Hello, my darling dears! It's Emma here, your resident Tutu Trendsetter, ready to whisk you away on a delightful journey back in time to 1952. I've always been fascinated by fashion's evolution, especially when it comes to those whimsical, floaty wonders we call tutus. Today's #TutuTuesday is going to be extra special because we're taking a trip back to a decade bursting with charm, elegance and yes, even some delightful tutus!
Remember my last blog about those absolutely stunning costumes worn by the ballerinas of the Ballets Russes? You just have to check it out if you haven't already, darling! Today, though, we're focusing on 1952 - a year where tutus were not just on the stage, but slowly seeping into the wardrobes of fashion-forward women, giving everyone a chance to feel like a graceful ballerina!
Now, imagine yourself stepping out onto a crisp London morning, sunshine dancing on your pink tutu as you hop onto the train, ready for a spot of ballet practice at the Royal Opera House. I have a soft spot for the Royal Opera House; the glamour, the lights, the energy… pure magic! It’s been a while since I was in 1952, and frankly, a pink tutu might raise a few eyebrows if I showed up at the Royal Opera House in my time-traveling ensemble! Thankfully, in those days, the trains were absolutely bursting with stylish ladies all wearing a variety of colourful outfits and hats! How I love the fashion of the 50s.
Let’s jump right into what was happening in the ballet world in April 1952, shall we? A couple of weeks prior to the first of April, we were graced with a magical performance by Margot Fonteyn - an absolute icon! This talented ballerina was a true trendsetter and one of the biggest ballet stars at the time, and it’s no surprise that her captivating performances ignited a passion for dance throughout England and beyond!
Speaking of captivating performances, did you know that April 1st is traditionally considered a day to pull a playful trick on someone? This was the perfect excuse to tease some of my fellow tutu-loving friends. One morning, I surprised a group of ballerinas in my pink tutu, as they practised their steps in Covent Garden. Let's just say they gasped and I nearly lost my head, but as soon as I gave them a dazzling smile, they laughed it off. They said, "Darling, you had us for a moment!". It was so much fun. We couldn’t help but giggle, which reminded us all of why we do this. To spread joy!
Back to the fashion, shall we? Tutues weren’t only for professional ballerinas, you see. Think of stylish women sporting a touch of that ballerina charm. The fifties had those beautiful full circle skirts. Oh! How I love the swish of those! There’s just something about those dramatic movements that bring me pure joy! They became so iconic - a beautiful silhouette. You know, it wasn't all about formal wear either. You’d spot playful tutus worn for casual dancing and tea parties - so chic!
Imagine a bustling street in Derbyshire, England - my home county! - where the sun beams down on the rows of brick terraced houses, making them shimmer like sparkling gems. You can almost smell the sweet aroma of warm apple pie as you hear the chatter of ladies out shopping. A little further down the street, you’d see a group of young ladies dressed in beautiful skirts, gathering around a lovely tea party. Just delightful! We all yearn to feel graceful, free and playful. This desire for elegance is what made the tutu so universally adored! Don’t you think?
I could gush about these fabulous 1950s tutus all day long, darlings. This beautiful decade in time offered so many charming and iconic looks, each reminding us to embrace our feminine elegance, our love for dance, and most of all, to simply enjoy a wonderful bit of life's theatricality, don’t you think? And what’s the best way to embrace this? A beautiful pink tutu! What could be more fitting than embracing that beautiful feminine grace in the softest, loveliest colour we all adore! It makes me smile from ear to ear.
Now, how about we head off for some more tea and fashion shopping. Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more fabulous history, inspiration, and stories on your favorite tutus, dearies! Until next week's #TutuTuesday, keep spreading that graceful, stylish energy with your love for everything pink!
Yours in elegance and tutus,
Emma x
