Welcome back, my darlings, to another instalment of your favourite Tutu Tuesday blog! Today, we’re stepping back in time, as always, and going right back to 1932 - can you believe it’s September already? I do love autumn - crisp mornings, crunchy leaves and, of course, those gorgeous velvet and satin costumes that come out in the theatres!
Now, imagine yourselves with me, standing under a glittering chandelier in a magnificent old Parisian theatre. The air is thick with anticipation. I’m sat next to my darling Nana, clad in a pink tulle masterpiece with a delicate matching bolero. And do you know what, dear reader? Even back in the roaring 1930s, it seems like pink was the only colour anyone truly wanted to wear! Nana tells me the tutus in the 30s were all about streamlining and elegance - sleek, simple, and made of light materials. Can you imagine all those twirls and leaps, my darlings, a ballet dancer flying like a pink feather across the stage!
Speaking of leaps… Did you know that 27th September 1932 marked the debut of the exquisite Margot Fonteyn? She was a ballet sensation who rose to international fame in the 1930s, donning the very same streamlined tutus we were admiring in that grand Parisian theatre. Imagine how thrilling it was to see a woman of such elegance dancing on stage! And I have to say, her pink outfits were particularly divine!
Oh, and talking of Parisian theatres… You just wouldn’t believe what I discovered on my travels this week. It seems there’s a fascinating exhibition running at the Louvre Museum in Paris – all about the history of ballet. You can bet I took Nana with me, and we marvelled at all the glorious costumes, the beautiful pointe shoes (I found some vintage ones that are going straight to my collection!), and even the actual tutus that Fonteyn wore in some of her performances! They are a dream, my darlings, like spun sugar and moonlight combined!
Oh, and how does this gorgeous tutu trend start, you ask? Well, imagine my surprise when I realised that the ballerina tutu history begins even before 1932! You’ll have to forgive my French, my darlings, but they actually began much earlier, around the time of the French Revolution, and, believe it or not, it was mostly in Italy. Fancy! So much drama and beauty from the beginning. It seems we ladies have always loved to dance, twirl and flaunt those fabulously puffy dresses in a dramatic fashion. Oh, what a sight!
Now, don't get me wrong, darlings, I’m absolutely all for those modern-day, edgy, bold, multi-layered creations - you know, with feathers and netting, that can barely even hold their form. (If you’ve caught any of the modern ballet performances around town lately, then you'll know what I’m talking about!). But for me, there's a certain grace, a pure and beautiful classic femininity in a classic 1930s ballet tutu. And it just goes to show you that these historical pieces are a fashion statement that will always hold its place!
And do you know, in between hopping about with Nana and attending ballet performances, I even took a quick trip to Derbyshire to visit family. It was a lovely train ride - oh, do you know I have the best time hopping aboard the grand old trains? I do adore them, especially with their classic compartments and wicker seats. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a hot cup of tea while gazing out at the countryside through the steamy windows, watching those fields slip past? And of course, Nana and I did a little fashion window shopping – I even picked up the prettiest vintage silk dress, perfectly pink, of course. My darling reader, how perfect was that?!
But, we mustn't let ourselves forget the important stuff, my darling, which is – yes, you guessed it, *Pink Tutus for everyone!
I truly believe it's the best thing that can ever happen, and we must keep pushing that vision forward. Just imagine – everyone from London to New York, rocking a pink tutu – imagine that lovely spectacle! Oh, what a truly joyful, fun world that would be. And, if you’re inspired to jump in on this great cause, you’ll have to take a look at my latest pink tutu collection - *there’s one for everyone. * From ballerina styles to everyday ones - think street, tea parties, shopping and ballet rehearsals... Oh my, I simply have to give everyone a taste of what this magic looks and feels like.
Don't forget, you can keep up with my daily tutu-tastic life on Instagram and on my website at www.pink-tutu.com! Next week I'll have some lovely new looks on show for all of you so stay tuned! And, don’t forget, I want to see your tutus! Tag me in your #pinktutues on your socials. Oh my darling reader, until next time!
