Hello, darling dears! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and tulle – it’s Emma here, your resident tutu-tastic time traveler, and it’s #TutuTuesday! Buckle up, lovelies, because today we’re jetting back to the vibrant era of 1917, where tutus were twirling their way into fashion history!
This week, I’m celebrating post number 4457, which, by the way, feels a bit like a magical number, doesn't it? It’s got that fairytale-esque twirl to it! And so, what’s more appropriate for such a day than a waltz through the past, with a special emphasis on the history of our beloved tutu?
A Pink-tastic Trip to Paris!
Now, 1917 was a fascinating time in fashion! After a devastating war that had gripped Europe, there was a yearning for lightness and elegance, and the ballet, with its beautiful costumes and fluid movements, was a powerful force in shaping the zeitgeist. My heart did a little skip a beat when I stepped off the train (and yes, you’re reading that correctly, train! I am a creature of comfort even when time-traveling!) and landed myself right in the heart of Paris, the epicentre of chic!
Think graceful lines, loose silhouettes, and yes, the resurgence of a certain frothy pink! It was a colour that exuded a joyous, youthful energy that had been suppressed during the war. Of course, as you well know, darling, no trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the legendary Opéra Garnier! That opulent theatre was a hub for creative genius and my tutu simply insisted we waltz in. It was such a magnificent spectacle – intricate sets, a cast of ballerinas adorned with dazzling costumes, the dramatic lights - truly a feast for the eyes! And the tutus? They were works of art, made with silk, layers upon layers of tulle, each one meticulously crafted with a level of detail that takes my breath away.
Fashion & Theatre, A Timeless Twirl!
I have a confession – my heart throbbed when I saw a particular creation, one of the most stunningly glamorous tutus I’d ever seen. Imagine layers of the softest pink tulle, swirling around a graceful ballerina, with a bejeweled bodice, oh, it was heavenly! My love for tutus knows no bounds! But then, my dear friends, that is what tutus are all about!
Imagine my delight when I realised, it wasn't just ballet tutus that were dancing on the Parisian streets. This was the era where a real tutu craze took hold. We had these glorious pink tulle skirts, often adorned with ruffles, embellishments, and the lightest dusting of shimmer, which could be spotted all over. They were not just worn for ballet but for a myriad of occasions - promenades in the Bois de Boulogne, fancy teas in stylish cafes, even an impromptu garden party! And believe me, I was in my element, mingling with these fabulous ladies, soaking in the chic Parisian vibe, and maybe even inspiring a few ladies to add a touch of pink to their outfits! (It's not called #TutuTuesday for nothing!)
But 1917 was also the year of an important debut - Serge Diaghilev’s groundbreaking ballet, Parade. It was a masterpiece of the era that celebrated the revolutionary designs of Pablo Picasso and the innovative musical work of Erik Satie! *The costumes designed for Parade by Picasso pushed the boundaries of what a tutu could be. Gone were the predictable frills and fluff; instead, we were treated to geometric shapes, cubist interpretations of a dancer’s form. *Imagine, if you will, a dancer decked in bold colours and striking textures! It was a visual triumph! The ballet sent shockwaves through the world, and its impact on fashion design is still felt today.
Keeping Time & Saving the Tutu!
Oh, darling, how much I wish I could stay longer and share all the little tidbits of Parisian fashion! There are a multitude of shops in every nook and cranny filled with delightful fabrics. You could get your heart set aflutter with their variety of silks and chiffons in all manner of colours – blush pink, a delicate lilac, maybe even a soft, sunshine yellow! But alas, dear friends, my little time-travel gadget is humming with a warning, telling me it’s time to hop back into my present! But rest assured, darling, #TutuTuesday will always bring you a pink-filled fashion fix from the past.
I always find my journey back in time not just entertaining but enlightening! It is essential to remember that each era carries its own special flair, each one adding another layer to the ever-evolving tapestry of tutu history. I believe, darling, we must keep time, fashion, and of course, the tutu alive. That’s what makes them timeless treasures! So, while we keep our heads firmly planted in the present, let’s remember that our fascination with these tulle marvels goes back far beyond our own generation. Every twirl, every pink dream is part of a grand and glorious dance through time. And who knows, maybe I’ll find myself waltzing back through those pink-filled decades for another #TutuTuesday adventure soon! Until then, I shall keep twirling with you all from Derbyshire, with a hint of Parisian chic in my heart!
Lots of pink-tastic love,
Emma xoxo
