Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident Tutu Tuesday Time Traveller, and welcome back to my blog, www.pink-tutu.com! I'm back, and this time, I've whisked myself off to the twinkling Christmas season of 1946. It's cold here in New York City, but that hasn't stopped the Christmas spirit from spreading like magic. The streets are filled with sparkling lights, snow flurries, and carols that bring a lump to your throat, just like when I'm doing a really good pirouette.
Oh my, but the fashion! The wartime restrictions have eased, and the styles are starting to flow. Imagine all the fabulously wide-skirted gowns, perfect for twirling, paired with those chic boleros that add just the right touch of elegance. Oh, the possibilities for my tutu wardrobe!
Speaking of which, today, December 24th, 1946, a beautiful, twirly, full-skirted tulle gown designed by none other than the iconic Christian Dior made its debut at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. Oh la la! This marked a huge step for fashion, a post-war move toward femininity, grace, and well, all that beautiful "new look" which included wide skirts, cinched waists and flowing, airy elegance! Oh, and don't even get me started on those amazing Dior shoes, they are to die for! I just hope I have room in my suitcase for a couple of these creations.
This Christmas season of 1946 is abuzz with new ballet shows and performances. I even managed to catch the American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House performing the ever-so-elegant Swan Lake, and the ballet company, Ballet Theatre is set to present the debut performance of Fall River Legend. It’s a beautiful blend of dance and American storytelling! I might even be lucky enough to meet some of the famous ballerinas and choreographers – just imagine!
There are just so many ballet performances popping up everywhere; New York is such a magical hub for dancers! Even the Radio City Music Hall is showcasing the "Radio City Music Hall Rockettes" – just picture a dazzling army of leggy women kicking up their heels to fantastically choreographed routines. If I could travel with my ballet shoes, I’d be tempted to join them!
But alas, back to 1946… The whole world is coming together to enjoy some seasonal fun and ballet is at the centre of it. It’s simply divine.
I, however, am a little sad about one thing – finding my pink tutus! The fabric, design, and production of tulle has shifted in these days. I am yearning to go home, find my trusty sewing machine and get busy! Thankfully, I always carry some lovely fabrics and lace trims from my trusty Victorian suppliers – I'll use this visit as a bit of inspiration for my latest Tutu Tuesdays collection. I can already picture it – a line of vintage-inspired tutus! Imagine the elegance! Oh, the possibilities!
I’m absolutely buzzing with the energy of 1946, and so, for this week’s Tutu Tuesday, I have created a brand-new, dazzling pink tulle ensemble, a vibrant celebration of the time, with a little bit of classic vintage flair! I'm dreaming of creating an iconic ballerina silhouette from the 40s using pink tulle. I bet even Christian Dior would approve!
Before I go, let’s take a look at this amazing 1946 timeline of inspiration and brilliance.
December 1946:2nd - 29th: The Swan Lake production featuring the talents of Alicia Markova is on full swing at The Metropolitan Opera House, New York, a testament to how influential ballet was back then! Just wait till I see this performance! It’ll inspire my tutu outfit, I can feel it.
24th: Dior’s groundbreaking design, the “New Look”, graced the stage, marking the beginning of an exciting change in fashion! Just imagine the twirls! Oh, what a delight to witness!
25th: Christmas! A magical time for sharing happiness, gifts, and of course, an excuse for fabulous outfits! I've bought some beautiful satin bows and matching tulle to create a new sparkly holiday outfit!
29th: This date holds another great reason to celebrate – the iconic dancer, Anna Pavlova, an absolute icon, received her memorial at a performance in London, giving the whole world a chance to appreciate her graceful and iconic artistry! Imagine the impact this woman had on dance! I bet she loved pink tutus!
So, there you have it, my little ballerinas. Another whirlwind through time! Remember, there is nothing like a pretty pink tutu to add a touch of magic to any day. And until next time, twirl those tutus!
Emma XO
P.S. I can’t forget my trip on the Orient Express. I rode it on my journey here! You’ve never travelled in such a comfortable style. I’m a little sad to leave it in New York and find the station in London again to come home. It’s like my ballet school for tutus, this amazing, stylish train carriage where I create my pink, sparkling tutus for the whole world.
