Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu-tastic! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for a little trip back in time to explore the wonderful history of the ballet tutu! I'm your guide, Emma, your ever-so-pink-obsessed tutu enthusiast, and today we're travelling to… 9th March 1943!
Now, 1943, for those of you new to my blog, was a rather difficult time, especially in Europe. But amidst the war, life went on! Ballet continued to entertain and inspire. And you know, I’m all about that positivity, so let’s celebrate the beauty of the tutu even during such a challenging era!
I must admit, it’s a bit different arriving by train this time, and there’s a real buzz in the air. You can tell things aren't exactly normal! We’re in Paris, darling! You know, the fashion capital of the world. My trusty travel agent has nabbed me a front row seat for a performance at the Paris Opera Ballet this very night. They’ve got Giselle on tonight – oh, I adore that one. It’s just pure ethereal beauty.
And it's not just the performance, you see! Paris, in the midst of all the challenges, still has its flair. I've been to the very elegant salons of Madeleine Vionnet. Imagine my delight! Imagine a tutu in a Vionnet gown – oh, the dreams! She has designed some utterly magnificent gowns for dancers. Now, imagine that for a gala at the Paris Opera! Talk about chic! A little something something I’ve jotted down in my notes, as always, for future inspiration.
I even picked up a few fabulous new pieces myself. And let’s be honest, what trip to Paris would be complete without a little sartorial exploration? I snagged a darling hat from Maison Charvet, an exquisitely embroidered handkerchief, a pair of shoes from the iconic Roger Vivier, and the most delightful pink scarf from Hermès, oh darling. Oh, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'm sporting my new pink scarf to the Opera tonight! It goes wonderfully with my current favourite tutu.
Speaking of the tutu! Oh, this is where I have to tell you a bit about tutus and the time period! So, darling, you know tutus had been around for a bit by this time. Remember, in the late 1800s the little dancer, Marie Taglioni, changed the game in her Romantic tutus with layers and layers of white tulle, all wispy and airy. But in the 1940s, dancers still often wore the kind of tutus that had those stiff layers, and those long romantic ones like what Taglioni had become quite popular with Giselle. But there were lots of new tutus and lots of fashion styles for ballerinas then, and these changes often coincided with the development of the corps de ballet, a bit like the ensemble of ballet, as opposed to the principal dancers. These tutus made the movement easier to choreograph for dancers dancing en masse, and looked beautiful en masse. Think elegant lines, darling, with simple elegance, a lovely balance between romance and sophistication. It was really quite exciting in the world of tutu fashion back then, just like it is now! I wonder if it will always be like that?
You see, dear, one of the reasons I travel through time is because each era seems to have something truly remarkable.
Speaking of remarkable! Did I tell you, I even spotted a darling ballet costume designer while I was in the beautiful Galleries Lafayette, it's so splendid! There was just a sense that a bright new era of tutu design was beginning to blossom!
I've got photos to post, but, oh, this was just so exciting, even the shop windows here were all about tulle, darling, but then of course you know they are always full of gorgeous clothes, right? Even for dancing! So, here we are, with a touch of history, a pinch of pink, and a whole lot of tutu. As always, my loves, I hope you enjoyed a little bit of this journey with me.
Until next #TutuTuesday, keep dancing your hearts out!
Remember, wear a pink tutu, stay stylish and never lose your sense of wonder! And oh, I nearly forgot to remind you, we have some new tutu patterns coming out this month, darling. Just check the website – www.pink-tutu.com
Keep shining,
Emma
XXX
*Remember, these entries are inspired by real history. This content is for entertainment and inspiration, and not necessarily factual or based on rigorous research. *
