Bonjour mes chéries! It's Tuesday, which can only mean one thing: it's time to travel back in time and explore the enchanting world of the ballet tutu! This week we’re going all the way back to 21st April 1925 - gasp, over 100 years ago! Can you imagine life without the internet, my dears? I couldn't!
Now, gather around for a trip in my trusty time machine (my pink convertible, of course!) as we zoom back in time to explore the fabulous fashion trends of this bygone era.
Oh, I do love to travel, especially by train. The clinking of glasses and the rhythmic sway of the carriage are just the best soundtrack to a trip. My favourite part though, is the platform - a bustling haven of humanity, excitement, and stylish hats.
1925: The Twenties Roar!
Picture a time of flapper dresses, bobbed haircuts, jazz music, and, yes, the dawn of the modern tutu! The 1920s was a vibrant period that shook up the world of fashion - including ballet. Think sleek lines, a dash of rebellion, and lots of freedom! Gone were the bulky romantic tutus of the 19th century. In their place emerged a new era of lightweight, flowing, and daring designs.
On this very day, April 21st, 1925, the legendary dancer Anna Pavlova performed in The Dying Swan for the last time. The beauty of that choreography is simply timeless, and even today, seeing The Dying Swan still gives me chills! In those early 20th-century performances, Anna often wore a simple, romantic, and beautifully elegant tutu in soft white.
Now, I am absolutely captivated by the ethereal grace of the classic swan lake tutus! So many layers of delicate, soft, and billowing tulle to swirl, twirl, and pirouette! Honestly, it makes me just want to start leaping myself. Oh! The sheer romance and ethereal beauty of a white tutu!
Tutu Tuesday Traditions: Shopping for a 1925-inspired ensemble.
So, how can we channel our inner flapper with a modern tutu twist? First, ditch the restrictive corset, dears, for a loose, flowing top, something in silk with some beautiful embroidery perhaps. This will be paired with our pink tutu, of course, as pink is definitely still the colour to be seen in! To finish this delightful ensemble, choose shoes that reflect the elegance of the era - satin or silk, perhaps with a delicate buckle. And what better to complement the ensemble than a bold splash of colour from a feather boa or a charming pearl necklace? Oh, and definitely remember the Charleston inspired make-up: bold lips and expressive eye-shadow, as befitting the fabulous ladies of the 1920s.
I would definitely visit Selfridges department store, my absolute favourite in all of London. One could truly spend hours in the glamorous surroundings! All that sparkle, velvet, and the aroma of perfume just take me right back in time, and the best part - their Ballet department would have been brimming with delightful tutus in an abundance of hues. The soft swish of the silk against my fingers, just perfection! And as I picked out the perfect pink, I'd find a stylish little number for my new pink tulle friend - something daring and elegant, and a perfect reminder of the rebellious fashion that marked this fantastic decade.
Embracing the Spirit of the 1920s
The 1920s, oh what an era to have been alive in, or, you know, time travelled to, in my time machine of course! The fashion! The freedom! The vibrant music, and let's not forget, the gorgeous, groundbreaking ballet, It’s a beautiful era to revisit every week on #TutuTuesday - so until next time, remember, my dears, it's never too late to embrace a little flair and let your inner ballerina shine. Until next week - do tell, what tutu moments inspire you, my dears?
Love,
Emma
*P.S. I would love it if you could check out my new Instagram - @PinkTutuEmma ! *
See you next Tuesday, lovelies!
* www.pink-tutu.com*
