Bonjour, my darling tutu-loving lovelies! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another delightful dip into the history of our favourite frothy creations - the ballet tutu!
This week, we're waltzing back to 12th February 1918. Imagine, a whole century ago! The Great War was still raging, but here in the glamorous world of Parisian ballet, things were a little more… sparkly!
Today, I’m in the French capital, standing beneath the glittering chandelier of the Palais Garnier. The air smells of perfume and jasmine, and the beautiful ladies are gliding across the stage in their bejewelled bodices and gloriously flowing tulle. You wouldn't believe how chic the French ladies were! Even in war time, their outfits were an inspiration. I'm definitely feeling a little sartorial envy, but never fear, I’ve already spied some gorgeous fabrics in the Marais district and am dreaming of recreating the 1918 Parisian ballerina look for my next performance.
This week, in 1918, Anna Pavlova, the "divine" ballerina, was still captivating audiences across the globe with her iconic performances. Her trademark long, flowing tutu was simply breathtaking and it set the fashion for this period - flowing and beautiful. I can still remember seeing her in London in 1912. A vision of graceful elegance, her artistry still resonates. What a woman!
Speaking of visions, can we talk about the evolution of the tutu? I mean, back in the 1800s, ballet skirts were barely there - almost nothing! Then, with the advent of the Romantic era, those graceful, bell-shaped tutus took centre stage, accentuating the ballerina’s exquisite line and movement. It was the perfect expression of elegance, of lightness, of...beauty.
And it was the tutus themselves that stole the show! As fashion lovers know, the best style is all about a subtle evolution, a touch of magic, and for me, the tutu has been on that journey for centuries.
Of course, you all know that the ballet world is always innovating, my lovely ladies! There's so much more than just the classic "Romantic" tutus. We have the "paquita" with its multiple layers and frills and the "classical" tutu, with its streamlined shape, but both celebrate the fluidity and artistry of movement. And then there are the "short" tutus, perfect for contemporary and modern styles! How many more creative ideas can we conjure?! I’ve been seeing a lot of modern styles and designs that use sheer layers, different fabrics, and even incorporated beads. I can't wait to see how this plays out over the next few years, I think tutus will start appearing in the high-street very soon, so get ready!
But the truth is, we’re a bit obsessed, right? (And I totally mean that in the best possible way!) For me, a tutu isn’t just about wearing it - it's about *feeling the story it tells.
My tutu makes me feel magical, and that’s what the tutu story is really about: bringing a touch of fairytale enchantment to the stage! We just have to get out there, take a spin, and express ourselves.
So, today I’m celebrating the 1918 era! It was an amazing period in fashion, the beauty of a changing era of femininity. We see so much elegance in everything, the dresses, the hair, the jewellery, it all flowed together perfectly.
I can’t wait to explore the beauty of this era in the rest of my travels. I hear that London is full of delightful vintage shops and, rumour has it, there are even some beautiful places where I can find fabrics to create my very own replica of 1918 fashion, just for you darling. What a treat!
Speaking of treats, I am planning a delicious trip to Vienna in a few weeks. There is a shop on the Graben with the most glorious, delectable sweets. And while I’m there, I will, of course, be checking out the Opera. If it’s even half as amazing as the ballet I saw last night here in Paris, I’m going to adore it. It's going to be amazing to soak up the culture, the fashion and just, feel the era! Oh, how I love to travel! It is always such an adventure!
But don’t think that I’ve abandoned my mission of getting you all wearing pink tutus. Oh no! In fact, I’m heading to Derbyshire next month and I have just the idea for a new Pink Tutu Shop on the High Street in Derby. Just imagine, a place for the ultimate in tutus, tiaras and teacups! Oh, I can't wait to put this idea in place! The thought of seeing you all twirling about in pink is truly magical! I may even bring back my old Derby girl friend, she has the best pink tulle shop in England. Her shops are amazing, and her prices are just as lovely! And there's no better feeling than finding the perfect tutu, you just have to know where to look!
I do love that tutus, unlike some fashion, can cross all sorts of eras and periods. I've seen tutus in fashion magazines that have been dressed down, just to make a statement. I wonder if I can convince my brother, who wears his own unique style, to try on one? Maybe I can even convert him to pink.
As ever, I’m off to catch the 6 pm ballet from London to Paris and then, I'm on to the vintage fabric markets, fingers crossed I can find something for a special little pink creation just for you. Don't forget to look out for new additions on the website, www.pink-tutu.com. Until next Tuesday my dears, keep twirling!
Emma xx
PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #TravelTheWorldInPink #Fashion