Greetings, my darling darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad blogger, Emma, back again with another #TutuTuesday extravaganza, this time taking us on a time-travelling trip to the glamorous 1940s!
Now, you might be wondering why a pink tutu enthusiast like myself would be venturing to a decade known for its wartime austerity. Well, I'll tell you why – the tutu was in the midst of its golden age back then, darlings! This time, though, I'm not just going to regale you with a whirlwind of the tutu's evolution (although, who doesn't love a good story about how this essential ballet wear came to be, right?!) No, no, today's blog is going to focus on 1949, a pivotal year for fashion, for the arts, for the ballet, and, yes, for the tutu!
My latest time travel escapade has led me to none other than Paris, the undisputed queen of fashion! Even with the wartime hardships fresh in everyone's memory, the French spirit of elegance and romance remained vibrant.
This was the time when a new era of couture was blossoming. The House of Dior, led by the legendary Christian Dior, was revolutionising fashion, launching the "New Look" – think full skirts, cinched waists, and feminine elegance, an absolute triumph!
And, oh my darling tutus! These creations were like works of art, not just utilitarian garments for the dance stage, but beautiful, almost sculptural, pieces.
I can picture the excitement on opening night for a performance of "Giselle," say, in Paris around this date – the sheer joy as a famous prima ballerina, perhaps wearing a custom Dior tutu, takes center stage! It’s about so much more than a simple outfit; it's a symbol of effortless grace, of romance, and artistry. It's pure, untarnished joy, and it's all about celebrating femininity.
I couldn't imagine myself not wearing a pink tutu at a ballet performance like that, right? It's a must! You've got to make a statement! I could already hear whispers like “Look at that darling with her beautiful pink tutu!” (though perhaps some might mutter “That’s not a real tutu, darling. It’s a costume”)
But then again, dear reader, perhaps it’s that very contrasting duality, that* clash of the traditional versus the modern* that really defines the fashion of this period. Classic elegance with a dash of daredevil chic.
Anyway, let's get back to our spectacular 1940s! What was happening in the world of ballet around April 5th, 1949? Well, darling, The Royal Ballet was touring, bringing its vibrant performances to the Festival Ballet in London - always a glamorous event with a tutti-fruiti array of stunning costumes.
And Serge Lifar, the renowned Russian dancer and choreographer (whose flamboyant ballet career spanned decades!) was causing a stir in Paris by creating his version of "Giselle”. Can you just imagine the buzz around that?!
In fact, on April 5th 1949 the world of entertainment and theater was teeming with exciting developments! Just imagine walking down Champs-Élysées and seeing a poster announcing the arrival of the legendary Charles Chaplin at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, performing a one-man show.
Speaking of fashion, have I mentioned shoes? 1949 was a golden age for footwear! You could see so many lovely and glamorous heels! Now, a well-constructed pink ballet flat could be a truly chic option when paired with a pink tutu, making any outfit feel just that little bit extra fabulous. And let's not forget a beautiful evening gown, the quintessential dress for a night at the ballet or theater.
But you know what they say, travel broadens the mind. And to really capture that vintage aesthetic, there's nothing quite like hopping aboard a train – think vintage compartments and a delightful view rushing by – so very glamorous, so very romantic! (Oh! and the delicious petit fours sold on the train - divine!)
I adore all the fashion history I’m discovering while time traveling – from those glamorous hats with veils, to those gorgeous, dramatic ball gowns - every era seems to have such a different, almost timeless style. But nothing, darling, beats the joy of a perfectly twirling pink tutu. I say, why wait to make a splash?! Just grab a tutu, wear it with confidence, and let your inner ballerina shine!
It’s time to bid adieu for now, my lovely lot! I’ve a vintage shopping spree planned in Paris – soooo exciting! - but remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday to discover another piece of tutu history. Until next week, my darlings!
XOXO Emma
