Hello, darling tutu-lovers! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, where every Tuesday is dedicated to celebrating the history of our most beloved garment! It’s your girl Emma here, your resident tutu historian, ready to whisk you back through time to uncover another fascinating ballet tutu story. This is post #4386 in my journey through the tutu archives!
Tutu Time Travel: Paris in 1916
I landed myself in Paris today! A real whirlwind, but oh, the fashion, darling! The French definitely know how to dress, and a dash of chic, Parisian sophistication never hurts! But even with all the fabulous clothes around me, nothing beats a lovely tutu, even in a Parisian setting. Imagine! A whimsical little tutu twirling amidst the grand architecture of the City of Lights!
It was truly fascinating to step back in time to see the ballet scene in 1916. I landed on a cold winter’s day, the air crisp and clear. As I took a stroll along the beautiful Champs-Élysées, the sound of music drew me towards the hallowed halls of the Opéra Garnier. A majestic, grand structure that simply demanded I see what wonders were in store!
And of course, the performance itself! I caught Le Sacre du Printemps by Igor Stravinsky. The ballet, which premiered in 1913, is a wild, thrilling journey, full of raw, primal energy! Although it had quite the controversial start, Sacre was already captivating audiences, a truly iconic ballet with striking costumes.
What are tutus doing?
Now, let's delve a little deeper into the world of tutus during this era!
1916 brought the tutus we know and love a bit closer to their modern form. Imagine flowing lines of silk and satin, with beautiful colours, rich velvets and exquisite details. In ballet at the time, the tulle used for tutus was so fine it would sometimes be woven by hand. And oh, those delicate, hand-crafted, delicate pleats! Now, that's dedication to craft!
The iconic "Romantic" tutu had found its true groove! While the form remained very similar to what we see today (that delicate, waist-defining form!) a lovely sense of bold embellishments started coming in, too! A nod to the exciting styles sweeping through Parisian couture! I spotted some beautiful gowns and costumes that were incorporating feathers, jewels, and vibrant prints, mirroring those lovely artistic patterns we find in Art Nouveau paintings of the time. Don’t get me wrong, nothing beats the simplicity and classic beauty of a basic pink tutu, but let’s just say this decade was making some big leaps forward!
How To Channel The 1916 Tutu Trend!
Let’s have some fun! For this week’s #TutuTuesday trend, I challenge you to add a whimsical touch of 1916 artistry to your own ballet look! Think about:
- Adding a little drama with feather accents. A single plume of feathers tucked at the side of a simple pink tutu is sure to give it a lovely touch of elegance.
- Accessorize like a true Parisian! Playful hair ribbons and a string of sparkling beads are always a fabulous choice. Don't be afraid to use jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue to bring out a bit of that Parisian flair!
And last, but not least, don’t forget the beauty of movement!
Let me know what your favourite tutu era is, my lovely readers, and if you have any questions about tutus, don’t hesitate to ask. Until next Tuesday, may your twirls be ever-so-graceful and your steps light as air. Keep those pink tutus flying!
Emma xoxo
P.S. - Want to travel back in time with me? Get ready for another spectacular trip next week. I can’t wait to reveal our next tutu stop. It’s sure to be *fabulously fun.!*
