Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday instalment for you! 🩰✨ This week, we're twirling our way back to October 21st, 1986, a time when leg warmers were still all the rage and Madonna ruled the airwaves!
Now, let me tell you, a trip to the 80s always fills me with a certain…je ne sais quoi! Think vibrant colours, bold patterns, and oh, so much hairspray! It's a visual feast, my dears, especially when you consider the ballet world!
I managed to squeeze in a fab show at the Paris Opera this week – did you know they opened a new, stunningly beautiful, building back in 1989? Absolutely spectacular! The performance was just as dazzling, with the costumes taking centre stage – oh, how I adore the opulent opulence of those classic ballet designs. So much tulle!
Speaking of tulle, it was during this decade that ballet tutus really started to become a fashion icon in their own right! Now, you might think I'm being a little dramatic, darling, but trust me, the popularity of ballet-inspired fashion, especially the ubiquitous tutus, took the world by storm. And they still haven't lost their magical charm, wouldn't you agree?
This trend was partly fuelled by the explosion of interest in dance itself! Ballet became mainstream, and the image of the elegant ballerina, gracefully gliding across the stage in a beautiful, billowing tutu, captured the imagination of everyone from fashion designers to everyday shoppers!
My heart skipped a beat when I spotted a fabulous magazine feature highlighting a famous ballerina called Sylvie Guillem, a star in the Paris Opera Ballet. Her grace and style are just intoxicating! This darling wasn't just known for her incredible technique; her dazzling stage presence and, you guessed it, her stunning costumes, became a trademark of her style!
And remember my fellow tutu-lovers, fashion isn't just about what you wear, it's about your personality and your love for life! It's about being bold and embracing your individuality.
Back in 1986, it seemed everyone embraced this bold attitude with open arms, and who can blame them! The vibrant colours and daring designs of the 80s made for some of the most iconic, playful, and inspiring fashion in history.
For example, think of those fantastic leg warmers! Just imagining how comfortable they must have felt as the ballerinas stretched their leg muscles! They're making a comeback, too, so be ready to see some vibrant leg-warmers in your favourite boutique windows!
So what was on the fashion agenda in Paris that week? My, my, the boutiques were just bursting with fashion, lots of bold shoulder pads! I spotted one particular dress – I think it was called the "Bardot" or something like that? A big fluffy number that just looked oh-so-comfortable. Think classic styles with a touch of that signature 80s whimsy, and it just oozed chic.
It wouldn’t be right to leave you without a touch of tutu-related shopping, now would it?
As we’re talking fashion, and as my train is waiting at Gare de Lyon (what a delightful place!), it’s the perfect opportunity to give you my top three shopping recommendations in Paris, 1986:
1. Printemps: This legendary department store was and still is a haven for fashion-forward folks, so if you want to dive into the decadent world of 1980s style, you must pop in and peruse the displays! 2. Galeries Lafayette: Just a stone's throw away, you’ll find even more fabulous boutiques within the iconic Gallerie Lafayette. Here, you’ll discover a mix of established and emerging designers who embraced the bold colours, the luxurious fabrics, and of course, that classic 80s silhouette! 3. Sonia Rykiel: Who hasn't heard of this extraordinary Parisian fashion house? Their playful, eclectic style blended a touch of rock ‘n’ roll with sophisticated chic! Think chic, sporty pieces and some serious statement knitwear!
Just think about those beautiful Parisian evenings in 1986, where ballet dancers sashayed through the city's most beautiful boutiques and enjoyed long dinners with their favourite people in beautiful Parisian cafes! Now, that's what I call a Parisian dream.
So there you have it, my dears! My delightful little journey to Paris in the 80s, the land of exquisite ballet, the world's leading fashion capitals and the place where we could happily twirl around until our hearts were content. It’s almost impossible not to feel the joy and the magic of this time period, wouldn't you say?
Of course, let’s not forget the importance of pink! This magical hue, a vibrant and joyful shade, captures the true essence of a ballet tutu. This is what I believe everyone should be wearing, even now!
You know what I'd love, dears? I'd love to see a world where pink tutus become the standard attire, no matter what time you travel to! Now, how can we achieve that, my little lovelies?
We’ve got to think outside the box and put our ballet hearts into it. Remember, dear friends, it's all about the passion for dancing and the love of life! I’ll leave you with that thought as I leap off on my next exciting adventure! Until next time!
Remember to stay connected on Instagram and Facebook with the #pinktutu movement and share your pictures and thoughts! Keep the love for ballet and the joyful spirit of pink alive. 🩰✨
