Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller. I’m just back from another fabulous adventure in the time-space continuum! Today, let’s take a little trip to November 27th, 1984.
I have to say, arriving in the 1980s always feels a bit like stepping into a John Hughes movie. Neon colours everywhere, leg warmers, big hair – and believe me, it was quite a sight!
But this journey wasn’t just about the 80s aesthetic; it was all about tutues – and oh, how the tutu has evolved since then!
Back in the day, I found myself right in the heart of London, where the Royal Opera House was still quite the sensation. Tutues there were as exquisite as ever – lots of stiff tulle, the classic, billowing shapes – but there was a certain air of conservatism too. No bright pinks or glittery fabrics like you'd find in our contemporary ballets.
Speaking of glittery fabrics, on this date in 1984, I popped along to Harrods - can you believe it? They had just opened a new fashion floor! They had all sorts of designer duds and fancy outfits, and I spotted these incredible sequined tops. So chic! I tried to convince the manager that my little tutu wouldn’t crease their lovely carpets, but no dice! They probably thought I was some kooky little thing - but I was delighted to soak up the whole lavish atmosphere.
Later that evening, I saw "Giselle" at the Covent Garden Opera House. What a treat! The tutus were traditional but oh-so-graceful, like elegant butterflies flitting across the stage. It made me realise that there was a certain magic to those traditional tutues – their elegance, the flow of the tulle, it really brought out the magic of the dance.
Don't worry, I didn't let myself get too carried away with the past, because, I had an important date with fashion history in store. A few doors down from the Covent Garden was the newly-opened "The Body Shop". Now, I know you think of natural beauty products now, but it was actually a big deal back then, especially for women wanting to buy something stylish and practical. And guess what – they had their own special limited-edition perfume out that day! That’s how big fashion and beauty are entwined, all these years ago, like now, the magic of the right outfit, some stunning make-up, a good bit of scent, - It makes me so glad to know we still feel that excitement!
In terms of street fashion, remember what I said about leg warmers and bright colours? I was a bit wary about them, but I couldn't help but feel this sense of bold self-expression everywhere I went. People really didn’t care if their clothes matched they just wanted to be bold and eye-catching! We could all do with a bit more of that attitude in today’s world, wouldn't you say?
The evening rounded off perfectly with a fabulous performance by "London's Burning". They were at the peak of their popularity back then – it was one of the biggest programmes on TV. There was such a feel good energy about the show!
But before I get swept back to my own time, a little reminder to all my dear #TutuTuesday readers, why not whip up that fabulous pink tutu? You could be a walking ray of sunshine – after all, a bit of magic is what the world needs. Until next week my little lovelies, stay pink, and keep dancing!
Love, Emma
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