Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-traveling fashionista, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post! It's a blustery January morning here in London (although thankfully, it hasn't quite snowed yet!), and I'm already in a delightful mood because I'm going to the Royal Opera House tonight! My, oh my, I do love seeing the magic unfold on the stage – it's what fuels my time-traveling adventures.
Speaking of adventures, today we're journeying back to January 14th, 1992 – a time when my own pink tutu was starting to collect a little dust in the wardrobe as I navigated the ever-evolving fashions of my early teens. But that's what I love about this time travel business - it's always fascinating to look back and see how styles, including the very essence of ballet, evolve!
Tutu History: A Timeless SilhouetteSo, imagine me for a moment, in a lovely silk dress (possibly even with a touch of lace – I've always had a penchant for vintage looks!) as I waltz through the streets of London in 1992. It's a Wednesday afternoon and the city's alive with a buzz of activity, from bustling shoppers to weary office workers heading home.
You might wonder, what was the ballet world like back then? Well, 1992 saw the world of ballet buzzing with excitement!
There were two big events going on in the ballet world that day – both taking place in the heart of our fair city, London, of course!
At Sadler's Wells, the ever-charming Royal Ballet was performing "Romeo and Juliet," which was truly a must-see show in its time!
But wait, there's more! At the Royal Opera House itself, the legendary Margot Fonteyn, a ballet icon who captivated audiences for over forty years, was receiving a grand tribute, proving her immense impact on the world of ballet!
Both these events were incredible testaments to the rich heritage and artistry of ballet – a captivating world I find myself perpetually drawn to.
Now, as we talk about ballet in 1992, the one thing you'll immediately notice (and the reason we're here, darling!) are the tutus! The ballet world of the early 90s wasn't afraid to experiment with exciting designs! Think bold colours, dynamic fabrics, and sometimes even a daring peek of the dancer’s skin through a playful mesh overlay.
And who do we thank for this fabulous evolution? Well, look no further than designer tutus. From the late 80s to the mid 90s, tutu designers began putting their creative stamp on the iconic silhouette, which was fantastically pushing the boundaries of the classic form.
These revolutionary designers weren't simply creating garments for ballerinas; they were shaping their artistry, allowing them to soar and swirl with new found freedom! It was a thrilling era for tutu lovers – and let me tell you, it didn't end there!
A Tutu-ful Wardrobe: Looking to the FutureNow, before I disappear back to my own time with my tutu collection – let's indulge our love for all things twirly and sparkly!
The must-have colour? Black! In 1992, it became the favourite for ballerinas! Not just in costumes, but in stylish streetwear too, paired with leggings, chunky boots and oversized jackets – and I am here for it! This timeless, classic shade, it simply makes you feel oh-so chic, darling!
Let’s talk patterns, shall we? Geometric designs – bold stripes and checkerboard patterns – took centre stage, offering a stark contrast against the traditional ivory and white of classical tutus.
The ultimate in ballet chic? A good old-fashioned tutu on stage is a beautiful sight! Now imagine that beautiful ballet-inspired look on the streets of London! We’re talking about tutu-inspired fashion with sleek, short tulle skirts worn with tights or leggings.
Think beyond the basic ballerina look: If you're after a dash of rebellion (just like our darling tutu designers of 1992), try a bold print or a colour that sparks joy. But, remember, darling, nothing beats a timeless black tutu, just a hint of classic elegance that works effortlessly on and off stage.
Now, I'm not only a tutu enthusiast, darling! I'm a fashion fanatic and a travel-loving ballerina. If I could, I'd jump on a train to London every week – even if that did mean wearing my most stylish travel outfit with my trusty travel backpack and, of course, my beloved pink tutu!
The great thing about travelling in London by train, it’s so quintessentially British, wouldn't you agree? I especially adore sitting by the window, looking out at the city as the train speeds through its different districts. Each journey is a new adventure in its own way!
There are just so many sights and smells in the capital city that stir up a love of the good old days! I truly can’t get enough of London and, luckily for you and me, I get to live it all through my time-traveling ballet escapades!
The ballet world keeps on twirling, darling!
And remember, always try to find a tutu that you adore and never let the thought of putting it on hold you back. Remember, it's more than just a garment. It's a symbol of joy, passion, and grace! I believe it's time for a revival of pink tutus in our modern world.
Until next Tuesday!
Lots of love and pirouettes,
Emma xx
