Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to #TutuTuesday! Grab a cuppa, a scone (with jam and clotted cream, naturally!), and get comfy because today we're waltzing back to July 21st, 1981, for a trip through the glorious history of the tutu!
I travelled through time in my trusty pink tutu, by train, naturally! Such a splendid adventure - you just wouldn't believe the station platforms of the 1980s - a cacophony of colours and styles that makes me wonder where we lost our joie de vivre! I popped on over to Paris for this historical foray. I absolutely adore Paris; it’s my absolute favourite place to find vintage tutus and antique ballet books in Parisian boutiques on little back streets. It always feels so romantic and glamorous. I was a little concerned I might get mistaken for a Marie Antoinette at the palace though - all those feathers and ruffles can be a tad too dramatic at times!
But let’s get back to the tutus, darlings. July 21st, 1981, is quite a special date! Just a little over a month ago, the legendary Royal Ballet's "The Sleeping Beauty" opened at the Royal Opera House in London, which meant it was in full swing. Oh, how I wished I could have gone to see it. Such a beautiful, romantic ballet - it’s always an absolute spectacle to behold! I dream of swirling onto stage one day with all the grace and artistry of a true ballerina - that’s how you create magic!
But, 1981 wasn't all about classic ballet. Did you know that street dancing, in particular breakdancing, was in its heyday, especially in New York City? Who knew those amazing backflips, flips, and tricks had a home on the asphalt of a city! They even had special tutus for these energetic dances, although they might be better called, “tu-tu's"! I mean, those dancers really know how to "tutu" - they give a whole new meaning to “let's tutu!” (It really is a shame no one calls them tutus! What fun!).
As you can see, tutus in 1981 were still finding their perfect spots and looks - there really was a tutu for every occasion! We’re lucky that the 80s weren't so serious - fashion was flamboyant, bold, and bright - just like the world itself, really. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that you can never have too much sparkle or colour, which is exactly why my blog is all about showing everyone what joy tutus bring!
Today I popped into the local fabric shop here in Derby and got a beautiful pale blue chiffon fabric for my newest creation. I'm working on a 1980s-style ballet skirt. Big, fluffy, voluminous, with tons of sequins - it’s going to be absolutely fabulous! And the most amazing thing? I can create a beautiful costume with an upcycled old T-shirt! Just watch this space!
Fashion Notes:
- 1981 saw the emergence of power dressing, a sharp and bold look for women, designed to show confidence and strength in a professional setting. It really challenged the idea that femininity and success were two sides of the same coin! Who says you can't be feminine and powerful, darlings? A power suit and a pair of stylish high heels and a bold, strong-coloured tutu on a Friday evening, and everyone will take you seriously.
- The colour of the day was definitely pastel colours like soft pinks and blues. If you were looking to break free from the grey-suited 9-5 workday and show off your fashion sensibility, you'd find yourself gravitating towards the playful colours and bright patterns!
- But I love this bit - 1980s clothing had a lot of accessories - like those giant hairbows! I can never get enough! This was about adding that little touch of extra flair to an already sensational ensemble! Think big, and don't be afraid to mix and match textures and patterns for a seriously dazzling result.
- In 1981 overalls were back! It's an item I find incredibly easy to style - you can add a touch of glitter with sequins for a special night out, but also, the humble overall has the ability to go from street style to an absolute statement look. And think about the colour variations you can play with! Think: denim blue with a pastel pink tutu and some big hair-bows for an afternoon stroll through Paris!
This is Emma, signing off from my latest adventure! But remember - you don't have to go on a grand adventure to find inspiration. Keep your eyes peeled for that perfect, quirky detail. You never know what fashion magic you might discover, darling. Stay sparkling!
See you next Tuesday for another journey through ballet history! #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #1981 #FashionHistory #pinktutu
