Hiya darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, and welcome back to my weekly dose of tutu-tastic history! Today, we're stepping back in time to July 7th, 1987, and oh my, what a year this was! Buckle up, you fabulous creatures, because it's time to twirl back to a tutu-ful past!
A Trip to The States:
I've just got back from a fab weekend in New York! What a whirlwind! I got to see the glorious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Metropolitan Opera House. Oh, the talent! They really made the stage come alive with passion and energy. The costumes? Simply stunning! So much shimmer and flow, and yes, there were even some pretty darn amazing tutus in the mix!
Speaking of New York, I'm absolutely in love with their fashion! So much style! So much individuality! There's a little something for everyone in this melting pot of fashionista dreams. I can't wait to see what the American designers have up their sleeves for the upcoming season. I just know there are going to be some serious tutu-worthy looks hitting the runway soon.
Fashion Forecast for July 7th, 1987:
Now, back to our trip to 1987. What was going on in the world of fashion that week? Let's get the deets:
- The Shoulder Pad Era: Oh, the shoulder pads! Remember those magnificent, gravity-defying shoulder structures? The bigger, the better was the mantra! Think Princess Diana at her finest. It was a power move that had us all feeling like we could conquer the world...one oversized garment at a time.
- Bold & Bright Colours: It's time to turn up the colour! Bold, saturated shades were the norm. From electric blues to sizzling reds and even the occasional splash of sunshine yellow, 1987 was all about expressing your personality through colour!
- Leg Warmers: This trend has definitely made a comeback, hasn't it? It’s back again for those of us who aren’t quite brave enough for short shorts and dresses yet! Well, back then, leg warmers were basically non-negotiable. They were comfy, practical, and totally trendy.
- Bold Prints: Remember those animal print dresses, or the brightly patterned jackets with floral prints and geometric patterns? It was all the rage in the mid-80s! They definitely make for an eye-catching outfit!
Neon! What better way to amp up your look than with some neon hues? Think bold stripes and colourful splashes on your favourite leotard or on your shoes, even hair bands and leg warmers had an infusion of colour with this exciting trend!
The Ballerina's Guide to Tutus:
Speaking of tutus, what a classic piece of attire for a ballerina, isn't it? This delicate dance costume, traditionally made from multiple layers of tulle, has graced stages around the world, captivating audiences with its grace and beauty. While ballet companies were gracing the world's stages with some of their most beautiful work, tutus were more common and fashionable to wear than ever. And you can trust me on that - I've got a lifetime’s experience in spotting them from the sidelines.
But how do tutus play into all this fashion talk, you might wonder? Well, darlings, tutus, with their layers of flowy tulle, their voluminous form, and their feminine elegance, are the embodiment of all things stylish. They’re a celebration of everything we adore - the elegance, the fluidity, and the pure joy of dance! They are just as much fashion as they are a necessary element in any ballerina’s kit!
On July 7th 1987, tutus were a staple on stages worldwide, so let’s have a little chat about how these amazing creations are designed to dance their way through the decades:
The Classic Romantic Tutu: Think 'Giselle' and 'La Sylphide' - it’s all about those delicate, billowing layers of tulle, and those wispy, weightless skirts that dance beautifully with the body's every movement!
The Imperial Tutu: Also known as the 'pagoda tutu'. Its elegant lines are shaped into a bell-shaped form, the perfect frame for classical ballerina movement, for shows like Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. These beauties make those grand, majestic performances even more magical!
The Contemporary Tutu: More recent tutus take on a more contemporary style, breaking from traditional rules of dance. From soft and flowing to sharp and structured, contemporary tutus allow for modern and avant-garde expressions.
And now, because we love tutus and love pink here at #PinkTutu, I’m here to help with some fun facts for all my darling readers out there about tutus from that era:
Pink tulle, as always, remains a classic! That's why the "Pink Tutu" website was an excellent idea back then as it is today! I will always say it – there's just something inherently captivating about this shade - so sophisticated yet playful at the same time, don't you agree? The blush pink shade in those classic tutus? Sigh! The sheer elegance!
Tutu sizes! There's a specific sizing system that ensures every dancer, from petite to graceful, gets a perfect fit. No more tutus too big or too small - each ballerina deserves a tutu that makes her feel like a graceful, spinning fairy!
Hand-crafted with Love. Oh my goodness! Have you ever seen a tutu being made? It's an art form! Each stitch, each layer of tulle is placed with meticulous care, making sure it twirls and flows beautifully, and can last for years, so long as the wearer takes care of their tutus and dances delicately, of course!
The Tutu's Story: Every ballerina has her own special memories and stories attached to the tutus she wears! From a first ballet recital to conquering a difficult choreography, those costumes are often treasured possessions, filled with joy and dedication to dance!
Making Memories
It’s time to get back to the present, my little dears! But the inspiration of our historical adventures can easily translate to modern outfits, and I just had to find some ways that I can combine 1987 fashion and modern-day styling:
- Shoulder Pads! We’ve talked about the shoulders, haven’t we? Don't underestimate the power of a good shoulder pad to instantly add some vintage chic to any modern-day outfit. Pair those exaggerated shoulders with a bodycon dress, a tailored blazer, or even a playful peplum top, and let your inner '80s fashionista shine!
- Bold Colour. There’s nothing more satisfying than a bold colour, so think of a modern twist to neon shades in outfits. A fabulous fuchsia, emerald green or azure blue sweater, maybe? You can also add some flair to your look with an accessories colour, like a bright pink handbag! Or perhaps even try those bold, bright patterns that were so popular - maybe find a modern, sophisticated animal print? I am all for that.
- The Tutu Transformation - The key to pulling off a contemporary tutu look? Play up its femininity and try pairing a short, simple, delicate pink tutu with a flowy top and stylish heels - maybe even a denim jacket, just to make it that little bit edgier. Voila - modern fashion meets a classic dancer style, perfectly!
And that, my little darlings, brings our #TutuTuesday blog post to a close! I hope you enjoyed our jaunt through history with me. Until next time, be kind to yourselves and make sure to embrace the magic of a good twirl or two.
Sending love and good vibes,
Emma. xx
P.S. Be sure to visit the 'Pink Tutu' website again next week for another captivating journey through the captivating history of ballet, fashion, and the dance we all love, and don't forget to leave a comment with any questions or feedback!
And most importantly, darlings, remember, life is about embracing your inner ballerina - just don't forget the pink tutu! 🩰 💕
