Greetings, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back again with another instalment of Tutu Tuesday! Today, we're going to whisk ourselves back to a truly dazzling era in fashion history - 11th October, 1927! Get ready for some chic, flapper-tastic goodness!
I'm currently zipping around Paris, you know. This fabulous city is a fashionista's dream come true - from the elegant boulevards to the extravagant couture houses. Today, though, I'm making my way to the Palais Garnier - the Opéra Garnier - to watch a truly spectacular performance of "La Esmeralda". Oh, the glamour! The shimmering gowns, the exquisite jewellery, and of course, the magnificent tutus!
It was precisely on this very date in 1927 that Serge Diaghilev, a man synonymous with groundbreaking ballet, graced the Parisian stage with yet another stunning production. He was the genius behind the Ballets Russes, an ensemble that literally revolutionized the ballet world. Diaghilev was, well, just the BEST at spotting artistic talent, and brought some truly magical collaborations to life - think Igor Stravinsky's phenomenal scores and Pablo Picasso's incredible designs. Just breathtaking!
You might be wondering what those iconic tutus were like back in the 1920s. Well, forget those full-bodied romantic tutus - think streamlined elegance. These early 20th-century ballerinas, like the incomparable Tamara Karsavina, were embracing a chic, streamlined silhouette. Think knee-length skirts, minimalist embellishments, and slinky fabrics, highlighting those beautiful ballet lines. It was truly a captivating and inspiring look, just like our current day love affair with the romantic tutus!
However, while tutus in those days might not have been the voluminous marvels they are today, the designs were anything but ordinary. Imagine intricate embroidery, iridescent sequins, and shimmering beads - absolute magic! These ballerinas were fashion icons even back then - I bet even those elegant flappers admired them.
It wasn't just the tutus that had a touch of the extraordinary; even the ballerinas themselves brought an incredible vibrancy to the stage. Let's take Lydia Lopokova as an example - a whirlwind of talent with the Ballets Russes. Her sparkling personality, coupled with her magnificent dancing, just made every performance a captivating spectacle. And let's not forget her daring use of bold colors, adding a pop of vibrant energy to those chic 1920s costumes!
Of course, even in those glamorous times, tutus weren't the exclusive domain of ballerinas! I saw the most exquisite tulle and net frocks for flapper ladies in the latest Parisian shops! Think vibrant hues like emerald green and ultraviolet purple – so chic and bold, don’t you think? But pink, darling? It was the absolute hottest shade back then - you can find me decked out in pink from head to toe - it is simply the best, and always will be!
That brings me to today, my dears - a lovely Wednesday. The Paris streets are alive with colour. The city is full of enchanting fashion, beautiful people and the unmistakable scent of delicious pastries. But before I continue my little tour of Paris today, let's all take a moment to appreciate the fascinating history of the tutu. They are, after all, a part of our cultural landscape - whether we are ballet enthusiasts, fashion lovers or just individuals who appreciate exquisite artistry.
Don't forget to wear a pink tutu tomorrow! It's Thursday! We need to keep spreading the love and the joy of ballet and tutus all around the globe, don't you think? Until then, happy tutuing!
Bisous, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
*P.S. My darling readers! You must all come see my favourite performance - "La Esmeralda" with the Ballets Russes - you will be utterly entranced! *
