Hey my beautiful tutu-loving friends! It's Emma here, back from another whirl through the time-space continuum. Today, we're stepping back into the glorious, glamorous, and yes, slightly frizzy, era of the 1980s! Buckle your pointe shoes and grab your feather boas, it's time for a trip to the decade of big hair and even bigger tutus.
This week, on #TutuTuesday, we're waltzing back to January 29th, 1985. It's a Tuesday, of course (we only do tutus on Tuesdays), and London is buzzing with the energy of the new year. The air is crisp, the shops are filled with bright, bold colours, and the city is ready to embrace the trends that will define this decade.
But before we talk trends, let's rewind to the magic that brought us to this time period: Ballet. As you know, I can't get enough of it - the breathtaking elegance, the storytelling through movement, the sheer beauty. And this week's travel adventure was made possible by the most amazing performance of Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House. I saw Margot Fonteyn herself - just her swan solo! It was beyond breathtaking, and as a Derbyshire girl who loves ballet more than anything, I had to take the chance to step back to the era where Fonteyn danced like an angel.
Now, imagine the fashion! Think big hair, bold makeup, and the most colourful and extravagant designs you've ever seen! It's almost impossible to resist those bright pink and neon-green power suits! Luckily, for me, that means even more fun finding outfits for my adventures. The streets are filled with incredible colours, bold prints, and styles that push boundaries – all fantastic inspiration for our tutu dreams!
Back in 1985, ballet wasn't confined to the theatre! Ballet costumes and influences were appearing on the streets, adding that elegant flair to everything. We saw leotards and tights worn under miniskirts and paired with leggings, bringing a hint of the dancer’s graceful charm into everyday life. Remember those gorgeous long tutus with layered fabric, just waiting for a little shimmy and twirl? Those were a major street style hit! And don’t forget the incredible athletic footwear of the time – leg warmers, ballet shoes with fluffy socks, and even the first Reebok Pump shoes - they're all making their way into my wardrobe!
Speaking of the tutu itself, well, 1985 was a prime time for the tutu. They were more structured and dramatic than they’d been before, with more elaborate embellishments and grander designs. Just imagine flowing chiffon, exquisite pleating, and intricate lace details that would take your breath away! You could find everything from traditional white tutus to vibrant coloured versions, bringing a pop of colour and undeniable whimsy to any occasion. And don't even get me started on the headbands, those colourful little additions with sparkly ornaments were the statement accessory. I love them!
To top it off, even dance wear has embraced that bold look! Imagine a sea of colourful leotards in hot pink, electric blue, and vibrant lime green! Not your ordinary, classical colours - 1985 was all about making a statement. You couldn't help but feel like a shining star! It’s not just the vibrant hues that shine; metallic fabrics, bold geometric patterns, and a hint of sparkle are all the rage. It's a delightful burst of colour and creative energy in a world where everything was about being daring and a little bit loud.
What can we learn from the tutus of the 1980s? We can embrace that boldness! The era celebrated vibrant colours and playful styles - it reminded everyone to express themselves through fashion! It was an explosion of creativity and, of course, a whole lot of fun! The 1980s might be known for its iconic hairstyles and shoulder pads, but let’s remember, the era was also a period of playful experimentation. It dared you to step out of the norm and embrace the unique beauty of standing out from the crowd, much like my little pink tutu. And don’t forget, with a splash of colour and a generous amount of sparkle, any tutu can be a star.
I can’t wait for my next trip back to this decade. Just think of the colourful costumes and amazing shopping! Who knows, maybe I'll bump into one of the stars I saw dancing last night – wouldn’t that be a dream come true?
But now, back to my little world of ballet and pink tutus! I have some outfits to try on, some ballet class to take, and maybe a show to see this weekend. I have so much to tell you!
Stay tuned my lovely friends! I’ll catch you next Tuesday. And until then, remember, pink tutus are forever!
Yours in pink twirls,
Emma
