Bournemouth Blooms with Tutu Tuesday
It's official, folks - Bournemouth has officially been declared a tutu haven! The air crackled with the energy of pirouettes and the sunshine reflected off shimmering tulle as we celebrated the third annual Tutu Tuesday. From the delicate flutter of romantic tutus, with their airy layers, to the sharp elegance of the classic pointe shoe-adorned tutus, the day was a celebration of all things tulle. And boy, oh boy, was it fabulous!
The iconic Bournemouth beach, usually home to seaside strollers and sun-seeking tourists, transformed into a veritable runway of tutus. The promenade bustled with excitement as a parade of tutu-clad ladies of all ages twirled and danced their way through the afternoon, leaving trails of laughter and joy in their wake.
It was amazing to see the sheer diversity of styles. The classic ballerina tutu, the kind that graces the stage of the Royal Ballet, was represented, of course. You couldn't miss the iconic short, ruffled skirt, revealing a perfect arabesque line and elegant pointed toes.
But there was so much more than just classic ballerina fare. We had the **boho chic**, with their loose, flowing tutus made from delicate lace or light chiffon, adorned with wildflowers and earthy colours. I spied a fabulous example of this style with a statement piece - a rustic woven flower crown. There were also the **modernist tutus**, with their bold colours and geometric shapes. Imagine a dramatic tutu constructed out of swirling dark emerald satin, punctuated with sparkling embellishments.
There were **sparkling sequin-adorned tutus** perfect for a night out on the town and **long, layered, fairytale tutus** perfect for a day of fantastical whimsy on the beach. I was mesmerised by one little girl's princess-worthy tulle gown; it looked like a cloud had descended onto the Bournemouth beach.
But the best part? The community. This wasn't a fashion show, it was an opportunity for friends to come together and celebrate their love for tutus in all their glory. I overheard conversations between total strangers, bonding over the cuteness of a little girl's tulle skirt, the intricacy of a hand-crafted design or the thrill of a daring new design.
#TutuTuesday Trends
- **Colour:** The colour spectrum was broad this year, ranging from bold brights, such as neon pink, sunshine yellow and cobalt blue, to delicate pastels like soft lavender, baby blue, and pale pink. Even the classic black tutu made an appearance!
- **Material:** Tulle, of course, dominated the scene. This sheer, ethereal fabric created flowing, whimsical designs, making every twirl feel effortless. We also saw silk, velvet, and lace - these gave some tutus an exquisite texture and romantic feel.
- **Styling:** A sea of creativity. From chunky sneakers and biker jackets, which gave a street-chic edge, to sparkly stilettos and dazzling headbands, the styles were diverse.
Beyond the tutus, the day was also a chance for local businesses to showcase their products and talent. There were several artisan stalls with gorgeous handcrafted jewelry and clothing items. Even the local bakery had fun with the theme by baking tutu-shaped pastries, decorated with colourful icing!
Of course, there was a dedicated photo booth where tutu enthusiasts could capture their best twirls and strikes. A group of friends gathered around the booth, giggling and making sure to showcase every inch of their unique tutu ensembles. It was truly a joyous moment!
In my heart, I know that #TutuTuesday is about more than just fashion. It's about embracing creativity, defying expectations, and celebrating joy. It's a reminder to always find joy in the simple things - even just a twirl in your favourite tutu.
And I, for one, can't wait to see what magical twirls the next Tutu Tuesday in Bournemouth will bring! Stay tuned and #tututuesday.