Hello, my lovely tutu-lovers! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveler and resident expert on all things tutu. I'm thrilled to be back for another Tutu Tuesday, bringing you all the latest and greatest in tutu history.
This week, I've decided to take a trip back in time to the glorious year 1921, to a time when the flapper dresses were all the rage, and jazz music filled the air! I packed my favourite pink tulle tutu - it's just the right shade of bubblegum to compliment the era, wouldn't you say? - and my trusty travelling case of fabulous outfits (because every time traveler needs to be prepared, darling!).
Where do I even begin? The 1920s were a vibrant decade for the ballet world. As I've discovered from my research, a few key moments in this era have paved the way for the tutu as we know it today! So let's travel back to the era of The Charleston and The Flapper, where the women were taking charge of their style, and men were enjoying a whole new era of sophistication in men's fashion.
Now, I wouldn't want to spoil the excitement, so let's just say it involves a little something to do with a famous Russian ballet dancer. Intrigued? I know I am!
As for me, after spending my time soaking in the beauty of this era's ballet, and, of course, attending a grand performance at the Opera Garnier in Paris, I managed to secure myself a stunning set of costumes from a private vintage collection in Paris. A lovely lady, with a wardrobe full of beautiful gowns from every era. We chatted for hours, me wearing my pink tutu, and she reminiscing about the flapper era and the dance hall scenes, about how fashion was shifting at that time.
Now, with all this excitement swirling around, what do you say we go a little deeper into the year 1921? Join me, and let's see just what this era has in store!
It was a cool, crisp day when I arrived in Paris - what a bustling metropolis! I popped right into the Opera Garnier, a dazzling architectural gem that really showcased the elegance of this era. And yes, the very essence of Parisian fashion is embedded within the walls! But what surprised me most was how the women were taking control of fashion. With their shorter hair, dresses with low waistlines, and makeup bolder than anything in previous eras, they looked confident, free, and radiant. Oh, darling! How could they possibly look so elegant with the effortless air? I'm still taking inspiration for my outfits from them!
This feeling of empowerment radiated into the ballet world too, and that's where things get super interesting. It was a truly fantastic era to see the evolution of dance. Ballet, with its graceful lines and mesmerizing fluidity, truly complimented the fashion of the era, both on and off the stage!
For example, I attended a magnificent performance of the ballet "Coppélia," an utterly captivating production, featuring the renowned ballerina Olga Spessiva. Now, this is where we get to the juicy part. You know how a tutu usually has more than just layers of tulle, right? It's meant to create the most breathtaking illusion on the stage. Olga, and, indeed, most of the dancers in the 1920s, took those traditional tutus to a whole new level of sophistication! They adorned their tutus with vibrant beads, dazzling sequins, and a shimmering silk top that complemented the graceful flowing of the tulle, all coming together in perfect harmony to make an unbelievably stunning visual. This era brought out the most captivating design ideas in the tutu, making it more refined and even more powerful!
Speaking of the ballet Coppélia, November 29th was particularly exciting for ballet enthusiasts - the 1921 world premiere of the ballet Coppélia by the Ballets Russes was in Monte Carlo! How thrilling is that! The performance is still praised for its innovative designs and exquisite choreography by Sergei Diaghilev, one of the most notable ballet choreographers of the 20th century. Imagine, a world premiere! How glorious it must have been! And in a stunning location!
Speaking of beautiful ballet, as the train ride from Monte Carlo to Paris began, my thoughts turned to the delightful world of fashion! As my window revealed a glimpse of the beautiful scenery outside the train window, my thoughts returned to that world. I could have easily spent the whole journey planning the rest of my vintage fashion adventures - from the Galeries Lafayette department store to the enchanting Place Vendôme filled with jewelers - I can already envision myself sipping champagne and browsing their wares. And to top it off, I know there were exciting fashion shows in Paris too. How exciting, just imagining the intricate details of the clothes of that era, and how the fashion trends started and moved! Just imagine it all, my dears!
I think I might need another glass of champagne. Perhaps I'll buy some fancy shoes for the ball tomorrow, with the stunning, bright, fashionable people from all corners of the world. Perhaps I can convince a gentleman or two to dance the Charleston. You'd be surprised at how open to it they are.
But before we say goodbye, a gentle reminder that wearing a tutu, my darling friends, is about celebrating self-expression, being confident, and embracing your own unique style! I want to hear your own personal tutu stories, what style you choose to wear, the feeling of joy it gives you. Share your stories with me at #PinkTutuLove - we're a community here, a global sisterhood of tutu-wearers!
That’s all for now, lovelies! See you all next Tuesday, for another enchanting #TutuTuesday, exploring another fascinating chapter in tutu history! Until then, be sure to dance your way through the week, with your head held high and a graceful twirl in your step!
Ciao for now, my tutu darlings!
Emma
[A cute photo of Emma in her pink tutu, with a backdrop of the Opera Garnier in Paris.]
