Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time-travelling fashionista, ready to whisk you back to a fabulous decade. This week, we're hopping aboard the time machine and landing ourselves in the year 1981, smack-dab in the middle of the 80s!
Think leg warmers, shoulder pads, and oh, so much pink! And yes, ladies and gents, that includes tutus, of course. Now, as any self-respecting tutu aficionado knows, the history of this wonderful garment is long and tangled, with stories that could fill volumes. So buckle up, dear readers, because this Tutu Tuesday we’re diving headfirst into the tutu fashion scene of the early 80s!
Back to the Future - In a Tutu!
The 80s was a decade of dramatic fashion, bold colours and, yes, a little bit of craziness. I mean, remember those acid-wash jeans? The big hair? The power suits? Fashion was about expressing yourself, going all out, and embracing the flamboyance! And for a true tutu lover like me, that meant plenty of exciting tutu options.
Imagine a tutu – layered, voluminous, flowing – worn with a sleek black bodysuit and chunky platform heels, a dash of pink lipstick and voila! – instant, fabulous 80s ballerina chic!
Tutus on the Silver Screen:
Of course, ballet itself was thriving in 1981. The Royal Ballet, my absolute favourite, was in the middle of their magnificent season, performing some truly iconic pieces. And guess what? Tutus were absolutely everywhere! I managed to sneak into a performance of "Giselle," and let me tell you, those white romantic tutus were stunning, a delicate whisper against the dramatic story of a heartbroken peasant girl.
It was also the era of "The Turning Point," a critically acclaimed movie about the ballet world featuring an unforgettable tutu scene that still sends shivers down my spine. That film, my dears, really solidified the connection between the magic of ballet and the allure of the tutu.
Tutu Travels in 1981
While travelling around in my time machine is the only way to truly experience a bygone era, I've always adored a good old-fashioned train journey! So, in the spirit of 1981, I took the train from my home in Derbyshire all the way to London for a delightful little trip. And you know what? Even the trains were infused with a splash of 80s fashion. Bright pink seats! Neon pink compartments! It felt like a giant pink tutu, which was simply heavenly!
What's Hot in 1981?
To say 1981 was a bold time for fashion is an understatement. The biggest fashion icons: Princess Diana (who actually wore a ballet-inspired tutu on a few occasions, a true style inspiration!), Debbie Harry, and Blondie, all embraced the vibrant hues and theatrical silhouettes of the 80s, a definite win for the world of tutu appreciation.
1981 was a turning point for ballet – and fashion: A time of creativity, experimentation, and pure expression, all wrapped up in a beautiful bow of…well…you guessed it, a tutu. I can’t wait to explore what tutu treasures the 80s have in store for us in the weeks to come, and remember, darlings: Never be afraid to stand out. Always embrace the beauty of a well-worn tutu and, most importantly, never stop believing in the magic of a twirl!
Until next Tuesday, keep on twirling!
Your Time Travelling Tutu Princess,
Emma.
P.S: Remember to head over to www.pink-tutu.com and share your favorite 80s tutu fashion finds with me. Let’s make this a week filled with pink tutus and fabulousness!
