Bonjour, darlings! Itâs your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed blogger, Emma, back again with another Tutu Tuesday! This week, Iâve hopped back in my time-travelling frock, donned my favourite pink tulle masterpiece, and found myself in the bustling streets of Paris on June 18th, 1912! Can you believe it, ladies? Weâre venturing back to a time when Paris was the worldâs epicentre of style, where the whispers of art and culture mingled with the clinking of champagne glasses and the rustling of silks.
Itâs fair to say the ballet world was buzzing in 1912! A few years prior, Vaslav Nijinsky, the famed Russian dancer, caused a sensation with his iconic choreography in "Le Spectre de la Rose". Itâs hard not to be mesmerized by the stories of the dancers in those days, how they glided and twirled across the stage with such elegance. We have much to thank them for. In fact, their iconic ballet styles directly influenced the silhouette of our beloved tutu, giving us the voluminous, layered look we see in productions even today!
But itâs not just the tutus that were making headlines back then. Fashion was taking leaps and bounds, too! Think delicate corsetry, lavish silks, and intricate lace - it was all about accentuating the female form, embracing a kind of feminine power that echoed across the art world. Think womenâs suffrage, think pioneering women in society â the tutus of the day were no mere costumes but statements of independence, freedom, and beauty.
My Parisian adventure began at the glorious Opèra Garnier, one of the grandest and most spectacular opera houses in the world. This majestic building is simply a masterpiece in its own right, boasting breathtaking chandeliers and architectural details that take your breath away.
On my travels I made a delightful discovery in the Galeries Lafayette - an incredible department store in the heart of Paris! There, amongst the swathes of fabric and the glamorous displays, I found a collection of tutus worthy of a true ballerina queen! Imagine - lace and ribbons galore, perfectly layered tulle, and those intricate designs that were all the rage back in the day. Sadly I had to leave without any new additions for my wardrobe - just for now... I'm certain you can imagine just how tempted I was, though, right?
Speaking of delightful discoveries, imagine my excitement at bumping into the famed fashion icon, Coco Chanel herself! Now, you all know I am a huge admirer of Coco, not only for her exceptional taste, but for her brave, innovative approach to fashion. It seems, even in 1912, she was inspiring women to break free from the traditional restrictions of fashion! It's a story, a tale of two different worlds coming together. My pastel pinks and tulle contrasted with Chanelâs black and white was a delightful clash, if you like, but it reflected a time where both the dramatic and the bold were welcome, on the stage and in the streets of Paris.
But even on my travels, one must not forget about the classics! One afternoon I decided to treat myself to a performance at the ThÊâtre du Châtelet - one of the most renowned and historical theatre venues in Paris. Watching a ballet there, even from a few years ago, is simply magical - the magic, the excitement, the grandeur â and the incredible, almost mythical aura that surrounds it! I'm a girl who loves a story, a girl who appreciates all those elements of theatrical fantasy. It felt almost like being in a movie scene from another era - it was incredible. It reminded me of the countless ballet lessons I have taken and the sheer delight I get every time I see someone dancing beautifully on the stage. What better inspiration can a girl ask for, especially for a tutu-lover like me?
As always, I leave you with this: even with the grand tutus of yesterday, and the ever evolving style of fashion through the decades, thereâs no better time to wear your own personal flair than today. So whether itâs a dramatic pink masterpiece, or a simple yet elegant ballerina bun â embrace what makes you feel confident and let your own personal âTutu Tuesdayâ sparkle!
Now, if youâll excuse me, darlings, my next stop is the Grand Palais - rumour has it, they are about to stage a fabulous show, just wait until I see the costumes. You know Iâll keep you updated â until next time, remember, âLive, dance and embrace the beautiful chaos, always!â
Au revoir, and remember, the best way to spread your âTutu-liciousâ spirit, is to let it radiate out into the world!
Until next time...
Your pink-loving tutu-obsessed, Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
Follow me on instagram #pinktutu
