Leicester’s Tutu Tuesday: Where Elegance Meets Street Style
So, it's Tutu Tuesday in Leicester! For the uninitiated, Tutu Tuesday is a monthly celebration of all things tulle, lace, and elegance, held on, you guessed it, the second Tuesday of every month. It's a chance for the city’s fashionistas, dance enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a bit of whimsy to showcase their best twirling attire. And trust me, Leicester does not disappoint!
This month, the streets were abuzz with a whirlwind of tulle and lace, with styles ranging from classic to contemporary. The classic tutus were out in full force, their layered tulle cascading like fluffy clouds. You couldn't miss the romantic appeal of the 'Romantic Tutu,' a delicate tulle confection perfect for twirling beneath the city's historic architecture. For a more contemporary touch, there were plenty of 'Modern Tutus' on display. Think asymmetrical hemlines, bold colour blocking, and innovative fabrics.
As a ballet dancer with a passion for fashion, I always love the mix of styles. There's a special charm to seeing dancers like myself in our pointe shoes and tutus navigating the cobblestones alongside fashion bloggers in their quirky, everyday interpretations of tutu style. I spotted a woman with her own unique take on 'Fairy Tutu' style. She wore a sheer, pastel tulle skirt over a vibrant maxi dress and topped it off with a whimsical floral crown. It was the perfect combination of romantic and bohemian, proving that a tutu can effortlessly transition from the stage to the streets.
Another eye-catching look was a bold interpretation of the 'Black Swan Tutu,' an edgy black tutu with layers of chiffon that skimmed the ground, giving off a rebellious vibe. Its dramatic, gothic silhouette was perfect for those who wanted to channel a fierce, artistic energy. You wouldn't be surprised to see these tutus make an appearance on the city's growing arts scene – it’s no secret Leicester has an emerging avant-garde community. I had the opportunity to catch up with one of the city's upcoming fashion designers, Amelia. She told me she uses tutus as a starting point for her designs, drawing inspiration from their textures and layering to create truly unique pieces that move effortlessly. Her 'Twisted Tutu' line explores these concepts and pushes boundaries – she definitely has an exciting career ahead of her!
I had a chance to talk to the charming lady behind a small shop tucked away in the city's oldest neighbourhood. The store owner was decked out in a shimmering 'Victorian Tutu' with intricate beading and a wide, bell-shaped skirt, straight out of a period drama! She confessed that she and a small group of friends came up with the idea for 'Tutu Tuesday'. As Leicester’s most loved artisan-driven clothing shops were beginning to attract visitors from all corners of the UK, this group wanted to make a creative splash in the fashion world, so the original idea of 'Tutu Tuesday' was hatched. I told her I loved her style. It made the city feel both historical and vibrant. She just winked and said “it's about expressing ourselves!” and that's the key, isn't it? It's about having fun with fashion, pushing the boundaries of what we wear and where we wear it.
Here are a few other things that really stood out during my tutu tour of the city:
- The Tutucrafts: This was my absolute favourite stop, tucked away on a cobblestoned alleyway. They featured beautiful, hand-stitched tutus crafted with meticulous detail and an assortment of dazzling materials. They really make this a 'makers' movement', you know? All about local artisans and the care that goes into handmade items.
- The Tutus on The Walk: This delightful boutique showcases the latest tutus trends from independent designers from all over the country. They have some truly innovative styles, so many colours and fabrics you’d think it was a fairy tale. They also hold mini fashion shows on some Tuesday nights - definitely going next month!
- The Tututasty: The most stylish cafes are hopping with locals in their own takes on tutu outfits. It was so fun to see the creativity - a couple of people even incorporated Tutu themes into their drinks! Who knew a splash of lemon was so chic?
Leicester's 'Tutu Tuesday' proves that fashion doesn't need to be serious, that you can dress for fun and personality and be utterly confident with your style! I for one can’t wait for the next 'Tutu Tuesday' and am eager to see what other interpretations will bloom throughout the streets of Leicester. #TutuTuesday #Leicester #TutuLove