Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where every Tuesday is a celebration of the most magnificent garment ever invented: the tutu! Today we’re going to be whisking you back to May 19th, 1998, and oh my goodness, was it a whirlwind!
This particular Tuesday, I was waltzing my way through the bustling streets of Paris. I mean, where else would you be in the world when you’re talking tutus, right? I'd just stepped off the Eurostar, feeling the delightful, floral perfume of Parisian springtime drift through the air. (This city just makes you want to twirl, doesn’t it?)
Speaking of twirling, my trusty pink tutu was, of course, the star of the show! I paired it with a simple black camisole, and a little pink bolero for that touch of Parisian chic. (Let’s just say the look caused quite a stir - I had even the pigeons cooing! The only problem was I was attracting too much attention at the Moulin Rouge, it was chaos!)
So, back to that glorious year, 1998, what were the tutu-licious highlights? Well, the ballet world was buzzing with excitement!
- The legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov was making a comeback to the stage! Imagine the roar of the audience! I mean, even his shadow can make you want to take a deep curtsy. And this was the year the great man was back, breathing life into his character, The Prince, in ‘Sleeping Beauty’. I literally dreamt in tutus that week!
- Over in New York, the New York City Ballet was captivating everyone with the world premiere of 'The Nightingale and the Rose’ by Jerome Robbins. A stunning performance, which beautifully married story and movement. If you’ve got the chance to see this one, do, because it's a truly special ballet, like seeing a hundred shimmering jewels.
- And to celebrate a bit of English Ballet, in Derbyshire where I’m from, The Royal Ballet was hosting the most delightful 'Alice in Wonderland' performance in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District. I bet the countryside even gave the performance a touch of extra magic!
My little travel journal was filled with sketches, ticket stubs, and a mountain of inspirational snippets of my trips that day! Now, a little fashion tip from my time-traveling fashion diary: the tutu trend back in 1998 wasn't about the extravagant, overly layered styles. It was more about the grace and the simplicity. Imagine a pale, ethereal pink tutu paired with a black cashmere cardigan. So simple yet stunning, and a touch of vintage chic, and utterly perfect! It’s all about subtle elegance, darlings!
*But my true favourite thing about that particular Tuesday was a trip to the *Galerie Vivienne ** – the most decadent shopping mall in Paris. This place felt like stepping into a different era – a wonderland of exquisite art nouveau details, twinkling lamps, and shop windows that just sparkled. Of course, the true beauty was hidden inside each shop.
Oh, to have stepped into a store filled with nothing but exquisite antique tutus - I imagine the silks and the laces, the intricate detailing. That's a place for dreaming, darling! I mean, I imagine all my future tutus looking just like that - a touch of vintage elegance, with a hint of 20th-century chic!
I was also on the lookout for the “It” tutu that was trending: It was a layered, romantic style in a creamy ivory. It evoked the spirit of the 19th century ballerinas, you know?
You simply had to be rocking a blush-tinted chiffon tutu and ballet pumps back then. Think a sweet pastel ballet bun and your best pearly smile, that was the style. Oh, to be twirling in those times!
*As a treat, here is a bit of a blast from the past. You've got to watch this clip: *
[Embed a video clip of a 1998 ballet performance, showing the ballet styles and costumes of the time]
But you see, fashion’s a funny thing. Just like ballet, it's constantly evolving. I can’t wait to see what the next evolution of tutu-inspired fashion will be. And who knows, maybe one day even our good friend Barbie will join the Tutu Revolution?
But let's all agree, every Tuesday should be a #TutuTuesday, no? Now go grab that pink tutu of yours, put on your fanciest shoes and twirl like there’s no tomorrow. Because darling, life's too short for plain clothing!
Until next week!
With Love and Glitter,
Emma
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