Hiya darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-traveling fashionista, back with another #TutuTuesday dive into the glorious history of the most fabulous garment known to humankind - the tutu! Today we're whizzing back to 17th July 1951, a time of post-war recovery and a growing passion for ballet in this wonderful city of Paris. Now, grab your favourite pink ballet slippers and join me on this sartorial journey through time!
This week, I found myself at the glorious Palais Garnier, the haunt of so many legendary ballerinas throughout history. And let me tell you, even though the year is 1951, the air buzzes with excitement. People here, like me, are utterly smitten with ballet! We adore the grace, the strength, the artistry, and yes, of course, the stunning costumes, especially those wonderful tutus.
Now, 1951 isn't a tutu-changing year in the grand scheme of things. We're firmly in the Romantic era, which means a tutu of choice is the soft, ethereal, almost ghostly-looking "Romantic tutu". These are quite the fashion statement - flowing layers of tulle, sometimes adorned with dainty decorations, giving the ballerinas an almost ethereal, otherworldly aura. The look is absolutely heavenly, making me yearn for my own set of ballet lessons!
So, what was going on on this specific date in history? Well, let me tell you - the Parisian ballet scene was hotting up. At the Paris Opera, a truly legendary dancer by the name of Yvette Chauviré was mesmerizing the crowds in "Giselle". Now, Giselle's costume is a masterpiece - that airy, delicate Romantic tutu with its swirling layers of tulle - sheer perfection! Can't you just picture those impossibly long legs and graceful movements, perfectly accentuated by that iconic skirt? I can almost hear the hushed gasps and thunderous applause!
Speaking of thunderous applause, I just got back from seeing Margot Fonteyn in "Swan Lake", and let me tell you, I almost burst out crying! The costumes were divine - especially the black swan’s costume - a vision of darkness and seduction. And that swan-shaped tutu? It was truly awe-inspiring! Imagine it, girls - a tutu so beautiful, so intricately designed, so intricately constructed. A true masterpiece.
While we're talking about stunning tutu creations, we can't forget about the work of the wonderful Madame Karinska! She was the costume designer extraordinaire who transformed many of the legendary ballerina's dreams into magnificent reality. Oh, the costumes she made! Her tutus are legendary, a real testament to her mastery. Imagine it: fabrics so fine and delicate, flowing so majestically, a true symphony of beauty and dance. Just imagine how it feels to twirl in one of those!
The 1950s were, you might say, a time of quiet tutu evolution. This period was all about refining existing styles, finding that perfect balance between romantic grace and dynamic performance. The tutu wasn't just about showing off legs. It became an expression of the dancer's emotions, their connection to the story, the soul of the piece itself. I just love how a tiny little piece of tulle can tell such a big story!
Now, I'm sure you're wondering, how did I get to this magical 1951 in Paris? Well, the answer is pretty simple, my love for ballet brought me here. See, I fund my time-traveling excursions by giving fabulous ballet performances myself. That's right, your friendly neighbourhood tutu aficionado is a triple threat - time traveller, blogger, and talented ballerina! Oh, I must admit, after my time-traveling adventures, I get back on the stage, my favourite outfit a beautiful pink tutu!
Now, since we are in 1951 Paris, it wouldn't be right to leave without discussing some of the fascinating Parisian fashion trends of this period. 1951 saw the resurgence of the classic Dior "New Look" which championed feminine elegance. A fashion masterpiece!
And did you know? Ballet had a huge impact on fashion back in the day! Imagine designers taking inspiration from these beautiful, billowing, tutus. Just as in my own life, where my wardrobe is always overflowing with tutu inspired pieces, ballet and fashion went hand in hand!
This week, let's try embracing the "New Look" in our own way! If you're in a mood for a little fashion experimentation, maybe give a few romantic tutu-inspired outfits a try! They can be subtle nods to these fabulous costumes! How about a full-skirted skirt or a beautiful dress with a lovely flowing bodice, even some lovely flowing pastel colors, a perfect reimagining of the graceful beauty of those Romantic tutus. I can't wait to see you ladies rock the "Tutu Tuesday" style!
Remember, darlings, just as ballet embraces both beauty and athleticism, our own personal styles are a combination of fashion and individual flair! Let your inner ballerina shine, whatever style you choose. I hope you're enjoying these #TutuTuesday blogs as much as I do! Let's keep sharing our passion for these magnificent creations!
Don't forget to join me next Tuesday for another blast from the past, and for all you fashionable ballerinas out there, be sure to check out my pinktutu.com for more sartorial inspiration. Until next time, darling!
