Hello my darling dears! Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveller, bringing you another slice of ballet history straight from the archives. Buckle up your ballet shoes, we're going back to 15th January 1924!
This week's jaunt took me to the heart of Paris, the city of lights and oh-so-fabulous fashion. Imagine, my dears, a world where tutus were the ultimate in high fashion, not just for ballerinas but for all ladies who loved a little extra whimsy in their lives!
Now, 1924 was a year of big changes. The world was still recovering from the Great War, and the 'Roaring Twenties' were just getting started, a time of liberation and incredible fashion.
Imagine boulevard cafes filled with women in slinky dresses, shimmering with beads, bobbed hair, and of course, the must-have accessory – the tutu! Yes, tutus weren't just for ballet performances anymore. They were for cocktail parties, garden picnics, even tea at the Ritz. It was the height of fashion and all the chic ladies wore them.
You see, tutus weren't the massive, puffy, tiered creations you see today. They were much shorter and tighter-fitting, inspired by the dancers' costumes, creating a fun, playful, and dare I say, slightly mischievous look. And what a fabulous touch they added to those elegant silhouettes! It’s what we in the tutu business like to call "The Magic Touch".
So, what was going on in Paris that day, I hear you ask? It was the opening night of La Bohème at the Opera Garnier, one of the most beautiful theatres in the world! Imagine that majestic setting – gold-leaf decor, grand chandeliers, the hum of excitement in the air as the curtains rise. I managed to sneak into a box for the best view and felt myself transported into a world of romance and high drama, much like the opera itself.
After the performance, I took a wander through the streets of Paris, relishing the scent of fresh bread from the boulangeries and the gentle patter of raindrops on the cobblestones. This, my dears, is how one experiences the magic of a tutu. It opens your heart to beauty, to artistry, to a touch of whimsy.
My adventure for the day wasn't over though! No, dear reader, no! After my Parisian wander, I headed to one of the many fabulous vintage boutiques that lined the grand boulevards. It was like stepping into a dreamland of decadent frocks, elaborate headwear, and, you guessed it, the most incredible selection of tutus I'd ever seen. And did I buy anything? Why, of course, dear reader! Let’s just say this week's #TutuTuesday is a little more, shall we say, ‘extra’ than usual. (Can't spoil all my surprises! 😉 )
As always, my darling dears, it’s time to go! But before I head off to another tutu-tastic adventure, remember – wearing a tutu is about more than just fashion, it's about a state of mind, about embracing life with a joyful, playful spirit.
Stay tuned for next week's #TutuTuesday, where we'll be journeying to another era and uncovering another fabulous story about the history of the tutu. Until then, do stay stylish!
Your time-travelling tutu-enthusiast,
Emma x
P.S. Do any of you wonderful readers have some truly spectacular tutu stories from your lives? Share them in the comments below and maybe I'll be journeying back to your time for a special post about your experience! 💕
