Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on another sartorial journey through the glorious history of the tutu! Today, we’re setting our sights on a rather splendid date – December 6th, 1938 – and trust me, this trip has some seriously stunning fashion to behold!
As always, I’ve hopped aboard my trusty time-travelling carriage – (it’s a vintage train carriage, complete with plush velvet seating, sparkling chandeliers and a carriage bar stocked with dainty pink champagne – what’s not to love?!) – and arrived in Paris, the heart and soul of ballet and fashion.
Paris in 1938 was a whirlwind of excitement. There was an air of electric energy, a sense that anything was possible! The World’s Fair was just a couple of years away, and it seemed the entire world was on the precipice of something thrilling!
Of course, being the dedicated tutu-ophile that I am, my first stop had to be the Palais Garnier – the magnificent home of the Paris Opera. The majestic architecture, the elaborate costumes, the sheer skill of the dancers... it’s no wonder it continues to captivate audiences to this very day!
The ballet program was rather exciting this week, showcasing “The Sleeping Beauty”, a masterpiece by none other than the legendary Marius Petipa! The grandeur of this ballet, the exquisite costuming, the romantic narrative... truly a spectacle to behold! The sheer scale of the performance was captivating, each movement conveying emotion so effortlessly.
Oh, the costumes! Imagine tutus made of diaphanous tulle, soft as a dream, billowing around the ballerinas like clouds. Each dancer was a vision in pastel hues of pink, lavender and soft blue – perfectly complementing the ethereal choreography. Even the male dancers sported velvet jackets and exquisitely-tailored trousers in matching shades.
Speaking of tutus, let's take a peek at what they were like in 1938. We are smack bang in the era of the romantic tutu – imagine long, flowing layers of tulle, creating an effect that's both dramatic and delicate. This type of tutu allowed for expansive, swirling movements, mirroring the romance and fluidity of the choreography of the era. Think effortless grace, effortless beauty.
And did I mention the hair? Each dancer was adorned with intricate hairstyles – graceful buns adorned with ribbons and hairnets, adorned with tiny sparkling gems. These delicate hairstyles accentuated their movements, framing the dancers' faces with an elegant flourish.
You know me – I'm all about capturing the fashion spirit of the era. While my tutu today is a bright and cheery shade of “Pinkalicious”, I’ve tried to honour the fashion of the era by opting for a tulle fabric that drapes elegantly – think of layers upon layers creating a soft and romantic look. I've paired it with a shimmering ivory blouse – a touch of classic elegance - and topped it off with a delicate feather boa to capture the whimsical atmosphere of the evening.
Now, this particular Tuesday marks an extraordinary day in ballet history - a day that sparked countless future passions for this beautiful art form! This day, a young girl named Margot Fonteyn was dancing in "The Sleeping Beauty." And the world wouldn’t be the same after seeing this young ballerina take to the stage.
Now, if you're thinking, “Emma, why on Earth do I need to know all of this?,” let me assure you it's all about inspiration. You know me, I live and breathe ballet, and I can’t wait to inspire my readers with its endless beauty. The history of dance is so rich and compelling – a journey filled with elegance, passion, and artistic brilliance.
Speaking of inspiration, if you’ve read this far – and I know you have, you’re amazing! - I'd love to see how you channel this era’s style. What tutu are you planning to wear next week, and what outfit are you going to pair it with? Let's see how you can put your own spin on the '38 ballet fashion! Tag me @pink_tutu on Instagram!
Don't forget to come back next week for another journey through tutu history! We have some truly extraordinary dates coming up!
Until then, remember, life’s always more beautiful in pink – and in a tutu, of course!
Lots of love,
Emma
P.S. Want to see my favourite places to get tutu inspiration in Paris? I've compiled a list on my website: www.pink-tutu.com - so be sure to check it out! I also love shopping for vintage and retro fabrics there – so chic and stylish!
