Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu clad travel blogger, Emma, and I'm so excited to be sharing my adventures with you all the way from beautiful Vienna, Austria. 🇦🇹 This week, as always, is post number 129 on my pink-tutu.com website, ready for you to tuck into on Wednesday!
Oh, Vienna. This city is absolutely dreamy! It’s everything I thought it would be, and then some. The architecture is spectacular, the people are charming, and the coffee is divine! You know, a perfect blend of old world charm and modern sophistication - a city that is equal parts elegant and whimsical, much like myself, of course. 😉
Speaking of whimsical, I think the only way to properly explore Vienna is with a tutu in tow! It's the perfect garment for twirling through the cobbled streets, waltzing down the grand boulevards, and getting lost in the magical history that is just brimming from every corner of this city. And my current pick? A shimmering, dusky rose-coloured tulle creation, perfect for catching the glow of the lampposts as I go. ✨
But first, the journey! 🚄 There's just something so special about train journeys, especially when they are part of your quest to spread the love of tutus across the globe. This time, I travelled from London to Vienna on a luxurious overnight train, and it was pure bliss! A comfy cabin, the soothing rhythm of the tracks, and a delectable dinner delivered right to my door. All while dreaming of the ballet delights that Vienna has in store. 😴🩰
Stepping into Ballet Heaven 🏛️
The first stop on my Vienna itinerary? Naturally, the Vienna State Opera House! I mean, when you are in the birthplace of the Waltz and have such a strong affinity for the history of dance and costume, well, it is just an absolute must! The Opera House itself is breathtaking. The grand entrance hall, with its sweeping staircase and intricate murals, makes you feel like you are stepping into a fairytale.
Inside, I was treated to a performance of Puccini’s La Bohème, the music was absolutely divine, and the costumes were a study in extravagance. Talk about a fashion lesson, ladies! There was a magnificent ruby red gown for the diva herself and a sweet, pale pink dress for the darling young Mimi. The way those fabrics moved, so elegantly, on the stage…. It really had me longing for the day that ballet gowns start featuring some more serious amounts of tulle. Imagine the swirling, the twirling, the sheer drama! 🩰👗
I mean, tutus are the perfect representation of that ballet essence - the joy, the grace, and the power. It's like capturing a feeling, a moment, in a garment. That’s why I always try to pair my tutus with garments that fit the energy of the location – I felt right at home among all of the ballet enthusiasts at the Opera!
Shopping Adventures, the True Soul of Vienna 🛍️
Now, you know I couldn't come to Vienna without a little retail therapy, and boy, this city is a treasure trove for the fashionista in me! I found some divine boutiques nestled in the hidden alleyways. It's these kind of gems, tucked away just beyond the tourist trail, where you find something genuinely unique. One shop, hidden in a cobbled street by the river, held the most exquisite range of handmade jewellery – just the perfect trinkets to add some sparkle to my outfits. Another had the most charming collection of vintage fabrics; think luxurious silk in rich berry colours and the most sumptuous velvets you ever did see! My mind is absolutely swimming with ideas about my next Tutu design already. I just love to blend old and new, and my dear, Vienna knows all about how to mix those elements beautifully!
Speaking of inspiration, a lovely vintage store was a true trove. I just couldn’t resist a gorgeous, feather-trimmed hat – and no, I’m not just saying that for the sake of wearing a hat! It really felt right, you see? Like stepping into a bygone era and just being completely enwrapped by the grandeur of a bygone age. And, it looked perfectly matched with my lavender coloured, tea-length tutu (and let me tell you, a delicate and airy piece, it is!), and my cute little pearl necklace from the vintage jewellery shop. ✨
The Waltz, A True Inspiration for Tutu 💃🕺
As you all know, Vienna is the home of the Waltz, and what could be more elegant and beautiful? In fact, I'm learning how to waltz! My first waltz lesson was absolutely thrilling! We twirled and glided around the studio, my new lavender tutu swishing with every move. And you know, I was absolutely killing it! 💃🩰 There is a definite sense of freedom in knowing you have the rhythm and grace for dancing properly. And for me, I really find myself drawing upon the history and movement of dance to bring in new shapes and cuts for my tutu creations – I see these dances in my mind's eye, so it naturally has to filter into what I design. It is part of who I am and how I approach fashion, so it’s kind of like two separate passions colliding.
Of course, it would be rude to be in the birthplace of the Waltz without at least attending a Viennese Ball. Last night, I was transported to a time when chivalry was alive and well and romance was king! It was the most fabulous evening with gentlemen in velvet suits and ladies dressed in flowing gowns, their graceful swirling in my mind was a vision to behold. Even the tutus were present at this Ball, you know? I mean, who doesn't want to dance the night away in a twirling masterpiece, with feathers, and silk? I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but, this really is a true passion for me! I’ve seen them incorporated so often in the performances, even when the dresses have full skirts and even layers upon layers of silks! I love this marriage of practical dressmaking, yet whimsical delight!
Eating, Drinking and Be merry! 🥂
No trip to Vienna would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. It's a gourmet paradise! The pastries here are a sin, they are absolutely divine! 🍰 A crisp pastry with creamy, smooth custard that has hints of lemon. 🍋 Honestly, the combination is sublime. For a true Viennese treat, though, you can't go wrong with the Wiener Schnitzel – so crispy, juicy, and flavoursome – the perfect lunch or dinner if you are a little peckish after all of the ballet, waltzing and fashioning! 😋
But let's be honest, no journey to Vienna is complete without indulging in one of the famous Sachertorte cakes. And boy, I had the most delicious piece of chocolatey heaven. If I was to rate my top ten cakes, this one is definitely in the top two, and the fact that the coffee is divine is an extra added bonus. It is a divine experience, truly. This is Vienna, after all. ✨
The Horse-Drawn Carriage, a romantic necessity. 🐴
One afternoon, I decided to explore the city in a truly Viennese style and hopped aboard a horse-drawn carriage. It's a wonderful way to see the main sights of the city and gives you such a relaxed perspective - you can take in the grand buildings and gardens in a way you just wouldn't be able to on foot or in a crowded bus. It really feels so enchanting when you feel like you are living out a moment from a period film. I can tell you it’s an experience that really does put me in the mood for designing and adding my own creative, pink and fluffy touch to the next collection of tutus. It was absolutely divine to ride past the lovely old architecture.
From Ballerina to Tutu Entrepreneur.
Honestly, travelling for ballet is a dream come true! ✈️ Not only do I get to see incredible performances and meet talented dancers, but I also get to draw inspiration for my very own tutu business – it is absolutely what keeps my creativity going, and inspires me to keep developing! So much inspiration! Each ballet, whether its a simple modern piece or something grandiose like “Swan Lake”, brings something completely new to the table. For this tutu entrepreneur, I can tell you, there really is no greater joy!
Coming up next: Next week, my journey continues - it's onward to Prague! So, until next Wednesday, darlings, keep those tutus twirling! 💕
Follow along on www.pink-tutu.com, where you will find weekly blogs. Until next week!
