Hello darling tutu-lovers!
It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and it's #TutuTuesday again! As always, I'm thrilled to be whisking you back in time to discover the fascinating history of our beloved ballet tutus. Today, we're setting our time machine for November 26th, 1991, a date that's bursting with excitement!
This week's blog is a little extra special, because guess what?! It's number 8344! (Well, technically it is on the pink-tutu.com website... I canāt say I'm totally in the pink about the number - not quite my usual stylish fashion-forward self with the digits. I prefer numbers with flair, you know?)
Speaking of flair, weāre heading to Paris this time. Not just any Paris though ā this is the City of Lights where ballet reigns supreme! The air is filled with the sounds of music and the grace of dancers. The perfume of jasmine drifts by the cobblestone streets... It's just simply dreamy!
So, what were the ballerinas wearing on November 26th, 1991? Well, the year was dominated by the dazzlingly divine 'The Sleeping Beauty' performed at the legendary Palais Garnier!
Did you knowā¦
That Marie Taglioniās 1832 āLa Sylphideā costume inspired the shorter tutu silhouette still beloved by dancers today? She revolutionised the ballerina's look, ditching the heavier and bulkier tutus, creating an effortless design that accentuated the female form. A total ballet style game-changer!
1991's āSleeping Beautyā featured an iconic collaboration between the exquisite Karl Lagerfeld and the legendary Chanel - they were on point, darling, they absolutely nailed it! I absolutely adored Lagerfeld's vision ā all that shimmering fabric and gorgeous detailing was heavenly. Chanel always manages to add that perfect touch of French elegance! I do love Chanel - and those fabulous pearl-encrusted pumps and that exquisite feathered cape that danced along with the tulle. Divine!
While Karlās design wasnāt revolutionary ā it wasnāt some big new, earth shattering moment in tutu history, if you get meā¦ The way it fit on the dancers and their amazing movesā¦ Pure artistry! A simple and graceful design showcasing perfect, pure elegance, but a touch of dramatic chic too. I couldn't resist buying a knock-off version on the Rue de Rivoli for my collection - you know I couldnāt resist, I simply have to! My time travel funds get used for my fabulous wardrobe after all!
But beyond Paris' glitz and glamour, this November 26th was also a special time for the dance world as a whole! Remember all those gorgeous vintage dresses we used to wear with our tutus in the ā90s? Wellā¦ This day was actually a key point in the evolution of the humble ballet costume! You see, fashion designer Christian Lacroix, a legend in his own right, took to the world of ballet. Imagine ā couture, fashion in ballet costumes ā heaven! Well, imagine no more.
He had the wonderful privilege of creating the tutus for a breathtaking production of "The Little Mermaidā for the English National Ballet. Imagine that, the mermaids of the sea sporting fabulous tutus! A total masterpiece. Just what ballet needed, you know, a touch of daring, playful drama - like myself in my own, unique style.
Of course, for that theatrical fairytale finish, the iconic tutus took their final bow that night - in style, just as they should!
You simply must travel back to this wonderful timeā¦ and see this gorgeous performance in actionā¦ The tutu designs are something you simply HAVE to seeā¦ You wonāt regret it, darling, itāll set you off on a whole world of tutus and their gorgeous history, it really will. Get out those travel trunks darling, and I'll see you there!
*What a beautiful day for ballet and history - both are woven with intricate design! Itās a reminder to embrace both beauty and change, whether youāre a dancer, a designer, or simply someone who loves to wear a twirling tutu! *
And donāt forget, darling! Every day is a #TutuTuesday! Itās not just about tutus - itās about finding the graceful elegance that shines in you, whatever youāre wearing, whatever youāre doing!
Until next week darlingsā¦ Letās keep those pink tutus spinning! š
Your tutu loving travel companionā¦ š©°šEmma
*(P.S) What's your favourite tutu style, darlings? Do you fancy a historical tutu for a ball? Let me know!
*(P.P.S) Canāt wait to travel back with you for another week of #TutuTuesday adventures - you wonāt believe where we're going next!)
