Hello my darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tulle and twirls! Today, we're travelling back in time to 25th April, 1911, a most momentous date for our favourite frothy fashion! As you know, my dearest Tutu Tribe, I love a good time jump, and I'm absolutely giddy about today's destination.
Picture this, London in full bloom. Spring is in the air, the streets are alive with bustle and the theatres are aglow with the magic of dance. Now, take that vibrant picture, sprinkle it with a pinch of "new", a dollop of "daring", and a whole heaping tablespoon of "feminine". That's exactly what I found here in 1911!
Now, some might say tutus weren't really a thing back then, and they wouldn't be entirely wrong. Our fluffy, full-skirted delights were just beginning their rise to stardom, evolving from their beginnings in ballet class and stepping onto the grand stage of the world!
The iconic shape we know and love, with the shorter, fuller skirt, was still quite new, favoured by the "ballet moderne" dancers of the time. This style brought about a change, a shift from the traditional, romantic tutu of the 19th century to something decidedly more expressive and powerful.
And what better time to showcase this new style than at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, the heart of London's theatrical scene! On the very date I arrived, the stage was set alight with the premiere of a ballet by one of the biggest names in dance, Mikhail Fokine, called Le Spectre de la Rose ("The Phantom of the Rose"). It featured Tamara Karsavina, a dancer of exquisite grace and legendary beauty, adorned in a breathtakingly modern costume: a shimmering gown with a dramatically shorter, puffier skirt. Talk about making a statement!
It wasn't just the dancers embracing this new aesthetic; the fashions of the day were reflecting the same sentiment! This era was all about streamlining silhouettes and embracing the freedom of movement, which meant a bit of a revolution for ladies' clothing. Long, restrictive corseted dresses were on their way out, replaced with shorter, looser designs. And guess what? That made a little bit of tulle peeking out just the perfect accent for that chic, daring look!
Oh, and speaking of chic, don't forget the colours! It wouldn't be Tutu Tuesday without a healthy dose of pink, of course. Think powder pink and rose blush dominating the Parisian fashion houses, lending that feminine flair to everything from elegant hats to sumptuous silk scarves.
Of course, this trip wasn't just about dancing on the cobblestones of history. As a fashion-obsessed ballerina, the shopping spree is non-negotiable! You bet I indulged in a bit of browsing through the elegant shops of the time. Oh, the gorgeous gowns, hats with delicate veils, and exquisite gloves! The silk ribbons and floral patterns...sigh! Just a dream come true!
And, darling, you simply must picture me riding the Metropolitan Railway, London's bustling underground, on my way to Covent Garden! Think leather seats, elegant passengers, and the gentle clatter of the train beneath your feet. It's pure romantic magic, isn't it?
The theatre was a scene of elegance and excitement, with everyone decked out in their finest clothes. The scent of lilies filled the air, the murmur of hushed conversation swirled around me, and the anticipation crackled with energy. I truly felt myself being transported into another era.
Speaking of transport, I had a fantastic time travelling here by train! A long journey to be sure, but worth every second for the experience of hurtling through the countryside, watching the world flash by. Plus, a first class carriage is such a good excuse to break out a fancy outfit. Pink tutu and a perfectly coordinated cloche hat, you bet!
My journey back in time, and my adventure in the magical world of early 20th-century London, is proof that fashion has always been about expression, about taking a leap and challenging the norm. Just like those daring dancers in their bold, modern tutus, it's about pushing boundaries and embracing change! So go forth, my sweet Tutu Tribe, be fearless in your style and dance your way through life.
Don't forget to keep the tutus flowing and the pink vibrant, my loves! Until next week, stay twirling!
With love and a flourish of pink,
Emma
xxx
