Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller! I hope this #TutuTuesday finds you twirling merrily! It's September the 12th, 1922 today, and believe me, my dear readers, this date is a real peach of a time to be in Paris, the City of Lights! As we all know, Paris is the heart and soul of ballet - the birthplace of fashion, and home to tutus galore! This post marks a rather lovely milestone, as it's my 4,733rd blog post for www.pink-tutu.com! Just think, thousands of blog posts, all about the history and the beauty of tutus! And, yes, I have to confess that the whole reason for this blog, and all of this fabulous time travelling, is my burning desire for the entire world to join me in the joy of a good pink tutu.
Speaking of pink tutus... let me tell you, the Parisian tutus of 1922 are absolutely stunning! They're more floaty than ever, thanks to a new fabric called tulle that is simply heavenly - delicate, ethereal, and as light as a feather. Gone are the days of heavy, stiff fabrics; nowadays, ballerinas glide across the stage with the grace of butterflies, and their movements seem to dance right out of a fairy tale!
Itâs also fascinating how tutu lengths are changing. You might have heard of the "bell tutu", a lovely flowing tutu that's short and fluffy like a flower bud, giving the ballerina such an elegant and carefree silhouette! I've been wearing these everywhere - it's like a miniature swirling storm of beauty - all in pink, naturally! The bell tutu was first designed for the ballerina Anna Pavlova, who is known for her absolute genius! Oh, she was one of the biggest stars of ballet in the 1920s! And, darling, let me tell you - there is nothing more chic than seeing her dancing in a beautiful pink bell tutu!
It seems the fashion world is falling head over heels for the world of ballet, and the inspiration from ballet dancersâ outfits has trickled into womenâs fashion! The modern woman is all about flowing garments - imagine: flapper dresses, skirts reaching to the knees, trousers with that lovely loose, yet flattering, silhouette - itâs like the beautiful, sweeping lines of a tutu brought to life for everyday wear! Of course, they have absolutely nothing on a properly constructed pink tutu, but then again, a proper pink tutu isnât for every occasion, is it, darlings? And then we come to colour, and it is the most important part of the tutu, isnât it? Ballet costumes are so much more daring and creative these days; designers arenât afraid to experiment with vibrant hues like lavender, orange, and blue, but of course, nothing, NOTHING, compares to the radiant elegance of pink, especially for my tastes!
I've been lucky enough to see a performance at the Palais Garnier today, and let me tell you, my dears, the ballet here is just simply incredible! The ballerinas were breathtaking! And did I mention the tutus? Simply divine! It was a gorgeous evening in Paris! Oh, and if you ever happen to find yourself in Paris, don't forget to check out the famous âFolies BergĂšreâ, a stunning music hall where they have sensational dancers dressed in fantastic costumes.
While weâre talking about dance, there is another new form of dance in Paris â the Charleston! Now, this is where you need to channel your inner flapper! You need that cheeky glint in your eye, a bit of sass, and a dash of defiance! Oh, and you have to imagine yourself in a fabulous pink, sequined flapper dress with your best pair of black peep-toe heels, twirling and swirling with everyone! If youâre in Paris, head to the Grand HĂŽtel du Nord! They have live jazz performances in the evening. And be warned â the energy is electric! And the perfect reason to channel your inner flapper â Charleston dancing is all the rage, especially with the rise of jazz! It is simply contagious, and this dancing sensation is taking Paris by storm! The perfect dancing to help you burn off all that yummy French pastry.
If you are feeling as fancy as me, here is an itinerary for the rest of your day, Parisian darlings:
11.00 am - * *Morning Stroll:* Walk down the chic streets of Paris! Paris is beautiful! And nothing says âchicâ like an early afternoon stroll along Avenue des Champs-ĂlysĂ©es â the most stunning boulevard you ever did see, and also a superb place to soak up Parisian culture! Watch for cars going by; Iâve never seen so many shiny cars before. It makes it even more exciting and lively to walk along. Don't forget to check out the beautiful, elegant shops and indulge in some window shopping - and if youâre looking for a place to eat lunch, *Chez LapĂ©rouse is a classic French bistro and an amazing place to pick up a delicious baguette or pastry, especially if you fancy a spot of tea.
1.00 pm - Lunch: A leisurely lunch at âLa MĂšre Germaine". Imagine, my dears, the most charming little cafe - wooden floors, candlelight, and the most incredible dishes! Thereâs an extensive menu with everything from omelettes to beef bourguignon! Perfect for the lunch after a pleasant stroll. Oh, donât forget, thereâs only one perfect accompaniment â a good, old fashioned bottle of Pinot Grigio. What a joy!
*3.00 pm â * * *âChez MaĂźtre": ** Oh, this is THE PLACE for a fashion fix, and the only place in all of Paris for my shopping needs! The fabrics and dresses here are truly remarkable - just a delight for my eyes! The materials are wonderful - flowing silks, dazzling chiffons and lovely linens - they will take you back to a simpler time with their intricate embroideries and beautiful trims, my dears. A proper treasure trove! Donât forget to stock up on luxurious handkerchiefs.
7.00 pm â * * *Dinner:* * It wouldnât be Paris without an elegant evening at the âLe Grand VĂ©four." I have always had the most fantastic dinners here! Youâll need to dress up, dear â imagine that incredible atmosphere, with the chandeliers, marble floors, and crisp white linen tablecloths, all ready to provide the perfect backdrop for a gourmet dinner - such beautiful food! Imagine juicy medallions of beef, melt-in-your-mouth chicken breast, and delicate cod. But then again, Paris is known for their delicious cuisine. The Grand VĂ©four is an ideal choice, dear â all that classic French cooking! The perfect ambiance to indulge in a delectable, exquisitely presented meal, darling. You simply canât come to Paris and not eat at the Grand VĂ©four.
9.00 pm â * * * *âLe CafĂ© de Floreâ. * *This cafĂ© is a classic! I donât think you can get much more Parisian than this! After a spectacular evening of eating out in one of the most fashionable areas in the city, âLe CafĂ© de Floreâ is where you need to be to end the evening on a high. And hereâs the reason. The cafe was a popular hangout for artists and writers â such as the very famous Picasso and Simone de Beauvoir â during the golden age of the 1920s! This place buzzes with artistic and intellectual conversations; and letâs face it, you canât go wrong with some delicious coffee, especially at a chic Parisian cafe. I do recommend checking out their selection of hot chocolates, they are delectable. *
I hope you are loving this trip through history, darlings, as much as I do! And I just can't wait for next #TutuTuesday to bring you more fascinating insights into the world of tutus, my loves! And oh, before I sign off - remember to subscribe to my blog at www.pink-tutu.com, for your weekly dose of tutus, fashion, and the wonderful world of ballet! Until next Tuesday, I'll be out and about on my own adventures â off to search for some spectacular vintage shops, to expand my own little collection of the best pink tutus in the world. You simply cannot have enough, my dears! You canât go wrong with a beautiful, flowing pink tutu â donât forget, pink is not just a colour, itâs a feeling! So get twirling, my darlings! Bisous, and don't forget, I want you all in pink tutus!
