Bonjour, mes chéries! Welcome back to your favourite pink-tutu clad time-travelling fashionista, Emma! It's Tuesday again, which means it's time to #TutuTuesday and another peek into the fascinating world of ballet's most beloved garment, the tutu!
This week, I've whisked myself back to Paris, 21st April 1914. Now, 1914 - can you imagine?! So close to the outbreak of the Great War, a time of such momentous change in the world. But what about ballet? Was the tutu still swirling and twirling? You bet!
And oh darling, did the Parisians know how to wear a tutu! This year marks the centennial of Coco Chanel's first shop, Chanel Modes, a bold statement of style, elegance and... yes, you guessed it... a sprinkle of tutu!
Can't imagine Chanel without the influence of ballet? Well, you're not alone! The revolutionary dancer, Isadora Duncan, who literally took Paris by storm with her graceful movements, embraced a loose, flowing chiffon dress in stark contrast to the structured and more restrictive ballet costumes of the time. You see, she wanted her garments to enhance movement, not hinder it, to be as free as a dancer’s spirit!
However, traditional ballerinas still had their hearts set on their trusty tutu. You'd be surprised at the creative details they embraced during this era. Think intricate embroidered silk, exquisite feather embellishments, and ribbons and bows.
Why does the tutu captivate so? It's not just about the dramatic swirl of fabric, it's a symbol of movement, of grace, of sheer elegance. This captivating, powerful silhouette speaks to a timeless artistry that draws everyone to its enchanting magic, no matter what decade!
For today's fashion inspiration, picture a ballerina with a shimmering, light pink tutu accented with intricate silk flowers blooming in soft lilac and blushing rose shades. It's so feminine, so sophisticated and effortlessly captures the very essence of the Parisienne chic! Imagine it with a perfectly-fitted bolero crafted from black silk, maybe a touch of silver brocade.
Of course, what's a fashion adventure without some delightful anecdotes? Well, the iconic Ballet Russes led by impresario Sergey Diaghilev were causing a stir! Think Igor Stravinsky, who revolutionised ballet with his groundbreaking compositions, Vaslav Nijinsky, the mesmerising dancer whose artistry stunned audiences worldwide, and, of course, the tutus! Imagine swirling through the historic Opera Garnier with such a legendary company, it sends chills down my spine just thinking about it!
Paris 1914 was a glorious celebration of colour and dance, and the tutu was front and centre. So if you’re dreaming of vintage Parisian elegance, darling, let me give you this secret whisper, the magic of the tutu isn’t just for the stage. Embrace the essence, feel its power, make it a part of your everyday style.
Now, for those of you in the UK, especially my Derbyshire girls (it's always lovely to find fellow Derbyshire souls out in the world), think of all the wonderful ballet schools and theatre performances that are just around the corner. Don't wait, darling! Go experience the beauty of ballet and remember - you can feel the grace of the tutu just as strongly with a smile, a twirl, and maybe a bit of ballet class as you do on the stage!
I'm off for another shopping adventure for the perfect vintage pink tutu to add to my collection. Maybe I'll find myself on a train, travelling across this fascinating time-space that's woven with the threads of dance and fashion.
See you next Tuesday!
XOXO, Emma
P.S. Did you know that April 21st 1914 was a Tuesday?! It's those kind of cosmic moments that make time-traveling with tutus even more magical!
* #pinktutu #tutuhistory #tutulove #ballet #ParisianStyle #travelintime *
(Stay tuned for my next post on the legendary **Ballets Russes and its connection with tutu design! )
