Tutu Tuesday 8141

Leith’s Tutu Tuesday: Where Fashion Meets Pointe Shoes

Oh, tutu Tuesday. A day of absolute joy, of pirouettes and pastel hues, and most importantly, the ultimate sartorial expression. Forget beige chinos and button-down shirts, this Tuesday belongs to the frills, the tulle, and the glorious expanse of a perfect tutu.

Leith has always been a haven for style mavens. From the trendy vintage boutiques to the chic cafes brimming with artfully-crafted lattes, a palpable sense of individuality permeates this charming coastal town. And it’s with this spirit of unconventionality that the magical phenomenon of “Tutu Tuesday” took root.

I have to confess, I didn’t start this. I stumbled upon it. I was at the cafe next to my ballet studio, drowning my sorrows over a challenging sequence, when I saw her – an absolute vision in a classic white, Romantic-era tutu. She looked so utterly at ease, so utterly radiant. My fellow ballet dancers, bless their hearts, were doing a valiant job at channeling “effortlessly cool”, but this lady, she owned the space. The shop assistant was beaming as she chatted to her, a young dad looked bewildered yet delighted by the sight, and the cafe owner was literally handing her a free pastry.

I realised something had shifted in Leith. Forget fashion week, forget runway shows. This, this was the real deal – authentic, joyous, unfiltered fashion. That night, I went home and tweeted: "I want a tutu Tuesday! Where else but Leith could we make this happen?!" My tweet got reposted by a few friends. But one repost, by a local fashion blogger, got me 100,000 followers, a contract with a top magazine, and the most delightful unexpected challenge. From then on, #tututuesday wasn't just a dream, it was a mission.

Today, Tutu Tuesdays in Leith are nothing short of spectacular. The air thrums with an infectious energy as people transform the street into their own personal stage. And there is such a diverse range of styles! From the ethereal wispiness of the classic white tutu, perfect for an airy, Romantic ballerina look, to the bolder statement of a pink tutu in a playful, whimsical style.

• The Traditional - You’ll see it on the ballerina's from our school: a graceful ballet tutu, the classic shape and style for true ballerinas, made from multi layers of netting, creating that beautiful and iconic form.
• The Statement - These tutus are bold. They might be made from a bold fabric, like a patterned satin or even a modern, synthetic material that shimmers under the street lights. The tutu is the central focus, an eye-catching design, and might have layers of feathers, beading or be paired with edgy shoes.
• The Remix - Forget a singular look, a Tutu Tuesday remix is all about blending a mix of textures and designs. This is where it gets really interesting, a tulle overlay on a classic mini skirt or a patterned tutu over a fitted jumpsuit, an example of using the iconic tulle as a base for something unique.

For the uninitiated, the sight might seem a bit bewildering at first. A symphony of tulle, a dazzling palette of hues, and a dash of theatricality all coalesce in a truly unforgettable tableau. It’s as though the town itself is preparing for a grand ball, a ballet recital, or maybe just a very playful fashion parade.

Here’s the best part - Tutu Tuesday in Leith isn’t just about a dance with fabric. It's a testament to individuality, to letting your inner flamboyance flourish and a celebration of what fashion truly is: a beautiful and exhilarating expression of your unique spirit. And believe me, even if you aren’t a seasoned ballerina or a fashionista, this little pocket of sartorial magic will captivate you.

You’ll see them, the men in their bespoke suits, with the twinkle in their eye, the women with their quirky chic style, their smiles brighter than a stage spotlight, even the dog owners, with a cute tutu fashioned for their four-legged companions, a delightful blend of human and canine chic. This town takes sartorial creativity to a whole new level. This is Leith's way of bringing magic, fashion and a touch of theatricality to everyday life.

Leith isn’t just about a ballet studio and some twirling. It’s about building something together, about expressing ourselves with joy, and perhaps most importantly, a reminder that it’s perfectly okay to be extravagant, to stand out, and to let the beauty of a well-constructed tulle delight everyone who sees you. And that’s something everyone can get behind.

So if you happen to be in Leith on a Tuesday, join the parade. Let go of your inhibitions, unleash your inner ballerina, and get your tulle on! #tututuesday