Hello my darlings! Welcome back to another scintillating edition of #TutuTuesday! This week, we’re going to take a little trip back in time to the 7th March, 1922.
It’s a Tuesday, naturally, as it should be, and it's a gloriously sunny day in Paris, where else? And oh my goodness, it’s the Ballet Russes at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. Yes, my loves, I'm already planning to make this my excuse for a delightful Parisian adventure this very week. Think hot chocolate in the mornings, croissants for brunch, and absolutely spectacular theatre in the evening. And naturally, we’re talking tutus, and some serious fashion envy to boot!
Now, while I love my frothy, voluminous tutu and you wouldn’t catch me dead in a short tutu - oh, the horror! – this era saw a significant shift in tutu design. Yes, dear readers, you heard that right! You’ll remember that before the early 20th century, the tutu was largely this full, beautiful, frilled spectacle of tulle that truly defined our beloved art form. But by the time we reach 1922, a different vision for the tutu emerged – shorter and with a distinctly, and dare I say it, modern sensibility.
Now, hold onto your hats because you know Emma’s always got a story! You can’t talk about the tutu's new direction without the grand visionaries – the Ballets Russes, spearheaded by the legendary Serge Diaghilev. This theatrical company was literally rewriting the rules of ballet in terms of choreography, sets, costumes, and let’s not forget the glorious tutus! It's like watching a ballet being created live right in front of your very eyes! Remember when the "La Boutique Fantastique" tutu (the first shorter tutu ever!) first graced the stage and oh the buzz in the theatre! And then of course the "Firebird" with it's more simple design and beautiful feathers? What a game-changer! And the influence of this company – a whole wave of brilliant choreographers and designers followed their lead. Think of George Balanchine who even embraced the "non-tutu" entirely in his ballets - oh what daring!
But the 1920s are also an era of immense social and artistic upheaval. You see it reflected in fashion. And when you look at this exciting shift in the tutu – well, you see it in the same context. Suddenly, skirts were getting shorter and more revealing – a testament to the liberation that women felt – they weren’t bound by those cumbersome layers of Victorian dresses anymore. This revolutionary era was mirrored by a new wave of free-spirited young dancers – the epitome of the modern woman. It’s a very strong vibe. I must say that some people, some very traditional souls, called it “flapper style” because, frankly, there was so much leg! (and it was fantastic!) But I must say that those days were a turning point for tutus – there was this sense of elegance that was coupled with a revolutionary twist – a real statement was being made! And what statement was that? That women were strong, and independent and oh so chic – exactly the vibe we’re channeling at #TutuTuesday.
Now I know what you’re thinking, dear readers – tutus don’t always have to be super-short, do they? Of course, my loves. In the world of dance, we always need options! In 1922, there were certainly still plenty of long tutus being worn, especially for classical ballet performances, just that shorter, more playful, almost modern styles were becoming increasingly popular and a sign of the times. I mean the gorgeous long tutus still have their place, and when worn with that beautiful billowing fabric that makes you look like you’re floating - what a breathtaking spectacle, no?
But let's not forget how beautiful short tutus are with their effortless, and let’s be honest, glamorous vibe. You get this gorgeous glimpse of those lithe, agile limbs, which makes it just so captivating on stage. (Not that we have to be a dancer to wear a beautiful tutu – we do wear these beauties all the time!) And speaking of styles – did you see those beautiful beading embellishments they're putting on the tutus these days? I'm thinking perhaps I can find myself a beaded bodice or a fantastic belt... and the colors! I simply adore this new era of design, my dears.
Speaking of "design," on this very day, March 7, 1922, it's exciting news indeed! Coco Chanel! Did someone say "revolutionary?" (That’s how I’m describing myself today, darlings.) The inimitable, inimitable Chanel, held a gala opening at her couture house – what a treat. This time she unveiled her very own ballet designs. Talk about a game changer, you all! Think dramatic silhouettes, the use of those soft pastel colours, think the Chanel fabric designs... just pure luxury... oh what a show stopper! And this my dears was a big deal, you know? And naturally, Coco had a passion for ballet. It's the same passion we have at #TutuTuesday! It's as if this Parisian city, its dance scene and fashion had aligned on this day... it’s truly magic, darling!
Now, let’s get to the main event, what we all love: Shopping! The wonderful thing about living in the past – and as a #TutuTuesday expert in all things historical, I’m certainly making the most of this – is that everything from a beautiful shoe to a dazzling new fabric seems rare. You don’t see the same patterns all over the place and you don't see these exact pieces again and again – they just glow. Well my darlings, let me give you some of the places in Paris (our favourite city!) to head for an excellent ballet costume hunt!
Let’s get started! For the real classics, we head to Mr. Alexandre of Lepape on Rue Royale for the very finest hand-sewn tutu for your collection. His signature “puff” effect in tulle and fabric was all the rage back in 1910s, just think of the layers! It is known to give your tutu a lovely full, airy feel. As a true testament to the art of his craftsmanship, you just have to head down to his studio to check out the amazing "work in progress," especially those fantastic fabric designs - I could look for days! Then of course, Maison Chéri on the Boulevard des Capucines is the place to go for all of your fabric and design ideas! They have the very latest in colourways - so chic, with new designs arriving every week – it’s simply irresistible. They even have a selection of beaded accessories - my must have. But a must go, truly, for everything fashion forward is La Mode Moderne on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Their signature styles are super-bold, featuring everything from exotic feathers to vibrant prints – an utterly fascinating display and my favourite store in all of Paris!
Now, what else do we need, darlings? Of course! Travel. As a fashion enthusiast who loves ballet and fashion and has discovered a rather unique way of getting to all of these amazing destinations – thanks to the magical and incredible art of time travel (a gift from an enchanted ballerina who taught me how to make my tutus "speak to the past!" A fabulous tutu has to do so many things: make me look amazing and get me where I need to go!). So today, I’m hopping onto the luxurious Paris-to-London Train. This really is the grandest train of its time - a real luxurious affair! And so the grand journey of a time-travelling tutu blogger begins with a "whoosh!" of magic!
And lastly, my darling lovelies, remember it is only Tutu Tuesday, and what makes these blog posts so unique is you! Tell me everything! How are your tutu purchases? Do you plan a new Parisian adventure? What is your favourite Ballet company to see? I do enjoy reading your amazing stories! You make this little world of ballet, fashion and love of the tutu come to life. So come visit our #TutuTuesday website and tell me all! See you next week for more history and more glitz, glitter and glamour!
Yours in style and sparkles,
Emma.
