Hello my dearest tutu lovers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we explore the magical history of ballet and all things tutu-tastic! This week, I've set my time machine to June 29th 1999, and boy oh boy, are we in for a treat! I've already hit up a few antique shops and vintage boutiques and let me tell you, this era had some real gems!
For this week's #TutuTuesday, I'm going to take you on a whirlwind tour through some of the amazing trends I discovered. Buckle up, my loves! This is gonna be good!
Firstly, let's get the big question out of the way. What was I wearing today? Pink, of course! What else?! My time travelling ensemble is a delicate silk confection in the softest shade of bubblegum pink. It's a dream, I tell you, a dream! The bodice is adorned with delicate silver beading, and the skirt is just the right length, sweeping majestically when I pirouette (and who doesn't love a good twirl, eh?). A perfect vintage style for this glorious year of 1999! It really puts the ‘pink’ in 'Pink Tutu'.
1999: The Year of Ballet!1999, as you know, is a very special year in ballet history. I'm lucky enough to be experiencing it first-hand, and let me tell you, there is so much energy and excitement in the air! The ballet world is simply buzzing with innovative choreographers pushing boundaries, breathtaking dancers wowing audiences with their athleticism, and incredible new productions bringing fairy tales and myths to life in the most gorgeous way.
Speaking of captivating shows, just a short hop on the train, I saw an absolutely incredible performance of 'Giselle' last night! The costumes, the music, the passion, it was pure magic! Just as I expected of the late 90s – all about grandeur and exquisite artistry. Oh, the tutu's, just sublime!
Did you know that back in this period the 'Giselle' tutus were so beautiful they had almost translucent skirts made of fine silk? It almost looked like they were made from spun moonlight. Breathtaking! The tutus in the second act, the ones for the ‘Wilis’, had a whole other, kind of spooky, elegance to them. Talk about ghostly and ethereal! And of course, everything was presented in that perfect classic ballet white that never fails to entrance me. You've got to admit, white and tutus are a timeless classic!
I love to dress up in these elegant and romantic tutus of the era whenever I can! The silk just glides on you, it is like being enveloped in a delicate dream! They have so much grace and a soft feminine appeal that just blows me away.
Anyway, this brings us back to my own personal sartorial choices for the day. I think a nice ballerina pink skirt with some white accessories is absolutely going to nail this vintage vibe.
Fashion in 1999 - Tutu Tales!If there’s one thing I’ve noticed while skipping through the time portal this week it's the influence of ballet on fashion trends. Back then, tutus were starting to trickle out of the studio and into the streets!
We’re talking delicate tulle skirts, billowing silk skirts with ballerina style embellishment – it was a very pretty trend. The world was beginning to embrace a very romantic, almost whimsical, look, and of course, nothing embodies that style like a graceful tutu! It was like we were living inside a ballerina's dream.
I picked up a beautiful lavender tulle skirt today that is going to be a must when I travel back to my own time. Just a little splash of 1999 in my own era. I think I might even start pairing it with a classic ballerina bun! My new style goal – blending modern chic with a touch of historical flair! What do you think, my lovely tutu fans?
But it's not just tutus – the ballet-inspired trend has also found its way into the clothing of everyday women. Look at the use of pale pastels, the empire waistlines, and the delicate feminine touches all so popular back then! That 1990s feel, like it was straight from a romantic ballet, I absolutely adore it!
The tutus themselves are evolving too. There's a real experimentation going on, and a fascinating mix of textures. You've got that fine silky stuff, delicate tulle, even some bold velvet coming into the picture. So, it's exciting to see, not only a nod to the past but also a vibrant exploration of what's possible in the future.
And of course, I'm completely loving the return of the tiara! Even here, a tiara, paired with a soft tulle skirt can take you from day to night with a single stylish flourish! Who would've thought? I mean, we always know that a little touch of tulle can be truly transformative, but this trend is really something!
What are YOU wearing today?Right, now it's your turn, dear tutu fans! I’d love to know:
- What’s YOUR favorite 1999 fashion trend?
- Do you ever think about going to see a ballet performance?
- Have you got a tutu ready to be worn on a dance floor soon?
Be sure to comment below and share your thoughts, loves! This is our space for celebrating all things tutus and I can’t wait to hear from you!
I'll be back next week with more ballet history from another year. Until then, stay fashionable, keep dancing, and let’s spread that tutu love! #PinkTutuForAll!
With a twirl and a smile,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
This blog is brought to you by a time-traveling ballerina. To help fund her expeditions and share the wonder of ballet with the world, Emma loves performing in both ballet productions and street performance events. Don’t forget to catch her in your area.
Blog post number: 8740
