Hello my darlings! Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday adventure, and oh boy, have I got a treat for you this week! Today, my time machine has landed us smack-dab in the year 1933, August the 8th to be precise. Now, you may be thinking, "Emma, that's before you were born!" And you'd be right, darling, but as I've discovered, history is brimming with wonderful tutus just waiting to be shared!
This week, I've traded in my trusty pink convertible for a rather swanky railway carriage. You see, travelling by train was the chic way to get around back then, much like flying is nowadays. And I'm not just any passenger - I'm travelling first-class! It's all in the name of research, of course. After all, you can't really understand the evolution of the tutu without experiencing the fashion of the times, and nothing screams "sophisticated" like a first-class compartment with the aroma of freshly cut lilies.
So, what's on the cultural agenda for 8th August 1933? Well, the theatrical world was abuzz with the opening of "The Great Waltz". This operetta brought together the classic stories of Johann Strauss, set against a backdrop of Viennese glamour. Talk about tutus! This operetta, my darlings, was practically bursting at the seams with them, and not just the traditional fluffy, voluminous style.
Imagine, for a moment, the grand stage, dazzlingly lit, and shimmering with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Now picture women in billowing ballgowns (tutus by another name!), crafted in layers of silk, lace, and tulle. They're flowing with an elegant grace, as the music carries the story of romance and longing. Just the thought of it makes my heart flutter, doesn't it?
And speaking of hearts, a visit to 1933 would be incomplete without experiencing the fashion. This period saw the emergence of the "New Look" pioneered by Elsa Schiaparelli, a woman who, dare I say, might have been a tutu devotee in disguise! It's the dawn of a bold and daring aesthetic. This era celebrates the feminine figure in all its glory. We're talking streamlined silhouettes, cinched waists, and, get this - dresses with dramatic tulle petticoats that give them a hint of the tutu shape! Fashion history is definitely a lot more interesting when viewed through the tutu lens, isn't it?
Now, it's not all glamorous ballrooms and dazzling stage lights. There's a story behind every stitch and twirl, every feather boa and silk sleeve. I'm discovering the real people behind the curtain - the designers, the seamstresses, the ballet dancers whose artistry helped shape this era. The way they used color, the cuts of fabric, the layers of tulle, and the overall style were all a reflection of the world around them. You might say, in a tutu-tastic way, their creations reflected the very soul of their time!
For a moment, allow yourself to imagine dancing across a grand ballroom, the lights swirling, the music a mesmerizing whirl, all while adorned in a gown with just a hint of tutu magic. Wouldn't that be an unforgettable evening? I find myself daydreaming of those glamorous nights and I’m convinced that 1933 was a time that deserved its own pink tutu. Perhaps we can make it happen, my darlings? I'm certainly giving it my best shot.
But that's all for now! As for me, it’s back to the time machine for me. There’s a beautiful burgundy tutu, perfect for this era, I’m just itching to add to my collection. I'll be sure to share my next time travel adventure with you on #TutuTuesday. Don't forget to tune in, and perhaps join me for a little "vintage tutu fashion inspiration" on the www.pink-tutu.com blog, because who doesn't love a good dose of historical charm?
See you soon, my darlings!
Emma
P.S. This is post #5302, just in case you’re keeping track! 😊
