Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, back with another delightful dive into the wondrous world of tutus! 🩰 This week's #TutuTuesday journey whisks us back to September 2nd, 1919, a time when the world was recovering from a great war and the spirit of creativity and romance was blossoming anew!
Today, we're venturing to Paris, the beating heart of the ballet world. Think grand boulevards lined with beautiful shops, and chic ladies with perfectly coiffed hair and feather boas. The air crackles with the excitement of a new era, and of course, fashion!
Now, let's talk tutus! 🤫 Imagine for a moment, a ballerina swirling across the stage in a fluffy white tutu, with her skirt like a cloud of the lightest gauze, shimmering under the stage lights. This is what was truly in vogue back in 1919!
The "Romantic" tutu, as we like to call it now, was a true work of art. Made from yards and yards of tulle and hand-stitched to perfection, these tutus embodied the very essence of elegance and femininity. It wasn't just about the material, but the shape too. The conical, or bell shape, created a beautifully flowing silhouette that highlighted every graceful movement of the dancer's legs. Oh, wouldn't you love to be twirling in one of those beauties?!
It's quite amusing how the tutu has changed over time. Back in 1919, there were actually more variations on this romantic style than we see today! For example, you had the "Leg-of-Mutton" tutu, which as you might have guessed, had a much wider and fuller bottom, accentuating the ballerina's silhouette and movement. And for the ultimate flourish, there was even a tutu designed by the famous French dancer Isadora Duncan! Now that is what we call a statement piece, don't you think?
What made this period so special for ballet was the sheer inventiveness! The "Romantic" style was reaching its peak, with new innovations in the use of fabrics and the way they flowed on stage. Ballet itself was evolving from classical storytelling to incorporating a bit more modern flair. You could really feel the creative spirit taking flight!
But just imagine for a second, the world of ballet in 1919. Can you picture the excitement before the performance? Imagine those elaborate stage sets, the dazzling chandeliers illuminating the magnificent auditorium, the orchestra tuning their instruments, the anticipation of the audience... Ah! It sounds utterly enchanting!
I just can't get over the gorgeousness of those early tutus. There's something so magical about a perfectly made, romantic tutu. Maybe it's the way it floats on the stage like a wisp of cloud, or maybe it's the feeling of being completely transformed when you slip one on, but those tutus were pure glamour.
Speaking of glamour... can you believe, 1919 is also the year Coco Chanel made a splash in the fashion world with her now legendary little black dress! A woman like that is practically a rock star in her own time, don't you think? And what does she pair that little dress with? Why, her own chic interpretation of a short and fluffy ballet skirt of course!
Honestly, with this incredible mix of glamour and art, who could blame Chanel for being captivated by the ballet world?! Just look at those ballerina movements, the graceful artistry of their costumes, it's simply irresistible! I'm so glad the tutu didn't stay confined to the ballet stage, it truly makes a statement anywhere, even on the bustling streets of Paris!
To tell you the truth, I actually had the most incredible experience in 1919. It was a chance to see a ballet performance in Paris, oh the splendour of it! I could never forget it. As the dancers took the stage, bathed in soft, romantic lighting, they practically radiated this ethereal beauty. They seemed to defy gravity as they floated through the air, every step and movement captivating my attention. That's the power of a ballet performance, wouldn't you agree?
While I'm on the subject of Paris, what an incredible place! The city is abuzz with activity. The grand architecture, the bustling street markets, and the exquisite fashion boutiques are all part of the enchanting fabric of Parisian life!
Even with all that Paris has to offer, the best part was the shopping! You can find some absolutely incredible dresses and hats in the beautiful boutiques there. I, of course, made sure to pick up some stunning vintage silk scarves, perfect to complement my pink tutu wardrobe, of course! Don't forget, I always wear my trusty pink tutu with pride, it’s truly a statement of empowerment, femininity, and just plain fun!
So that, my dears, is our little journey back in time. Remember to always wear your tutu with pride! And always be inspired by the incredible heritage of dance! Until next week's #TutuTuesday, don't forget to twirl and have fun! 😉
Yours truly,
Emma, the pink tutu enthusiast 🩰 www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Want to follow my #TutuTuesday journey around the globe? Let's chat on the website and leave me your feedback. You can also tell me about your favorite tutu looks - even if you can’t wear them in your daily life, I’d love to hear about your fantasies!
