Hello my gorgeous twirling darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutus! Today's #TutuTuesday takes us on a whirlwind journey back in time to May 15th, 1917, a year when the world was churning with war, but ballet still blossomed beautifully!
Remember those dreamy, frilly, utterly captivating tutus from those grand Russian Ballets that swept the world in the early 1900s? Well, 1917 was a year where fashion embraced this exquisite garment for even more dramatic and exquisite impact.
Oh, I can imagine the buzz! London, Paris, New York... even in the midst of turbulent times, everyone was wanting a little je ne sais quoi. They wanted a splash of magic and beauty in their lives, and the ballet tutu became a powerful symbol of this.
You see, my loves, by 1917, the Russian Ballets had taken the world by storm. Their innovative designs, their incredible dancing... it was all the rage! Imagine a beautiful, diaphanous tutu, swirling and floating in the most breathtaking formations. Serge Diaghilev (the mastermind behind these dazzling productions) revolutionised dance fashion with a bold, theatrical flair, transforming tutus from simple undergarments to magnificent, artistic statements.
You couldn't walk down a street without encountering a reference to the Russian Ballets. Tutues were appearing on magazine covers, inspiring Parisian haute couture houses like Chanel to adopt tutu-inspired designs in their ready-to-wear collections. That's what I call influencing!
So, what was going on on this very date, May 15th, 1917, that was worth tutuing about?
Let's get down to the nitty gritty. It was the eve of the opening night for "Les Sylphides" by Michel Fokine in London, at the Covent Garden Opera House. And who starred in the lead role but the renowned Tamara Karsavina! That my loves, is a show-stopper! This production, an absolute darling of the Russian Ballets repertoire, is famed for its lyrical and romantic atmosphere, with costumes so light and airy they seem to melt into the scenery, the ultimate embodiment of graceful and feminine elegance!
Fancy seeing the ballet live, dear readers? Well, as it was May 15th, 1917, I imagine I would've just travelled up to London for the show on the express train from Derbyshire, England. Those grand, glamorous Victorian trains with their sumptuous, high-backed compartments are the perfect transport for a pink tutu-wearing, show-stopping ballerina, wouldn't you agree?
Remember, darling dears, the magic of fashion is in embracing the past, weaving it into the present and letting it guide our style future. These are not simply garments, these are stories spun on threads and shimmering sequins, each one waiting to be unravelled and recreated in your own style!
A Peek into 1917 Fashion:
- The 'Empire Waist' style was very much en vogue, a silhouette which beautifully highlighted the bust and elongated the figure – perfect for that fairytale ballet aesthetic.
- Long, trailing satin and silk dresses were also favoured. They billowed with drama and opulence, mirroring the cascading fabric of the tutu and creating a breathtakingly beautiful aesthetic.
- Women loved the "tunic style" which had been gaining momentum. Loose and comfortable, often worn with flowing fabrics, the tunic reflected the breezy movement of ballet, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Russian Ballets.
- Speaking of colour, pale pinks, lavender, and blues were all the rage! Soft hues, reflecting the dreaminess of ballet and echoing the light and airy atmosphere of "Les Sylphides."
- And then we have feather boas and stylish hats. Don’t underestimate the power of the right accessories!
A Call to Action
Now, my fabulous friends, the time is now to embrace your inner ballerina! Whether you're on stage or just dancing around the house, you are a piece of this rich and vibrant history of the tutu! Think outside the box, get creative, and don't be afraid to express yourself with colour!
We are all twirling stars in the magnificent grand ballet of life! Now go forth, darling readers, get out there and shine bright!
As always, keep on tutuing and we’ll see you back here next week, my loves!
XOXO
Emma
