Hello my gorgeous twirlers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu! This week, we’re jetting back in time to a fabulous era of fashion and flair: the roaring twenties! Buckle up your ballet shoes, darlings, because we’re taking a grand tour of tutus circa 1923!
As always, it’s a #TutuTuesday, so you know what that means: time to unleash the frills! Today’s destination: a little Parisian soirée – imagine sparkling lights, delicate cocktails, and ladies twirling in shimmering silk gowns, all fuelled by the energy of a post-war world ready to burst with colour and life.
Now, picture this – the year is 1923. We’re a world away from the traditional tutu. Imagine those fluffy, cloud-like skirts you see in old films! No, darlings, this is the era of the short tutu, or as it’s known in the world of dance, the “jupe courte”. Imagine a skirt that just brushes your knees, a delicate whisper of fabric hinting at the beauty of your legs, all shimmering with the glamour of beaded adornments!
Oh, my lovelies, the beauty! Think sleek lines and a splash of movement. Imagine the "jupe courte" crafted from diaphanous silk or delicate chiffon, cascading down the legs in a glorious swirl of elegance! Imagine it adorned with shimmering sequins and intricate beadwork. Such beauty, a feast for the eyes!
But it wasn’t just the fabric that was revolutionary. You see, in this era of the flapper, women wanted more freedom – and tutus reflected that too! They were designed for more freedom of movement – twirling, leaping, kicking! This is the age of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, with all their bold experimentation. They revolutionised dance – and tutus followed suit. Think bright, bold colours, geometric designs, even a bit of … dare I say it … pink!
You’ll be happy to hear that while I had to adjust to the stricter societal codes of the time (a bit of a shock, I can tell you!), a simple dress and some fabulous sparkly accessories are a perfectly acceptable substitute for a tutu in 1923 – if only you’re daring enough!
I had to find a perfect pink ensemble to make this trip, you see! The lovely seamstress at Harrods had an incredible sense of style, she helped me pick out the most glorious shade of blush, perfect for my 1923 makeover! Of course, I can’t forget the most important part of any pink ensemble – a delightful little beaded bag, so chic, darling, for carrying all my precious accessories!
I also found some wonderful inspiration from the legendary Coco Chanel who was creating quite a stir! In fact, on this very day, May 1st, 1923, Coco launched the first of her 'Les Parfums de Chanel'. The fragrance, an ethereal, sweet floral, was revolutionary in its way and would become iconic over the years, adding a sensual air to women everywhere. Such an inspired addition to our 1923 glamour, wouldn't you agree?
As I walked the Parisian streets, mesmerised by the vibrant, bustling energy, it dawned on me how little separates us, despite the years between. These fabulous ladies, dancing and twirling through the night, are no different from us, a beautiful celebration of freedom and joy. They may have been rocking the flapper style but underneath, their hearts beat with the same yearning for grace, for self-expression, and above all, for pure unadulterated FUN!
You see, darlings, we may not have those glorious feathered boas, those sparkling headbands, and that luxurious flapper dress (although maybe we can try a flapper-inspired dress sometime, just imagine the possibilities!) But one thing remains constant – the magic of the tutu. It speaks a universal language, a language of dreams and boundless imagination.
Speaking of magic, I had the good fortune to witness a beautiful performance of "The Firebird" ballet this week. It's truly something spectacular to see. Those bold colours and dramatic story-telling - it simply transports you to another world.
So as you spin and twirl through your own week, remember the dazzling tutus and glamorous spirits of 1923. Let's all embrace our inner flapper and make our own fabulous, joyful impact on the world. After all, we are all destined for the grandest of adventures.
And remember, darling, until next week, may every day be a #TutuTuesday!
Keep your ballet shoes shiny, my lovelies!
Love,
Emma xoxo
