#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1991-05-28

Hey darlings! It's Emma here, back from another exciting time travel adventure! This week, my trusty tutu-powered time machine deposited me in the wonderful world of May 28th, 1991! Can you believe it? It's like stepping right into a vintage video! Oh, the memories.

Just picture this, lovelies: It's the beginning of summer, the air is full of the promise of sunny days, and everyone is excited for the big things to come! Remember that feeling? Pure joy! Today's #TutuTuesday is all about taking a peek back in time at how tutus were doing in the world, and let me tell you, it was a fabulous era!

The year is 1991, and what's happening in the world of dance? Well, darlings, we're swooning over some absolute masterpieces. Baryshnikov is still captivating audiences worldwide, Nureyev is leaving us spellbound, and a certain young Darcey Bussell is already making waves on the dance scene. There's just something about watching the human form express itself in this most exquisite, flowing way, isn't there? It's truly mesmerizing!

This time, I made my way to the Royal Opera House for a glorious performance of "Swan Lake." Let's just say that the elegance and grace of the swans, the haunting music, and the sheer spectacle of it all… well, let's just say it left me absolutely speechless, and probably a little teary-eyed! The power of ballet!

I just love how the tutu was used in such a diverse way in ballet back then. From the shimmering white of the Swan Queen, to the romantic pink of Aurora in "Sleeping Beauty", each tutu evokes a feeling, a story, a mood! Oh, the power of dance and the magic of a good tutu!

Now, this is where it gets interesting. Tutus weren't just for ballerinas in 1991, they were bursting onto the scene everywhere, from fashion shoots to movie sets! I can just picture all the excitement as this beautiful, flowing, and utterly magical piece of attire was transforming into a fashion icon.

In fact, just before my journey, a certain Hollywood movie released a trailer that has everyone talking! It stars Michelle Pfeiffer in a pink tutu and has all the girls talking about how to get that graceful look! This film, my dears, is called "The Age of Innocence," and let me tell you, I'm already eagerly awaiting a trip back to the year it was released! Pink tutu and all!

But hold your tutus, lovelies! It's not just Hollywood adopting the tutu! We're seeing them in music videos, too, on stylish women strutting their stuff, and on a select few daring gentlemen - those who really know how to rock a tulle. Just imagine it: The effortless, ethereal flow, a little sparkle here and there... it's a vision of joy, fun, and a touch of whimsy, which, as you know, I adore!

After the ballet performance, I simply had to check out the fashion scene. I am, after all, a tutu connoisseur. I started with Harrods, where I wandered through a world of pastel hues and frills. Let's just say that, compared to the streamlined silhouettes of today, it was quite the adventure! Think puff sleeves, layers of ruffles, and, of course, tutus. I can already picture all the fabulous photos we could take on Instagram in these outfits, even without filters. I just had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Oh, the glamour, my dears!

My time-travel escapades never fail to fill me with fashion inspiration. So many great ideas are flowing through my mind for our new collection of pink tutus. It's amazing how the trends from yesteryear can spark fresh ideas for today. It’s why it’s always good to mix vintage elements into a modern wardrobe.

Then, I took a short trip to the Liberty department store. What a delight to stroll through that iconic building. Everything in Liberty is a pure celebration of design and colour, and in the year 1991, you really couldn't miss those bright colours! Even the interiors of the shops, with the warm wooden finishes and opulent decorations, were all a celebration of elegance and exquisite style. They make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, don't you think? I found a lovely floral-print tulle skirt that was almost screaming out to be part of my new line! Oh, it was a real trip down memory lane, with a fabulous little trip into my favourite part of the past – clothes!

Since I’m on a nostalgic tour of 1991, I’m heading home by train – the only way to truly absorb the spirit of this era. Just think: leather seats, the gentle rocking motion of the carriages, and of course, those glorious, windowed dining cars, complete with that iconic silver service.

Remember those, darlings? Where you could linger over a delicious cup of tea while watching the world pass by outside? That leisurely feeling, so much in contrast to our modern high-speed journeys. I find there's a real sense of community on a train journey – the smiles, the chats, a shared journey together. That connection was almost magical back in the 90s, wouldn't you agree?

I may be a bit nostalgic, but I really do cherish the slower pace of life from this bygone era. Perhaps there is a lesson there. Maybe, in today's fast-paced world, a little dose of slow-living is exactly what we all need, right? And there is no better place to slow down than at the ballet.

It's important for me to always remember that wherever we are, even in the present day, we can tap into this vintage style. So next time you need a little inspiration, just remember the 90s. Think bright colours, flowing skirts, a little bit of whimsy, and you can be on your way to creating a look that is both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.

Oh, and one last thing before I go. Have you tried that delicious cake you've been meaning to try for ages? This is the week to go for it! Take a little trip back in time, whether it's the cake or your wardrobe, you never know what magic you might find!

So until next week, my dears, keep twirling and spreading the love for tutus everywhere! Don't forget to send in your Tutu Tuesday pictures - I'd love to see you all sporting those pink beauties! Until then, sending lots of love and sparkle your way!

Emma

(pinktutu.com) *All pictures are by my trusty personal photographer. She really has to work to make sure they are a pink tutu flattering angle! And thank you to the team in Derby, Derbyshire, who helped me find all these fabulous items - I owe you one! xxx )