Hello my darling dears! Emma here, back from a jaunt through the exciting, stylish world of 1958! Oh, the glamour! The fashion! And the tutus! Just imagine, my darlings, a time when ballet was a spectacle, a thing of elegance and magic. Let's go back to that golden age, shall we? Grab your teacup and let's delve into some tutu history together!
It's always a treat to hop on the train to Paris – a city of love, lights, and yes, breathtaking ballets! It's like a scene straight out of a ballet itself, bustling with life and romance. My dear, the first stop for a ballet fanatic like me was the Paris Opera Ballet, naturally. Imagine, a performance of "Giselle," a masterpiece! I'm practically levitating just thinking about it! Those costumes, darling, with their layered, diaphanous tutus!
Imagine yourself swirling and pirouetting on a Parisian stage, adorned in such beauty. And, for a quick outfit change (always vital, isn’t it, my lovelies?) a stunning ball gown made of silk, its skirts billowing with every move, creating a truly magnificent vision. It’s all about creating that air of ethereal beauty, isn’t it? A delicate femininity with a sprinkle of magic.
And, darling, how could we talk about 1958 without acknowledging the most fabulous trend of the day: the full, full skirt! Think of the "New Look" that captivated the world, its beautiful and graceful silhouette! That lovely shape? It’s so inspiring for tutus! Think about it, all that billowing fabric flowing like a graceful dance. So enchanting! I love seeing how fashion echoes and influences ballet and vice versa – it's like a continuous dance!
This week, however, my trip wasn’t all about ballet and tutus. In fact, August 19th is a significant date for two reasons that are actually quite entwined. Firstly, it's the anniversary of a groundbreaking film that, to my absolute delight, actually features a tutu! Yes, the magnificent "Gigi," starring Louis Jourdan and Leslie Caron. Just imagine, a ballet scene in the film itself! The movie is filled with romanticism and beautiful costumes. This gorgeous cinematic gem really is the embodiment of that chic and elegant Parisian style. It's definitely inspiring my current ballerina fashion obsession. And if a tutu makes it into a mainstream Hollywood movie, that means it’s totally trending!
And as if the beautiful ballet references and beautiful tutus in “Gigi” wasn't enough, my darling, I'm positively giddy because August 19th in 1958 is the date of a momentous fashion event that literally set the style world ablaze! drumroll please
… The opening of a department store called “Printemps"! This elegant, opulent, stunning retail paradise was a fashion mecca. Think Parisian elegance mixed with the allure of American trends! And my darlings, where does a time-travelling ballerina like me head first? You guessed it, straight to the shoe department! It's like stepping into a fairyland of beautiful footwear, from graceful flats to impossibly chic stilettos.
After an entire day lost in the glorious halls of Printemps, it was back to the railway station, with a brand-new pink tutu, naturally, for a wonderful journey home! It’s true, darlings, time travelling is an art form – a beautiful combination of preparation, fashion, and of course, a whole lot of love for pink tutus!
I'll see you all next week, darling dears, for another fascinating trip through tutu history! Don't forget to share your favourite tutu looks and travel memories on www.pink-tutu.com !
Yours always in tulle, Emma
