, smelling the fresh, slightly smoky Parisian air, and walking through bustling streets alive with elegant carriages and ladies adorned with plumes and elaborate hats. This was the year of fashion innovations like the Hobble Skirt, designed by Paul Poiret, that dramatically redefined women’s clothing with its form-fitting silhouette. While I love the idea of being a bit more modest, my heart always leaps at the sight of those beautiful tutus and I’m convinced those designs would look stunning paired with a hobble skirt. It would be a total #tutuTuesday win!
The tutu in 1909, much like fashion, was transitioning, shedding its romantic weight in favour of a sleek, pared-back look. This is the year that the famous ballerina, Anna Pavlova, was captivating audiences with her graceful artistry, dressed in flowing, transparent tutus. Think billowing layers of chiffon and tulle, designed for ease of movement and effortless grace, a contrast to the previous more cumbersome Romanticism designs of multiple layers that were difficult to move around in. And just imagine the sparkle – 1909 Parisian audiences were treated to exquisite beaded and sequin-embellished tutus, fit for a queen! You know I love a bit of sparkle in my own tutu!
Ballet in 1909: A Parisian spectacle
Of course, the Paris Opéra Ballet was the epitome of opulence, a theatre of grand chandeliers and exquisite interiors. Today, on 28th December, 1909, they would have been dazzling audiences with performances that took everyone's breath away! From Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, the masterpiece with its hauntingly beautiful ballerina and romantic costumes to the passionate, heart-wrenching stories of La Bayadere – these were ballets that transported audiences to different worlds, where even a mundane Tuesday evening became an enchanted spectacle!
Now, imagine me arriving at the opera house in all my pink tutu glory. They’d probably stare a bit. But I’m on a mission to get the whole world wearing a tutu and to show them just how much fun fashion can be! As for my time-travelling finances, well, let’s just say I find a way to combine my passion for dance with a touch of… “borrowing” a little something from the jewellery box for the night. 😉 A little sparkly headband or a necklace - nothing I wouldn’t want to wear myself!
The tutus I’ve been spotting today have just had me utterly in awe! Think lightweight, airy chiffon, layers upon layers of delicate tulle - simply sublime! I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of those elegant ballerinas gliding down the Seine tonight, looking absolutely stunning in their ethereal, glamorous attire! What I love is how the tutu is a versatile garment. On stage, it embodies elegance and magic, but in everyday life, it can be interpreted for any occasion – a casual picnic, a fun dinner date, even just a wander through a charming Parisien neighbourhood!
Pink Tutu: My own fashion dreams!
Paris is just bursting with inspiration for any fashionista like me. I was thrilled to discover, by complete coincidence of course, that there was a magnificent vintage clothes shop just off the Rue de Rivoli. Imagine, my dears, layers upon layers of silk, satin and lace - pure heaven! And you’ll never guess what? The owner told me about a designer called Paul Poiret! This stylish man revolutionised fashion, moving away from restrictive Victorian clothing. This is exactly what I hope to do with the tutu! He designed clothing, I design dancewear – we are kindred spirits. My aim, my dream is for every girl and woman to have a pink tutu, not just on a stage, but in their wardrobe!
Remember, ladies, tutus aren’t just for ballet! They’re about embracing your femininity, your unique sense of style, and your inner sparkle! Don't forget to add a touch of sparkle and shine to your week! Let me know what tutu you'll be rocking!
A big thank you from your #TutuTuesday Correspondent, Emma! 💖 Au revoir and keep twirling!
(P.S: Be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday for a brand-new blog post. Let's spread the joy of the pink tutu!)
