Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here, and I'm absolutely bursting with excitement for this week's #TutuTuesday.
I've hopped aboard the time-train and found myself in the bustling heart of London, 1938! It's the roaring 30s, and fashion is absolutely flying! This decade was a playground of playful designs and bold statements, just like a good ballet performance.
You've probably already guessed where I'm headed first, haven't you? The glorious Covent Garden! I've snagged the best seat in the house, a box in the Grand Tier, just as the curtain rises on the majestic Sadler's Wells Ballet, in their production of "The Sleeping Beauty." The air crackles with anticipation – just the feeling before a big performance!
Tutus then...
Imagine my delight when I step into the foyer of Covent Garden and catch a glimpse of these lovely dancers' costumes. We all know that the ballerina's signature costume is a graceful tutu, but you wouldn't find a single "classic" tulle, knee-length, multi-layered tutu amongst them! In this era, the ballerinas were dancing in short tutus – sometimes even so short they resembled a tiny skirt! The romantic styles are a little different too, with frills and delicate embellishments. They even paired their ballet shoes with socks, adding a touch of elegance!
And here’s the absolute delight – I spotted an absolutely heavenly pale pink tutu in the "Sleeping Beauty"! It was all lace, soft, and delicately shimmering under the stage lights. I just knew it would set hearts racing throughout the entire performance, and my heart is aflutter for a peek at the wardrobe. This delicate beauty is exactly the inspiration I need for my next tutu design!
And, outside of the theatre...
Now, darling, a girl has got to keep her eyes on the fashion scene, doesn’t she? Stepping out of the theatre and onto the cobbled streets, I feel a little bit like Cinderella slipping back into her glass slippers – a world away from the bustling metropolis that’s surrounding me. And let me tell you, the fashion of the era just screams sophistication!
Think elegant hats, sleek coats, sharp dresses, and flowing gowns. Everything about the 1930s just exudes glamour. Oh, and I haven't even mentioned the bold, colourful floral patterns which have captured the heart of fashion, much like my beloved ballet tutus!
There are a million shades of pink in every shop window – every shade you could ever desire. It's absolutely divine! This was the era when femininity took the lead, and I can’t get over it. Imagine stepping out in a fabulous frock, feeling every inch the stylish, fashionable lady. The 1930s are making me seriously yearn for some chic, head-turning outfits, especially as they celebrate colour and glamour!
Of course, I just had to make a stop at Liberty's, a magnificent department store brimming with treasures! I fell in love with everything there. Every single shop window display I've seen on this journey is a total masterpiece, overflowing with the charm of the decade.
There's this delightful "little shop" in Harrods, tucked away in the beauty section called 'Miss Harrods'. Oh, my goodness, it is pure girly goodness! I could have spent the entire day in there - they even sell a selection of the prettiest floral printed dresses with delicate details – just the type I adore for my special evenings! I even managed to find a pair of silk gloves in the most glorious shade of pink - to finish off my perfect vintage look!
Tutus, fashion, and the journey continues!
Right, it's time for this time traveller to make her escape, hop aboard my magical railway, and zip off to another glorious Tuesday in history.
Let me know what you think of my historical findings.
Now, let's continue to share this love of tutus and everything that is beautiful and fabulous about the world. And who knows, maybe next week I'll discover another style that ignites my imagination.
Don't forget, dear readers, your #TutuTuesday homework for this week - send me your photos of you wearing your pink tutus - or any colour you fancy - so we can share our love of tutus with the whole wide world!
Stay sparkly, darling. And, always, always, keep twirling!
Yours in pink tutus,
Emma.
