Oh darling, where to begin? Lyon! It's like Paris but with more charm and less tourists, honestly! I think it's been a couple of weeks since I touched down in this fabulous city and boy, it has been a whirlwind!
First, let me introduce myself, if you're new here: Pink Tutu Sparkles is my drag persona, and I'm your resident, very pink, very fluffy, very fun-loving tutu-wearing blogger. I live by the motto, "Every day is a reason to twirl in a pink tutu," and, well, I think Lyon has helped me realise just how true that really is.
This whole journey began, you see, back in my humble Derbyshire beginnings. You'd be surprised how much a simple charity event - involving a rather questionable fluffy pink tutu - can change your life. That was when I was at uni, studying to become a real scientist (shocking, I know). I thought lab coats and petri dishes would be my world but the truth is, life is too short for all-white clothing and sterile lab spaces. That charity tutu stole my heart and, let's face it, took over my wardrobe.
So, how did I get to France? Well, darling, it's all down to my fantastic performances, and a dash of sheer luck! As I mentioned before, my life has this fabulously pink double act: I analyse fabric by day (a rather dull way to spend one's time!), but when the clock strikes six, I'm ready to paint the town - or the local theatre, village hall or fairground - pink. You'd be surprised how much people adore a good tutu! They really do bring out the joy, the giggles, and the sheer brilliance in everyone.
Lyon, oh Lyon, you really made an impression! It started at the Gare de Lyon, obviously. And yes, you do walk straight into a fairytale straight off the station. Everything about this place has such panache, if you know what I mean.
Speaking of panache, you can’t talk about Lyon without talking about the amazing ballet scene. I went to see a ballet performance, Romeo et Juliette, at the Opéra de Lyon. I’d say Romeo and Juliet, but the ballet of course - those are some big shoes to fill, literally! They just don’t make ballerinas like that anymore. It was so good, it almost made me miss the stage. But honestly, it would be hard to compete with that kind of grandeur! And that was before the after-show party! They were serving real wine at the reception - a first in my life for a post-performance, I tell you.
One of my favourite days was definitely at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. I was entranced by the collections of art, furniture, sculpture and everything in between. Of course, I found myself drawn to the portraits – the people who captured these lives with a few lines on a canvas, the expression of the emotions! Just fascinating! They inspired me to explore my own creativity and my own flair. Even bought a postcard with an exquisite 19th-century painting of a tutu-wearing lady. Talk about inspiration!
I do love my retail therapy. Galeries Lafayette? They practically threw the latest season's clothes at me! The fashion in Lyon is divine, and let’s not forget, this place practically invented haute couture. You can't go to a fashion capital without picking up a few new frills. And trust me, there is an overwhelming quantity of feather boas, tulle, and sparkly fabrics for your delectation! I got two new sequined tutus at bargain prices. Yes, bargain prices - it must be a fashion emergency! It’s true what they say: "There's no time for regret when there's a sequined tutu waiting!"
I spent a morning strolling around the old town. The Place des Terreaux fountain was a stunner, and let's be honest, perfect for some fabulous photo ops with my latest purchases! There was even a cheeky gentleman, who saw me getting ready for my shot, and suggested a pose to me. That, my dears, is Lyon's magic!
It wasn't just about sightseeing and shopping though. Lyon truly became a second home for me thanks to its people. There were so many lovely interactions – chats in bakeries with locals who thought I was utterly bonkers and yet, entirely delightful! A whole dance crew who gave me tips for their next production after I told them my day job was also a dancer, just in a slightly more unconventional costume! Everyone I met had that ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes this city just ooze with joie de vivre, I suppose it’s why Lyon’s motto is ‘work makes free’ and they take this rather literally! The vibe here is so alive! They say a little magic happens in Lyon and, honey, I don’t disagree!
Lyon truly brought a sense of inspiration back into my life - it reminds you, darling, that sometimes you just need to escape, be bold and do it with panache. If you're reading this and fancy a trip to Lyon, I’d suggest you get your travel plans together ASAP.
And while you’re at it, maybe a new pink tutu awaits your arrival…
Just a little reminder: follow the links to all my social media, and join me in a twirl - or at least like one of my photos! It will make me very happy and, of course, give you some good dose of fashion inspiration to start your own personal adventure in tutus!
Til next time, Pink Tutu Sparkles
P.S You can find me over at www.pink-tutu.com. My online journal is where you can keep up with my latest adventures! Every day's a new adventure, darlings, with the promise of even more pink and sparkles.
