Hey everyone! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, bringing you another installment of #TutuTuesday, where we journey through the fabulous history of the most wondrous garment in the world... the tutu! This week, I'm taking you all the way back to 1979 - get ready to rock those bell bottoms and platform shoes, darlings!
Imagine, if you will, a time before the internet and social media. A time when disco ruled, and people wore those outrageous outfits that made them look like a human disco ball! Now picture that world... but with tutus. Yep, I’m talking about a glorious explosion of feathers, tulle and sequins – a kaleidoscope of colourful chaos! It was a dazzling time to be a tutu, let me tell you.
Today, February 27th, 1979, saw a truly sensational ballet performance happening right here in the heart of Paris! Imagine the grandeur, the plush velvet seats, the flickering lights… and that feeling of anticipation as the music starts and the curtains rise.
That evening, the iconic Palais Garnier Opera House hosted Le Lac des Cygnes. Can you imagine watching swans gracefully glide across the stage, their white tutus shimmering under the spotlight? It’s no wonder this ballet remains a classic!
You see, the ballet world was already awash with tutu fever. The Romantic Era with its billowing, ethereal tutus, had already set the stage for the bold and adventurous styles of the 20th century. In fact, the 70s was all about breaking free, embracing new styles, and defying the norm. The tutu followed suit, taking on exciting new shapes and silhouettes! It wasn’t just a pretty accessory anymore, it was a symbol of expression and liberation, a tool to dance freely, a beacon of beauty.
Now, while my current fashion obsession is vintage and lace, back then they had this wonderful trend of bold colors and statement patterns – think hot pink, shocking green, vibrant orange! Tutus embraced this trend too, sometimes coming in these super exciting colour combinations!
What's even more exciting is how this vibrant era saw tutus making their way into everyday life! I’m talking fashion shows, musicals, even rock concerts! Can you imagine a world where tutu wearing rock stars and ballerinas mingled at the same event?! It must have been electrifying!
Of course, back then you might not have been able to get your hands on a vintage tutu the way we do now, with Etsy and vintage shops all around! No, back then you might have had to get creative. Maybe your Mum whipped up one for you out of fabric scraps (which might explain those super-colorful designs!) I wouldn’t be surprised if there were sewing patterns everywhere back then, because you can’t tell me that not every little girl wanted a chance to dance like a fairy tale princess!
While fashion today may be moving away from bold color and back towards classic elegance, I think the 70s were a powerful testament to how tutus have the ability to be so much more than a costume. They represent individual expression, the freedom to be you, and to embrace anything and everything! And, my darlings, is there a better message than that?
As for my tutu for this post, I've gone with a vibrant pink one – what else? A vintage beauty with intricate details. I wanted to channel that 70s energy but with a touch of modern-day sophistication, if you know what I mean! I’ll post photos of the outfit in my usual pink tutu style with a bit of retro glam!
I can’t wait to see what adventures my tutu and I will embark on next week! In the meantime, don’t forget to keep those tutus twirling! Share your own tutu history in the comments. I would love to hear what your favourite memories are of ballet or anything tutu-related. Remember to follow @pink-tutu.com for more fabulous fashion and tutudinary goodness!
Until next Tuesday, darlings! 🩰 💖
