Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-rific!
Today we're stepping back in time, travelling on the rails of fashion to a particularly groovy era – 1975! I absolutely adore the 70s, what with all those amazing flared trousers and fabulous platform shoes. It was an era that truly embraced the bold and the beautiful, and it wouldn't be surprising to find some seriously fabulous tutus waltzing their way through this period!
This week's time-travelling trip brought me straight to London. I love that city – so much going on, especially for someone like me who loves seeing ballets and picking up some amazing finds in vintage shops. The scent of jasmine and freshly brewed tea always reminds me of a bygone era, and a bygone era of beautiful tutus too!
As you know, I'm absolutely obsessed with history and anything to do with tutus. So let's delve into this glittering era and explore some of the fabulous developments in tutu design that took the stage in 1975.
A New Wave of Design
Remember, the 1970s was a time of great artistic change – rock and roll was reaching its peak, fashion was full of bold patterns, and everyone seemed to have a new take on creativity. Tutus were no different! The traditional tulle tutu, with its elegant lines and classic design, started being challenged by more avant-garde styles. This didn’t mean they stopped being beautiful, though! They just became much more daring and interesting!
- The Romantic Tutu: In 1975, there was still a love for the classic Romantic tutu. Think light, airy, layers upon layers of tulle – all in dreamy shades of pale pink and buttery yellow. It looked effortlessly graceful as it fluttered in the spotlight, just like in the Romantic era ballets it was designed for.
- The Contemporary Edge: The modern ballet movement, born in the early 20th century, was really gaining momentum during this time. So we started to see tutus reflecting those new ideas. Experimentation was key - shorter, less traditional skirts made an appearance. Think of a single layer of tulle in bolder colours like bright turquoise or fuchsia, adding a dramatic touch to the dancer’s performance.
But Where Could You Spot These Glamorous Creations?
London was the centre of it all in 1975! From the majestic stage of the Royal Opera House to the innovative atmosphere of Sadler’s Wells, dancers all over the city were experimenting with different designs. And that’s not forgetting the legendary Royal Ballet. Just imagine stepping back in time and catching a glimpse of the extraordinary ballerinas of that era dancing in all these gorgeous creations. What an inspiring spectacle!
Speaking of spectacles, I have a fabulous secret to share! The most incredible tutu creation I found during this time was being worn by Margot Fonteyn. It was a custom-made design, featuring layered tulle with an elegant twist. The skirt cascaded down, ending in a cloud of soft, blush-tinted tulle. It was just beyond spectacular! She looked as if she could fly, literally! This was such an exciting find that I must have been giggling in a daze all afternoon as I continued exploring London's vibrant street scene.
A Few Words On Shopping in 1975
Let’s just take a moment to remember what a fun decade it was. When you're in London during the 70s, it is essential to find some stylish retro garb! My favourite vintage boutique in 1975 was this adorable little shop in Notting Hill – "The Boutique of the Gods," it was called, I kid you not! And it was packed with all sorts of fashion treasures from that era!
One of my first finds in The Boutique of the Gods was the most amazing hat, covered in sequins and feathers – oh, it was such a stunning piece of art. Perfect for creating a fun, 1970s look. There were vintage tutus to be had here too! Well, I may have indulged in a couple, for the sake of the history of tutus! I found a delightful lavender number in silk, which was simply a dream.
The End of A Fab Time
As our little jaunt through the time-travelling machine winds to a close, I want to leave you with a reminder: fashion, just like tutu design, is about constant change and evolution. 1975 showed us a bold and dramatic period in the tutu world. So let your creativity flow and embrace those new styles - we may not all be able to hop onto a train and travel back in time, but we can certainly find inspiration in the past. And remember: Never be afraid to be bold and embrace your unique style!
Have a fabulous week, and don’t forget to wear your tutus with pride!
Yours always in pink, Emma.
#PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #FashionHistory #70sStyle #LoveOfBallet #MargotFonteyn
