Hello darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com and another glorious #TutuTuesday. I’m your host, Emma, straight from Derbyshire with a time-traveling suitcase packed full of pink tutus (and the occasional velvet dress…don’t tell my granny!). This week, I'm whiskying us back to June 6th, 1978 to explore the world of tutus just a wee bit before the dawn of the 80s!
Now, let’s imagine ourselves stepping off the train in London – a city that is practically synonymous with tutus, if you ask me. The streets are a kaleidoscope of colour, and the air vibrates with the beat of disco and the scent of freshly-baked pastries. Everyone is out and about, from elegant ladies sporting smart suits, to the cheeky boys in their latest fashions. And me, well, I'm strutting around in my glorious, fluffy pink tutu, causing a stir in a city where pink is almost always chic. 😉
I wouldn’t be here in London on this particular day, of course, if it wasn’t for a certain magnificent ballet performance happening in the majestic Covent Garden. I just had to be there. Oh, how I wish I had my video camera - you wouldn’t believe the glamorous dancers gracing the stage with their impeccable technique and stunning artistry! The energy in the theatre was electric! And talking about electrifying, let’s have a little look at what our world was all about in those 70s days:
The Tutus of 1978: From Classical to Modern
The classical tutus, beloved for their voluminous skirts and flowing beauty, were still very much a key part of the scene. These beautiful tulle wonders were creating a captivating silhouette – think ‘Swan Lake’, ‘Giselle’, and ‘Sleeping Beauty’, all those romantic ballet classics. However, in the 1970s, we were also starting to see some modern tutus pushing the boundaries!
There was this wonderful modern choreographer called Twyla Tharp who loved pairing these classical tutus with exciting, cutting-edge choreography, almost as if they were challenging the classic notions of what a tutu could be. There was also a really innovative American choreographer called Alvin Ailey, whose dancers wore beautiful costumes, and often, some pretty spectacular tutus.
Speaking of tutus that make a statement… let's talk color! Imagine tutus in shades of rich emerald green, sunshine yellow, and even a little bit of blue! This bold color explosion really resonated with the time’s artistic trends – and of course, every pink tutu was making a grand entrance with a captivating charm. I might have even caught a few girls on the street sporting these vibrant tutu styles – you never know when you’ll be blessed with the sight of a pink-tutu wearing princess walking by, don’t you?
Tuturising Your 1978 Style: Some Inspiration from My Travels!
This might sound a bit cheeky, but we should never take ourselves too seriously when it comes to our love for tutus. That's why I’m all for a good dash of inspiration from fashion! You’re likely to find me at the finest stores in London and Paris scooping up some amazing outfits and accessories, and I know, for a fact, there’s plenty of vintage stores here!
**If you’re keen to add a bit of tutu magic to your own wardrobe, remember - it's all about a bit of creative play. Pair a bold colour with a crisp white shirt, add a statement belt or necklace to tie the look together and…bam! You're channelling a beautiful mix of 1970s style and modern flair, and all with a sprinkle of tutu charm.
Here’s how we can tutu-ise those classic 1970s looks:
- The bell bottom: Think dramatic, full skirts - the perfect way to show off the gorgeous tulle of your favourite pink tutu! A wide belt will give your figure the most gorgeous silhouette. And when paired with platform shoes, it's guaranteed to create that wonderful retro flair.
- The disco shirt: Think metallic shimmer and a playful design! A glittery disco shirt can be dressed up with a graceful tutu, making a fabulous mix of edgy glamour.
- The chunky knit sweater: These super-soft knitters look stunning with a floaty, billowy tutu, and are ideal for cooler evenings, allowing you to feel comfortable and fabulously styled, even on those nights out in the city!
**Always remember, you’re not only expressing your personality through your tutus - you're writing your own chapter of tutu history, dear ones!
See, tutus are so versatile - they add a touch of whimsy to everything. Now, excuse me whilst I twirl on out and continue exploring this fantastic decade! Remember, follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook - I’m posting up a storm on every platform about my latest finds. And if you haven't yet done so, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, because I have some big, bold tutu surprises coming your way soon. Don't forget to show off your style - hashtag your #TutuTuesday photos with #pinktutu, so I can find you and admire your fabulous creativity! 💖
* Until next time, darlings. And remember – a life without tutus is no life at all! *
