Hiya darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, ready to take you on a trip through the magical history of the tutu! Buckle up, because we're heading back to the summer of 1917, a time of vibrant colour and daring dance!
It's a bright and sunny Tuesday in Paris, and the air is buzzing with the excitement of the Belle Epoque. The grand theatres are brimming with fashionably dressed ladies in their exquisite gowns, and the streets are alive with the sound of horse-drawn carriages and the laughter of the fashionable set. But nestled amidst all the lace and sequins, there's a growing fascination with a new form of attire ā the tutu!
Oh, darling, I canāt resist it! To imagine a world without the gorgeous twirling of a dancer, encased in a flurry of silk and tulleā¦ why, itās simply unthinkable! This 1917 scene? Itās a dream!
As a young ballet enthusiast from Derbyshire, England (whoās got an awful lot of travelling to do with a rather large suitcase full of tutusā¦ a girl has to have options, donāt you know?), I just couldnāt wait to hop on the train and get here to Paris, a city practically overflowing with tutus.
I must tell you, 1917 Paris is the absolute height of sartorial fashion. Weāre talking elegance personified, from the beautiful flowing gowns to the magnificent headpieces. The fashion here is an absolute delight to behold ā with bold colours, opulent textures, and that air of unbridled excitement. Even the streets themselves are a delight, adorned with flowers and trees and an absolute buzz of vibrant life.
So, letās rewind a littleā¦ how did we get here?
Remember that enchanting 1839 "La Sylphide" we discussed a few weeks ago? It was a total game-changer for the ballet world! That magical tutu, so delicate and billowing, captivated everyone, and suddenly every ballerinas was desperate to emulate the elegance and grace of a "sylphide."
Well, as the decades progressed, the tutu evolved too, gaining new shapes and lengths. Remember the dramatic "Romantic tutu," long and flowing, that emerged around the mid-19th century? Ah, it was a glorious sight ā and oh so glamorous, I just adored it! It practically floated down the stage in an ethereal waltz, inspiring dreams of fairytales and magical journeys.
Fast forward to our magical summer in 1917 andā¦ a glorious spectacle awaits us! Today, the world is absolutely swooning over the "classical tutu." And can you blame them? It's short, fitted, and boasts those spectacular layers of tulle that practically beg to be twirled!
The classical tutu has completely taken centre stage in 1917, and oh, darling, it's simply magnificent. Imagine the grace and elegance of a dancer, gliding effortlessly across the stage, each movement accentuated by the perfectly structured tutu. Itās an absolute dream, a testament to the beauty of dance!
Imagine me here in Paris, wearing a dazzling pink tutu with tulle so fluffy it makes my heart skip a beat, soaking in the incredible atmosphere, catching the latest ballet performances and shopping for all the latest trends! I mean, is there anything more fun? No, I donāt think so! This truly is the life!
Todayās performance is at the magnificent OpĆ©ra Garnier, where the legendary Russian ballet company, the Ballets Russes, is showcasing a selection of their works. Their costumes, and you guessed it, their tutus, are an absolute dream! Itās not just about the dance - itās the spectacle. Itās about pushing boundaries and showcasing whatās possible with colour, fabric, design, and, of course, the sheer artistic brilliance of it all!
After a day spent soaking up the breathtaking art and fashion, nothing sounds better than a stroll through the Parisian streets, window shopping for the perfect Parisian pink tutu (perhaps I should pick up a few pieces while I'm here, darlingā¦ It's always worth indulging in a little retail therapy!). Then, to finish the day off, a spot of tea in a cozy cafe, perhaps with a little sweet treat! Perfection, donāt you think?
Itās important to remember, darlings, this evolution, this journey from the romantic sylphide to the captivating classical tutuā¦ Itās an ode to the power of imagination, to the courage to challenge convention, and, of course, the undying love of dance and fashion that makes life so exciting! And to think, a few decades from now, those fabulous āNew York tutus,ā or whatever the trend is then, will become iconic and inspiring in their own right! Who can wait to see what weāll find in those magical future eras?
As always, remember darlings, this is not just about tutus, itās about expressing your own unique style and having fun with fashion. I can't wait to see what new wonders tomorrow will bring, but for now, remember, stay fabulous! Until next week, remember to always find your sparkle, your joy, and to let your imagination take you wherever you want to goā¦ and of course, wear pink. Always, always, always wear pink.
Much love, Emma x
P.S. Don't forget to check out my favourite new store, Madame Lucille, for a wonderful selection of tutus in every colour imaginable! And, my darlings, donāt forget to post your favorite tutu pictures on our #TutuTuesday hashtag! I canāt wait to see what you have to share! You are all wonderful, and as the saying goes - wear your tutus proudly! You deserve to be a bit magical every day of the week!
