Hello darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu aficionado, back again with another delve into the fascinating history of the most beautiful piece of attire ever invented (that's right, I'm talking about the tutu, of course!).
This Tuesday takes us back to 27th July 1971. Can you imagine, my dears? No internet, no mobile phones, just a world bursting with exciting new ideas and burgeoning fashion trends. A time where tutus were really coming into their own, blossoming as a symbol of both grace and fun.
I travelled back in time via a rather grand and rather charming train journey, taking in the beautiful countryside along the way. The steam engine chugged and puffed its way through meadows where fluffy lambs frolicked, and as I settled into my plush seat with a cuppa, I already felt a wave of anticipation wash over me. This was the day I'd get to see how tutu fashion was being embraced in 1971!
As soon as I arrived, the first thing I noticed was the energy and vibrant atmosphere! The world was bubbling over with colour and exciting fashion choices, and of course, the ever-stylish tutu was very much a part of this glorious era. I spotted some wonderful tutus at a fantastic little shop tucked away in a hidden courtyard. They were just a little more full-bodied than some of the modern designs I see today, creating the perfect swirling, fairy tale image that would transport any girl to a land of make-believe!
A truly unforgettable memory of this journey was when I found myself caught in the middle of a beautiful, lively, open-air ballet performance. The dancers swirled, jumped, and pirouetted under the glorious summer sun. And as the music swelled, a wave of emotion passed over the audience. I swear I saw tears glistening in some eyes - such passion and love for the dance!
In the 70s, ballet was starting to make a huge impact on popular culture. The elegance and movement captured the imagination, and even non-dancers started to see tutus as symbols of femininity, creativity, and just plain joy! I even spotted a group of ladies getting ready for a picnic wearing brightly coloured skirts, which almost seemed inspired by tutu designs! They told me with a twinkle in their eye, they’d seen their very own little girl twirling around the kitchen in a tutu earlier that day. And of course, they simply had to make sure their picnic outfits had that delightful, playful spirit.
But tutus were no longer just about performance! I found these magical outfits worn at dances, galas, and even at social gatherings. It was as if the public realised the power and potential of the tutu, not as just a garment but as a tool of expression, of playful whimsy, of creating moments of pure joy!
In fact, you wouldn't believe it, my dears, but on 27th July 1971, there was an incredible fashion show that really shook things up. Held at a glamorous venue in London, the event saw a young and daring designer debuting a collection inspired by the freedom and beauty of ballet. She incorporated these airy, feminine tutu shapes into all sorts of creations - even a dress with a layered tulle skirt that had a hint of playful whimsy to it! The world watched in awe as models graced the runway in creations that looked like they had come straight out of a fairy tale. It was pure magic, my dears!
So, here I am, back in my own time, my mind still swirling with excitement and memories of that glorious trip back to 1971!
Of course, one cannot mention 1971 without giving a nod to the iconic ballet “The Nutcracker,” which has its roots firmly embedded in this time period. What a magnificent journey, exploring a world of enchantment and elegant artistry! And the most fabulous thing of all is, it seems even in those bygone days, people realised that a tutu has the power to bring a touch of magic to any day!
Remember darlings, embrace your inner ballerina, find your own unique flair, and spread a little bit of tutu magic to everyone you meet!
Now off I go, to prepare for another wonderful adventure in time - perhaps to see how tutus graced the stage in 1871! Stay tuned and until next Tuesday, stay sparkly and remember... #TutuTuesday never ends! 💖
Lots of love,
Emma
