Ahoy there, darlings! Emma here, back for another exciting journey into the fabulous world of tutus! Today's #TutuTuesday is all about the captivating era of 1916, a year filled with wartime hardships but also, as we'll discover, some truly spectacular balletic brilliance. Buckle up your pinkest pointe shoes and prepare for a ride through time with your favourite tutu-wearing time-traveller!
Now, I know you lovely lot adore a good pink tutu (who doesn't?!) but 1916 was a time of bold and dramatic colour, think vivid blues, emerald greens and passionate reds! Tutus weren't as fluffy and frothy as you see today, more like exquisite layers of shimmering tulle that whispered of both elegance and freedom. Think swan's feathers meeting modernity. Imagine being a dancer in those days, your every twirl a glimpse of dazzling beauty, a glimmer of hope in times of uncertainty.
Today, 19th September, in our glamorous and fashionable time warp, let's get back to Paris, where the heart of the dance world still beats so strongly. It's not all about war over here, I can assure you. In this magnificent city, fashion and dance still hold sway, a much needed respite from the ongoing conflict.
Speaking of dancing, I saw a brilliant production last night at the Opéra Garnier. The Sleeping Beauty is playing again. What a joy to watch! They used so many dancers in this grand and luxurious production, which just adds to the magic of the experience. The dancers in their stunning tulle tutus - not necessarily pink, more shimmering silver and white for a mystical and regal look - moved like ethereal creatures, each gesture echoing the grace and tenderness of the fairy tale.
Of course, the beauty of these dances transcends the wartime woes. You just know these beautiful creations have captured the spirit of that era, capturing the beauty and joy of dance amidst those difficult times. It gives us hope and shows us that, through it all, dance will always be a powerful expression of art and emotions, much like the spirit of our cherished tutu!
But tutus weren’t just reserved for the opera house! After all, a true ballerina embraces every moment! There were grand social events held in this wonderful period, elegant soirees and charming dinner dances with an air of refined sophistication. They were held in grand halls and beautiful manor houses, where music floated on the air like magical dreams and ladies twirled in the most exquisite evening gowns. Think dancing princesses meeting Gatsby's grand affair, you know what I mean?
It was a time where the dress sense for women embraced femininity, flowing fabric and lovely frills. Oh how I would have loved to have lived in this era, all that gorgeous style, I mean! Even in the middle of it all, these ladies took fashion to a new level, just as I am doing now by wearing my fabulous pink tutus to every occasion, including all the dance and ballet classes. It’s no wonder they called the fashion of this period 'The Gilded Age'—it was like the sparkle of a thousand pink tutus, glittering and sparkling under the grand chandeliers of Parisian social life!
The beautiful fashion magazines were bursting with images of flowing silks and enchanting laces. Each design was a masterpiece, and one could feel the spirit of the Edwardian era – a romantic time, so beautifully reflected in the garments they wore. Think Downton Abbey meets vintage ballet costumes, only more colourful and oh so charming!
Talking of fashion magazines, they have the best articles, darling! Today, one magazine I'm enjoying features an array of vibrant hats, like elaborate feathered fascinators, adorned with colourful flowers and ribbons, truly an ode to femininity. Then there were The Gibson Girl, with her slender figure and charming bob haircut. I'd adore seeing them with tutus – imagine the mix of classic beauty and bold ballet statement, quite the sight!
I love to study fashion of these periods because fashion is a way of expressing your inner self and it speaks volumes about history. It tells a story, like a ballet itself. The style of tutus is evolving too! Just like these ladies’ fashion is getting shorter and more modern. A perfect example are these beautiful silk tunics worn by some dancers, which are elegant and chic but don't limit their movement and grace. Imagine my surprise when I discovered how these short dresses and practical, functional styles came to be! Just like a ballerina's tutu, the ladies' dress choices reflect a blend of history and modern life.
One trend you need to see for yourself are the shoes. In my favourite antique books and magazines, there's something absolutely lovely to look at - boots. Boots! With such gorgeous embroidery and buckles, like those dancing-shoe-worthy Victorian heels, a touch of Victorian elegance to the boots adds that magic touch to my 1916 wardrobe!
I absolutely love how our tutus are so versatile, from grand theatre performances to elegant society gatherings and fashionable soirees. Even now in this era, there's still this fantastic synergy between fashion, movement, and art – it's a real testament to how powerful a tutu truly is!
Right, that’s all from me, but until next week’s #TutuTuesday, I leave you with this reminder – don’t be afraid to unleash your inner ballerina! Remember, with a touch of pink and a dash of whimsy, every day can be a dazzling #TutuTuesday!
See you next week, Emma.
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