Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, fresh from a twirling adventure in 1947, back in my trusty time machine after a glorious week. Oh, my dear ones, the past is truly a treasure trove of amazing fashion inspiration, especially when it comes to those heavenly tutus!
This week's #TutuTuesday is all about a very special date: July 29th, 1947, a day etched in the hearts (and tutus) of all true ballet lovers! It was the day the legendary Margot Fonteyn danced in a groundbreaking ballet that took the world by storm: "The Tales of Hoffman."
My journey to the year 1947 started in my little cottage in the beautiful Peak District of Derbyshire. Packing a little picnic basket and a copy of "The Nutcracker," I slipped on my pink, sparkly tutu and headed to the station. I just love those long, red, vintage railway carriages that look straight out of a Jane Austen novel! It feels as if the world slows down to a gentle waltz rhythm while you watch the countryside whizz past your window.
It only took a moment to jump into my very own pink-hued, tutu-powered time machine – one flick of my ballet slipper, and voilà, I was back in 1947, in London, home of the greatest ballet shows in the world!
Now, picture this: London was abuzz, filled with excitement and the chatter of fashionable ladies! There were beautiful gowns, pencil skirts, stylish hats, and even a little hint of that 1950s new look in the air. Oh, my, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the new season's frocks and those fabulous pillbox hats. There is something just utterly charming about the way women used to dress! It was like they were putting on a play every time they left the house.
My first stop had to be The Royal Opera House, a stunning theatre where the magic of dance was born. Can you believe that tutus were just getting started back then? They weren't the billowing, swirling marvels they are today, more like the delicate tutus the Ballerinas of the Imperial Ballet wore back in the 18th and 19th century, if you know what I mean. The romantic ballet movement really put tutus in the spotlight. The delicate, ethereal tutus in those days were more like the ballet equivalent of the dainty little gowns you saw at every fancy ball.
Then I found out about a special performance that evening. It was called "The Tales of Hoffman," starring the brilliant Margot Fonteyn. As if a mystical ballet fairy whispered into my ear, I felt the magic of the story! "The Tales of Hoffman," based on Offenbach's operetta, tells the story of a young man who falls in love with several beautiful women, each one with a different character! Imagine how wonderful it was! Ballet was evolving, changing with the times!
I could see why the crowds were so eager. You could hear their excited gasps, their awestruck whispers, and see their amazed faces. And there she was – the incredible Margot Fonteyn, in a dress inspired by the most elegant Parisian styles! I gasped too! Her tutu was just stunning – pale blue, the same color as her ballet slippers! But this was a different tutu – not the traditional Romantic-era ones with delicate ruffles. No! This was modern!
It wasn't too large, just flowing gently and creating a wonderful, whimsical aura around her every movement. This was the kind of tutu that turned heads, the kind of tutu that became a classic!
And when Fonteyn danced? My, my! She soared! She flew through the air with such grace, and each leap seemed to defy gravity. She was a perfect fairy creature dancing on clouds. You felt that magic right down to your very toes!
After the performance, I knew I had to go find myself a new pink tutu! I am always on the lookout for something to bring a little sparkle to life, especially if it comes with a dose of history! So off I went to London's famous shops, just bursting with beautiful, inspiring, and unique finds!
There was this incredible haberdashery on Bond Street that held a collection of the most stunning fabrics. Silk, satin, lace - they had it all! I was in my happy place, lost in a world of patterns and textures! It was enough to inspire even the most modest seamstress!
Imagine all the tutus I could design from these luxurious fabrics! You can never have too much pink! I saw the most wonderful tulle - pink, of course, with a hint of shimmer! And the fabric for the lining! So, so soft! Just the thing for a special evening outfit.
You know, this journey has got me thinking. Just like that spectacular tutu on Margot Fonteyn, tutus today have evolved, too! They have a story to tell about the times they were worn in. I love seeing how styles change and become fashion trends throughout history!
As you read this, darling darlings, know that each of our little pink tutus is a story waiting to be told. So, put on your own favorite pink tutu and remember that there’s no such thing as a wrong way to wear it. You can go as glamorous or as casual as your little heart desires.
Until next Tuesday, don’t forget to be bold, to embrace your love for everything pink and fabulous.
Stay pink, darling darlings,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
