Oh my dears, it's another #TutuTuesday and I'm back from a whirlwind trip through the 1920s! You wouldn't believe the sartorial delights I unearthed, particularly when it comes to our beloved tutu!
I landed on the 23rd of November 1926, in the heart of Paris. I love this city, especially when I get to twirl amongst the cobblestones in my trusty pink tutu! Imagine my delight when I discovered the Parisian love affair with the tutu, the darling darling little dancer’s skirt! It seems, for those fortunate souls of 1926, it wasn't just a dancer’s must-have; it was infiltrating the world of fashion, darling!
Now, while our lovely, classic tutu might not be popping up on Parisian streets quite yet, it was starting to sneak into fashion. They called it the ‘tutu skirt’ then, and they used the word ‘tutu’ loosely. It seems the "tutu skirt" was often referring to the bouffant skirts and gowns, all gathered and puffy in the back! The effect, of course, is similar to a ballerina’s tutu, just without the delicate lace and tulle.
But, oh my, those dresses - with their daring necklines and flapper skirts, the silhouette they made – it was so elegant! There's something so delightful about a touch of romance and movement within a garment!
That lovely shape! Just imagining a flurry of dancers twirling down the Champs-Élysées in their shimmering tulle - oh, I do wish I'd had my camera with me!
But what else was making waves on 23 November 1926? Well, dear readers, the ballet world was bursting with exciting news! It seems that one of our darlings from the world of dance, the one and only Anna Pavlova was gracing the stage in Prague! *Can you imagine? *To see Pavlova in her time! That would be something, my dears, to remember. A dream come true!
That night I had to see if I could snag a ticket. It’s a real shame to say the least that I wasn't around to watch that ballet. I could practically feel the magic in the air! It seems she was performing at the beautiful National Theatre! Oh how it would have been magical. And, of course, all of the beautiful ladies would have been in their best dresses, probably with hints of ‘tutu skirt’ inspired elegance. Oh darling, how I wish I’d been there.
It's hard not to be wistful about the days of grand ballrooms, glittering diamonds, and lavish productions, my dears. I wish I had been there to see this first hand in a gorgeous pink tutu with matching feathers. Oh, imagine!
Now, back to the fashion, because that is the best part of time travel! What else did I discover in this glamorous decade? Let’s move on to something else that I adore and that I would absolutely buy! *They wore velvet at this time. * How fantastic! I could live in a wardrobe full of velvet, all in shades of gorgeous pink of course! Imagine the glamour of walking down the street in a pink velvet dress! A little piece of glamour, history, and comfort all rolled into one. I might just have to find myself a vintage pink velvet dress to wear to my next ballroom dance - what a glorious idea, darling!
Speaking of glamour, darling - if I were going to a 1926 gala, I would wear an absolute explosion of glamour. What’s that I hear? A question about what’s glamorous? Let’s get to it then! My darlings, imagine - the most elegant and sparkling pink tutu, with shimmering silk panels and sequins, and sparkly, tiny, hand-made pink feather boas. With some delicate beads adorning the fabric and flowing feathers.
Imagine a lovely evening shoe, a beautiful little heel in a satin pink. Oh, my goodness my dears, just imagine what it would feel like to twirl like that on a balcony in 1926. That image, my dears has been on my mind for the entire week.
Perhaps you should try it too? Maybe find yourself a pink satin or velvet dress. If it doesn’t feel completely fantastic and tutu-like just add a little feather boa! If you aren’t brave enough for the boa, at least put on a gorgeous pink necklace! That should give you a taste of 1926 glamour and dance!
It is always a wonderful time travelling, my dears, and it seems I am always finding myself in a new and exciting time! Remember to check in for next week’s #TutuTuesday as I explore another era with you, my dears, it will be an adventure you won't want to miss!
Until then, may your day be filled with tutus and twirling my dears,
Emma x
