Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, back from another trip through time, my trusty pink tutu swishing at my heels like a happy, pink cloud!
This week, we’re waltzing back to 1914 - oh, what a year! The scent of change was in the air, like the heady perfume of a blossoming gardenia. The world was teetering on the brink of something momentous, but here in Paris, fashion was flourishing. The City of Lights truly lived up to its name!
This year was a treasure trove for any tutufan! Ballet was soaring, with Diaghilev's Ballets Russes captivating the Parisian elite. Can you imagine the gowns and the excitement? Just stepping into the Theatre des Champs-Élysées would have been a treat!
Now, 1914, well, it wasn't exactly known for its fashion forward tutus, dear readers. The traditional romantic tutus we adore were still reigning supreme. Long, full, with billowing layers of tulle that made dancers look like wispy, delicate ballerinas. A world away from the sleek, athletic look we have today!
The most dazzling dancer of this era, Vaslav Nijinsky, was a bit of a tutu trailblazer. While he still danced in the traditional long tutu for classical ballets, he pushed the boundaries in some of his ballets, sporting a much shorter tutu for L’après-midi d’un faune that scandalized some and enchanted many! This tutu was more form-fitting and modern.
The story goes that Nijinsky wasn't originally supposed to wear any tutu at all! Diaghilev envisioned him as a primitive faun, barefoot and unadorned, but that was too much for the Parisian public to swallow back then. Luckily, a bit of tulle appeased everyone.
Even with shorter tutus making their way onto the stage, this era is very much about romance! Think soft pinks and lavenders, ruffles and ribbons galore, and yes, lots of flowers! Oh, and if you were a true fashionista, you'd accessorise your tutu with the ultimate touch - feathers!
Speaking of fashion, have you heard about the new designer, Paul Poiret? This Parisian darling has been redefining female silhouettes with his innovative clothing - looser, flowy shapes instead of the corseted gowns of the Victorian era. He even created dresses inspired by Russian fashion!
If only I had been around during that time, my lovelies, you can just imagine the divine fashion parties I'd have thrown! I'd have twirled alongside the elite in my pinkest, puffiest tulle tutu, dancing the night away with some delicious Parisian pastry and champagne, of course!
For me, travelling back in time is all about soaking up the atmosphere. You really understand why a particular fashion trend caught on by stepping into the period and seeing how people are living. I think 1914 is an era just waiting to be rediscovered - and let's be honest, even without the glitzy, modern designs, a long tutu can still look truly spectacular on stage.
This weekend, I'm going to be watching "La Sylphide" at the Royal Opera House. It’s a ballet with traditional tutus, perfect for channeling this early 20th century magic. If you want to really step back in time, wear your own tulle with layers upon layers of tulle - the more the merrier! Think old Hollywood glamour - we can't have too much fabulousness!
Have a wonderful #TutuTuesday and keep those tulle skirts twirling!
XOXO,
Emma
P.S. This December 22nd in 1914, the first day of the Christmas truce took place. Soldiers from opposing sides of the trenches met in No Man's Land to exchange gifts and carols. Isn't that wonderful? We should remember that even during the darkest of times, kindness and connection always prevails.
