Bonjour mes amies! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another trip through the swirling history of the tutu! This week, I've hopped aboard the Orient Express (you wouldn't believe how much easier it is to travel with a tutu when you have a magical, time-bending suitcase!) and found myself in Paris, France! Oh la la, what a glorious city!
Now, March 9th, 1965 – the world was buzzing with excitement. Beatlemania was reaching fever pitch, the mini skirt was all the rage, and fashion was about to be shaken up by a young woman named Mary Quant (though, I still maintain a proper tutu will always be a true statement piece). Here in Paris, ballet was still enjoying its peak popularity, and that's exactly where I found myself, nestled into a plush seat at the Palais Garnier – oh, the glamour!
The ballet? "Giselle", of course! A timeless masterpiece, Giselle has captivated audiences for nearly 150 years, and even in 1965, it was still an enchanting and poignant tale. And you know me, I absolutely love a good story! The tragedy, the romance, the sheer artistry of it all. And don't even get me started on the tutus! We're talking delicate, gauzy layers of tulle, flowing beautifully as the dancers soar across the stage. Just stunning!
Of course, my real mission is to find out more about the tutus of this era. And I wasn't disappointed! The 1960s were a time of experimentation in ballet. While the traditional "Romantic" tutu, made with many layers of tulle that created a billowing, almost ethereal shape, remained a favourite, designers were experimenting with new shapes and styles, often integrating new materials and patterns. The "Giselle" we saw had a very classical feel, but you could definitely sense that change was afoot!
After the ballet, I naturally couldn't resist a trip to the shops on the Champs-Élysées! Imagine my delight to find that several haute couture houses were beginning to offer their own interpretations of the tutu. From playful, colourful tutus to be worn with everyday attire (the fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent actually presented an elegant black and white tutu in 1965) to elaborate creations inspired by famous ballet pieces, tutus were finding their way out of the studio and into the mainstream. I almost snapped up a couple of chic tutus myself – I'm a huge fan of black and white and anything that can make me look as graceful as a dancer.
Speaking of dance, a walk through the streets of Paris that night, was an enchanting ballet of its own. Elegant Parisian women strutted their stuff in stylish outfits with that unmistakeable Parisian flair (they had the tutu thing figured out long ago!), and street musicians filled the air with their melodic tunes. It was a night of pure magic and joy, the perfect backdrop for a tutu enthusiast like myself!
As I tuck myself into bed in a quaint little Parisian hotel room (I swear I heard a tiny mouse trying to wear a tiny, pink tutu), I'm reminded that the tutu is truly a universal symbol of grace, beauty and elegance. And whether you're a ballerina on the grand stage or simply a tutu-loving adventurer like myself, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of the tutu and dance through life with confidence, style, and a whole lot of pink!
Stay fabulous,
Emma
P.S. If you're ever in Paris, a visit to the Palais Garnier is a must! You can even take a guided tour and get a glimpse into the history of the world-renowned Opera Garnier. But watch out, the ghosts are rumoured to be just as stylish as the living visitors!
P.P.S You can find out more about "Giselle" on our website! We'll also be adding more to our collection of tutu photos and stories, so keep an eye out! #PinkTutuLife!
(Website: www.pink-tutu.com)
