Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, back with another delightful dip into the world of the fabulous tutu. I've been whisking through time again, this time landing on the 19th of May, 2015. I couldn't resist, darling, what with the weather so glorious!
This particular trip has brought me to none other than New York City, the ultimate destination for a tutu-loving gal. You see, darling, there's a magical quality to New York in 2015. The energy, the pulse of the city, is just electric! But beyond that, there's something absolutely phenomenal happening on this very day: the New York City Ballet's Spring Gala. You can bet your bottom dollar I'm tucked away in a prime seat, enjoying the finest performances from some of the most renowned ballet dancers in the world. What an absolutely delightful spectacle!
And my outfit, darling, oh my outfit! It's a bespoke beauty, a confection of shimmering silk tulle, the perfect shade of pink, of course, cascading down to my ankles. I even managed to snag a stunning pair of shoes from the Manolo Blahnik sale just around the corner. I'm absolutely living my best life, and frankly, everyone else should too. After all, isn't the entire world a stage?
But let's talk about our favourite subject - the tutu! The evolution of this exquisite garment is a captivating story. 2015, it seems, is an especially pivotal moment in tutu history. I was browsing through The Metropolitan Museum of Art's fabulous costume collection - you absolutely have to go if you're ever in New York! They have the most wonderful displays on ballet history. I even found a rare example of a 19th century Romantic tutu, the kind that almost floated on stage. Can you imagine the drama? You just can't beat the airiness, darling!
Of course, 2015 is seeing the reign of the classic "bell" tutu, which adds that much-needed drama to the ballerina's graceful leaps and elegant extensions. It's like a little pink explosion of elegance! I confess, I found myself quite smitten with one particularly spectacular design - an almost translucent pink gauze draped around the dancer's legs, barely touching the stage as she soared. Pure enchantment, darling, pure enchantment!
This period in time, you see, also saw the emergence of a bolder, more contemporary look, using fabrics like stretch velvet and satin for tutus, adding a playful edge. And who can resist a bit of playful edge, darling?
My time travel explorations, darling, always fill me with so much excitement about tutus! Just like a trip to a Harrods or Fortnum & Mason, seeing the evolution of a garment over time fills me with wonder. Every change in design, from the grand and airy Romantic era tutus to the modern contemporary styles, reflects the world around us, just like a perfect shade of pink on a blooming rose.
I also took some time to browse New York City's vibrant street scene. Let me tell you, the style here is just fabulous! It's so refreshing to see the unique way people express themselves through their outfits. It’s almost like the city itself is a massive runway! You’d think that my pink tutu, paired with my favourite Balmain coat and a touch of Valentino would be quite outlandish. But I swear, my dearest readers, you could put me in a pink sequined tutu with my best Givenchy heels and a feather boa, and no one would bat an eyelid in this fabulous city. Now that’s a little taste of magic!
And as you know, I’m never shy about a touch of pink. Pink is my happy place. But here's a little secret – back in Derbyshire, pink can be a bit… intimidating. There's a sense of seriousness that keeps the town in neutral hues! So, New York City has truly opened my eyes to the beauty of embracing a more dramatic style, and yes, that includes pink.
But you know what's even more fun, darling? Getting others to wear a tutu! This week, why not try pairing a black tutu with your favourite vintage dress? Or if you want to make a statement, grab a fluffy pink tulle skirt and whip it around the nearest park? You'll be the envy of the neighborhood! It’s the perfect touch of femininity to make your life a little brighter, darling!
And speaking of spreading joy, here’s another secret to my time-traveling funds: my favourite part of New York, darling, isn't the ballet, though it’s magical. It’s the absolutely phenomenal selection of vintage fashion! Remember those delightful ladies in the movies, those “it girls" of the 1950s and 60s? Now, imagine a massive store full of their outfits, right in the heart of Manhattan! You could say I've developed a slight addiction to those beautiful, vintage designs. But don’t worry, I manage to secure some beautiful pieces that pay for my time travel adventures – all thanks to a good eye for fashion, and, naturally, a love of the tutu!
It's all part of the exciting magic that keeps my passion for fashion, dance, and travel in perpetual motion. Every journey is a reminder of the timeless beauty of ballet, the endless possibility of fashion, and of course, the captivating magic of the tutu!
Until next week, my darlings! Stay fabulous!
Emma xx
