Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! Today’s Tutu Tuesday takes us right back to July 30th, 1940.
Imagine, if you will, a world without the utter brilliance of a pink tutu! Well, luckily, thanks to the wonders of time travel, I can show you all just how magical they’ve been since their beginning. But, let’s start with where I found myself this week: the utterly glamorous world of Paris! I must admit, they certainly have an unmatched flair for fashion, which is something we Derbyshire girls can always appreciate, don't you think?
Just picture it, ladies, Paris 1940, oh, the excitement! But, it's not all romance and croissants (although those croissants were divine!), let me tell you! With the war looming, times were a bit more serious, but you know me, I like to find the glitz and glamour even in the midst of difficult times.
But today, we're talking TUTUS, darlings!
As I was touring around the city, soaking in all the fashion inspiration (Paris was the undisputed fashion capital back then, remember!), I came across a lovely shop. In the window, was a truly remarkable sight: a display of exquisite ballerina costumes! They were not like your typical everyday tutus – more elaborate and with beautiful designs and fabrics. This truly gave me a taste of what ballet fashion was like in 1940. Imagine, intricate hand-stitching and gorgeous silk - such elegance!
The year 1940 was a truly transitional period for ballet fashion, it seems. I'm seeing the gradual shift away from the longer, fuller romantic tutus towards the slightly shorter, more fitted versions, making way for greater freedom of movement. That is, after all, what dancers are all about, isn’t it? A harmonious union of art and movement.
However, that isn’t to say that 1940 didn't have a good old-fashioned romantic tutu to admire. That very evening, I got to see a stunning performance at the Opéra Garnier. Let me tell you, there was nothing more breathtaking than seeing dancers floating across the stage in those cloud-like tutus. There was something magical about the way those tutus floated and moved, twirling in the light, making each leap and twirl so effortless.
And of course, no Parisian evening is complete without a good bit of shopping, don't you think? So, I just had to indulge myself in a little bit of fashion browsing, at one of the most famous shops in the world at that time: the Galeries Lafayette. They've certainly remained a shopping haven to this day! It’s full of so many charming boutiques with delightful clothes, handbags, and… you guessed it, TUTU HEAVEN!
I mean, where else would a pink-loving tutu enthusiast be but right in the heart of the Parisian fashion scene? This era was simply teeming with style icons, designers, and fashion houses at their creative peak! The French certainly knew their way around fashion, that’s for sure.
Just thinking back to that day brings back a wave of joy! The experience of being transported back in time, seeing such gorgeous fashion first-hand… well, it’s just too fabulous to put into words!
I’m starting to notice a pattern with these #TutuTuesday trips! I tend to be transported to exciting, culturally diverse destinations… just think, it all comes with being a time-traveling tutu enthusiast. Speaking of patterns… who doesn’t love a stripey tutu? It's just too fun and chic! Wouldn't you agree?
Speaking of fun, this July 30th, I spotted something that took my breath away! The "Fête des Fleurs", which literally translates to Flower Festival, was in full swing in the city. People gathered to admire all sorts of beautiful displays and celebrate everything that was blooming around them! Can you even imagine, the streets were practically exploding with color and flowers, like a magical fairytale. I have to say, the spirit of celebrating life with vibrant color, felt remarkably akin to a tutu enthusiast's heart!
And so, with my pockets bursting with gorgeous fabrics for my next fabulous creation, and a heart brimming with Parisian glamour, I’m heading back to Derbyshire, to begin designing my next totally unique pink tutu to wear! After all, if you’re going to travel back to the 1940s, you need to make a serious statement when you return to the 21st century.
Don't forget, ladies, you can find tons of fabulous inspiration for your own pink tutu adventures here on Pink-Tutu.com! And, of course, you can share your own tutu adventures with the world by using the #TutuTuesday hashtag across all social media.
Until next week, may your hearts always be as light as a feather, and your steps as graceful as a dancer's.
Until then, remember to embrace your inner ballerina and let the world know that you believe in the magic of a pink tutu!
Yours in sparkles, Emma x
