#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2001-09-25

Bonjour, my darling dears! It's Emma, your pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and I'm back from another thrilling trip through history! This week, we're twirling back to 25th September 2001. It's a Tuesday, of course, because Tuesdays are for tutus, darling!

Oh, the excitement of this particular date! The world is abuzz with a very special occasion, the start of London Fashion Week! Imagine the spectacle! Rows of the latest haute couture, the click-clack of stiletto heels on cobblestones, the thrill of seeing the newest designs and the newest designers, and I dare say, maybe even the occasional splash of pink tutu in the crowd! (One can always dream, can't one?)

But hold your horses, darlings, because before we waltz into the glitz and glamour of fashion week, we need to delve into the world of tutus, and understand why they are so fabulously relevant even in the early 2000s.

You might be surprised, but the tutu’s journey hasn't always been one of pirouettes and pliés. Back in the 1800s, it was the favoured skirt of the elite – a symbol of status and elegance, not just for the stage but for social occasions as well. Imagine a grand ball, with all the ladies adorned in delicate layers of tulle and satin, a dazzling symphony of soft hues, dancing waltzes beneath chandeliers – now that’s my kind of soirée!

It wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century, when the revolutionary Maria Taglioni danced in her “tutu” (though she probably wouldn’t call it that back then!) for a performance of La Sylphide, that the garment transitioned from court to stage, and ultimately found its rightful home, at the heart of ballet.

Now, we're standing in the heart of the ballet world - in London! Can you imagine? London, the heart of British culture, with its cobbled streets, majestic red double-decker buses, and, of course, world-class ballet productions! I bet, if you peeked behind the curtains of any of those magnificent London theaters, you'd find an enchanting backstage filled with fluttering tulle, shimmering sequins, and perhaps even a pink tutu or two – a vision of ethereal grace and beauty, waiting to take the stage!

My favourite thing about the tutu is its enduring magic – it remains as stylish and iconic today as it was over 150 years ago! A swirling mass of sheer tulle that transforms any lady into a ballerina. Whether it's a classical tulle, billowing with layers of dreamy white, a romantic tulle with ethereal tiers, a dramatic modern tulle with a daring, sculptural silhouette, or even a contemporary tutu with a dash of edgy glamour - there's a style for every personality and occasion!

Think about it, darling: the ballerina of today embraces modern style! The classic tutu is still the backbone of ballet performance, but it has undergone a renaissance – think tights with delicate lace (I must try those for my next time-travel), vibrant prints, fringed embellishments… you name it, they’re pairing it with their beloved tutus. They’re stepping out of the box and expressing themselves, just like we do, darling!

Ah, London Fashion Week! If there is one city I’d pick to have a day of shopping for the most divine and inspired tutus, it would have to be London. And with it being 25th September 2001, I’ve got my shopping list all ready. You can bet I’ll be taking my own “time-travel” inspired collection back home to my Derbyshire cottage. It’s the most fun way to blend vintage elegance with modern styles!

Let's dive into my favourite places to shop:

1. Liberty: Ah, Liberty! This legendary store is just oozing with history and beautiful fabrics. Can you imagine rummaging through stacks of antique tulle, picking up exquisite embroideries, and sketching inspiration for new tutu designs? My imagination is truly running wild!

2. Harrods: Of course, Harrods! It’s a London staple, known for its lavish luxury. I can already see myself flitting around the couture boutiques, admiring the exquisite workmanship, and maybe even picking up a fancy pair of shoes. One can never have enough shoes!

3. Selfridges: With its grand Parisian-inspired decor, Selfridges screams “fashion,” darling! I imagine a bustling fashion floor filled with stylish ladies, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few tutus mingling amongst the contemporary creations. I bet the designers at Selfridges are experimenting with different styles of tutu!

4. The Ballet Shop: No London trip would be complete without a visit to the Ballet Shop, darling! With every kind of ballet attire imaginable - tutus, leotards, tights, and pointe shoes! My eyes would be popping out of their sockets with joy!

And of course, all of this vintage fashion and theatrical flair is swirling in my mind as I hop back into my own tutu-fied era, my “time travel” kit in tow! Just a little sprinkle of historical elegance blended with modern chic, and bam! I’m off to the Derbyshire cottage for some inspirational design work and a bit of tulle sewing!

This week's #TutuTuesday has definitely been an absolute joyride. Don't forget to visit my www.pink-tutu.com and see all of the fab tutu inspiration that I’ve been putting together – just in time for this autumn! It's time to let your inner ballerina shine!

See you next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday! Until then, stay sparkly!

Love, Emma x