Hello my darlings! It's Tuesday, and that means it's time for another whirl through the whimsical world of the tutu! 🩰
This week, my time-traveling pointe shoes have taken me back to 25th September 1984. Imagine a time without TikTok, Instagram, or even mobile phones! (Although, my fellow vintage fashion enthusiasts will remember that this was a truly fabulous time for a telephone in a bright pink case!). The world was a little simpler, but fashion was just as vibrant!
As you know, dear readers, I've always said a good tutu can transport you anywhere! This week, we're heading to London, the heart of ballet and fashion! There was a special performance at the Royal Opera House this very day, a double bill of “Manon” by Massenet and “Giselle” by Adolphe Adam, the ultimate fairytale classics!
It was all about the drama back then. Dramatic costumes, dramatic dancing, and a certain amount of dramatic hairspray, as you might expect! The ballerina costumes would have been the most elaborate affairs – think layered, fluffy tulle skirts (ideally a gorgeous shade of pink, of course) with tight-fitting bodices for those impressive pirouettes and dramatic grand jetés! And let’s not forget about those stunning jewels and feathers, a truly elegant affair!
I managed to catch a glimpse of the fashion on the street too. It was the decade of neon, bright colours and a whole lot of “look at me!”! Leotards and leggings with leg warmers and scrunchies were all the rage and the '80s shoulder pads were simply magnificent. I spotted some fabulous vintage Chanel suits and, oh, the sheer number of oversized gold chains and necklaces!
There's nothing quite like a walk through the history of dance fashion! My time travel tutu might not quite match the fashions of 1984 (I prefer a little more frill and a whole lot of pink!) but there’s definitely some inspiration here for us all, just wait until you see my next DIY project! 😉
Speaking of inspiration, I'm so happy to be back in my home county of Derbyshire after my time-traveling escapades. There's something wonderfully wholesome about the countryside, and even the smell of fresh hay and freshly baked pies reminds me of a timeless sense of community and elegance, just like a beautifully crafted ballet costume.
Now, speaking of tutus! Tell me, dear readers, what is your favourite tutu era? I want to hear from you! Let's chat about all things ballet, from our favourite shows to our favourite fashion. Leave your thoughts in the comments below and maybe we'll take a time travel trip back there together next week!
Keep twirling!
Your fashion-forward time-traveling friend,
Emma 💖
P.S. If you haven't already, join my 'Pink Tutu Project' where we spread the joy of the pink tutu, one twirl at a time! Together, we can make the world a brighter place. Don't forget to follow me on all my social channels to see what I'm up to! 💕
