Hello darling Tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, here, back with another blast from the past for your #TutuTuesday.
This week we're travelling back in time to a fabulously glamorous 5th of January 1982, the day after the Twelfth Night, remember, when we can officially take down our Christmas decorations. Such a momentous day in the life of a tutu-lover, the day you finally get to say goodbye to those sparkly tinsel angels! Now, let's jump into our time-traveling tutu-mobile (trust me, it's fabulous) and see what kind of ballet fashions are trending for a winter's day in 1982, because that's what tutu history is all about, darlings!
Before we set off, let's check the weather forecast. Apparently, there was frost this morning across the country, so the chill is definitely on. The kind of cold that begs for an elegant warm coat to complete the tutu-ensemble. Remember that we are travelling to the heart of the tutu-world, the place where ballet really comes alive, which you all know, is, of course, Paris.
Today we are heading to the Palais Garnier opera house, home to the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet, to catch a performance of the much-loved "Swan Lake". The Parisian tutu styles for winter are decidedly practical. It's all about layered elegance, with tights, warm under-skirts and snug knit cardies adding a touch of sophisticated cosiness to the look. In fact, did you know that the ballet dancers in the "Swan Lake" are actually wearing a specific "Swan Lake" tutu? It’s the ultimate classic - soft white, layered with feathers. I mean, how stylish!
Of course, we can't forget about the glorious stage costumes themselves! The costumes for the 1982 performance of "Swan Lake" were absolutely exquisite. A veritable tutu masterpiece. The dancers wore flowing tutus adorned with beautiful tulle ruffles, just imagine the swish of them when they dance! I would love to "tutu-ify" a 1980s swan look today with an array of stunning feather and tulle designs, but in those days, feathers were often dyed, a process that was pretty damaging to the feather itself. I remember in 1984 they tried using dyed black swan feathers for the Black Swan. It was quite the spectacle but sadly a little rough looking in hindsight.
Now, it wouldn't be #TutuTuesday without a dash of Parisian shopping, right? So, we'll head down to the charming little streets of the Marche des Puces, the famous Paris flea market. Who knows what tutu-fabulous vintage finds we'll uncover?
But before we tutu-twirl into that exciting new world, I have to share some insider news about the big buzz in the world of fashion. In the UK, there’s a hot trend happening right now, darling! They're called Leg warmers. These cozy leg-hugging accessories come in so many fun colours and patterns, it's no surprise they're becoming a favourite among young ballet enthusiasts everywhere, especially for off-stage fashion!
While they don't quite fit into our traditional ballet tutus, leg warmers definitely represent a fabulous nod to the comfy, cozy, and oh-so-chic vibe of the early '80s, reminding me of the warm embrace of a tutu on a cold winters’ day! They're so versatile and perfect for wearing while you’re getting ready backstage, to keep your legs warm before a performance. Just imagine, a vibrant pink pair worn with a pale pink tutu. Chic and stylish. They go beautifully with the whole, ballet street style vibe and I know you all just love that, because, well, who doesn't love street style with a bit of Parisian flair!
Ok, I can't leave you hanging - off I go to explore those Marche des Puces boutiques to find those must-have pieces! Until next #TutuTuesday, keep those tutus twirling! Don't forget to share your vintage finds on social media. #PinkTutuHistory, #BalletFashion, #TutuLove.
Stay Tutu-ful!
Emma, out!
