Hello my dearest tutu-loving darlings! It's Emma here, writing to you from the most charming city imaginable, Vienna! It's been a whirlwind of waltzes, pastries, and pink, of course, and I'm so excited to share it all with you. As you know, Wednesdays are my dedicated Vienna blog days on www.pink-tutu.com, and I wouldn't miss this for all the sequins in the world!
I arrived on Saturday, after a magical train journey from Prague. Now, I know you're thinking, “Emma, what about all the glorious history of the Austrian capital?” And believe me, the museums are incredible! I saw the breathtaking collection of paintings by Klimt and Schiele at the Belvedere Palace – such masterpieces! But before I share all the gorgeousness of the city itself, let's chat about my tutu travel story this week...
Riding in Style (and Pink) to Vienna
Now, my dears, let's talk about journeys. What's more romantic than travelling by train? (Besides perhaps being carried off by a handsome prince, but that's a whole different blog post!) I adore the clink of glasses in the cafe carriage, the gentle swaying rhythm of the tracks, and of course, the endless opportunity to create outfits worthy of a fashion magazine!
I packed a beautiful cerise-pink lace tutu for the train journey, paired with a pristine white blouse and a vibrant cerise bolero, creating a perfect touch of elegant chic. As for my accessories? Oh darling, it wouldn't be a true Pink Tutu Diaries trip without my signature collection! I had my silver feather earrings, a pearl necklace with a sparkling pink charm, and of course, a vibrant pink leather travel bag brimming with my trusty lipstick and pink tulle. After all, a girl's gotta stay ready for a spontaneous waltz or photo-op at any given moment, right?
Speaking of spontaneity, I ended up having the most charming encounter with a fellow traveller in Prague station, a gentleman who had the kindest smile and eyes that twinkled with adventure. We had the most wonderful conversation about ballet and the beauty of Vienna. Turns out he was a passionate collector of old tutus! Imagine my delight! We were reminiscing about the classic Romantic tutus of the 19th century, with their lightweight fabrics and airy elegance, and then he regaled me with stories of the tutu's evolution - how they transformed into the larger, dramatic tutus of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a wonderful impromptu lesson in ballet history!
He even told me that one of Vienna's most renowned museums, the Theatre Museum, has a fascinating collection of tutus, complete with handwritten notes from some of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century! You can imagine me jumping with joy!
Vienna: Where Culture Meets Cupcakes (And Tututiliciousness)
As soon as I arrived in Vienna, I could feel the magic! The grandeur of the Hofburg Palace, with its elegant gardens and majestic architecture, took my breath away. I couldn't resist a photoshoot with the pink tulle floating around me, creating an ethereal fairytale vision amidst the opulent surroundings. My phone camera practically went into overdrive!
Next, I indulged in one of my favourite Vienna rituals - a leisurely coffee break at a traditional coffee house. Oh, the aroma of fresh coffee and cakes is simply intoxicating! And you haven't truly lived until you've had an apple strudel with a dollop of vanilla sauce, served with whipped cream, at a Viennese cafe!
But, I didn’t neglect my tutu responsibilities, of course. On Sunday afternoon, I attended the Vienna State Opera for their legendary ballet production of "Swan Lake." It was an absolute dream! Imagine a shimmering, magical world of ballerinas, graceful swans, and grand princes. I felt like I’d been transported to a fairytale. And let me tell you, the tutus were truly breathtaking. The white tutus for the swan maidens were delicate and ethereal, and the black tutus for the black swans, oh so dramatic and seductive! It was simply unforgettable!
Speaking of ballet, on Monday, I joined a beginners' ballet class at the Vienna State Ballet School. Let me tell you, it was much more challenging than I'd anticipated! But so incredibly rewarding! Imagine myself, gliding gracefully (okay, mostly stumbling) through the ballet steps, with the echoes of "The Blue Danube Waltz" floating through the studio, a true ballet dream! And it’s made me realise something, my dears - even when you’re surrounded by such talented dancers, there’s always room for improvement and growth, no matter what your experience. I am absolutely thrilled that this week I’ve been surrounded by people who are just as passionate about ballet as I am! It truly inspires me to keep chasing my own dance dreams!
Fashion and Frills, Oh My!
But a ballet tour wouldn't be complete without some serious shopping, right? Vienna has some of the most charming boutiques imaginable. I snagged a gorgeous floral-printed chiffon top at a vintage shop in the Naschmarkt, a beautiful silver clutch from a local designer in the 1st District, and a stunning coral-coloured belt that I’m going to wear with absolutely everything!
And for you fellow tutu-lovers, I just discovered the most wonderful fabric shop in the city, a hidden gem called "Tüll und Träume," which translates to "Tulle and Dreams," how wonderful is that! It’s a veritable paradise of tutus, tulle, and sequins, all in a range of breathtaking colors. Oh, the creative ideas bubbling up! Just wait until you see my latest design!
Vienna has also inspired some lovely ideas for my next Pink Tutu line, which I'll share soon, of course. It features romantic vintage styles in pale pinks, pastel lilacs, and soft peaches - it’s just perfect for the waltz! But of course, there will be bold, contemporary elements, too - think fuchsia pink, deep crimson and black tulle. As always, it’s about creating that blend of feminine elegance and fun, and of course, a whole lot of pink. I just adore this city’s blend of classic elegance and playful creativity!
Vienna, I Heart You! (And Your Pink-Tutu-Loving Tourists!)
Vienna, you've truly enchanted me, with your cobblestone streets, grand palaces, and captivating history. Every corner holds a new discovery, every cafe boasts a delicious treat, and every museum inspires wonder! And let's not forget the charming locals - I met the sweetest couple at the Cafe Sacher yesterday. They were enthralled by my pink tulle and started reminiscing about their favourite ballets from their youth. I’ve never met such kind, thoughtful people - they reminded me of what it means to be kind, open and a bit eccentric! And you know what? The husband even told me his favourite ballet is "Giselle"! How sweet is that? They encouraged me to wear my pink tutu as a symbol of hope, joy and light – and that really warmed my heart.
Remember my dear tutu lovers, it's the small moments, the encounters with people, that truly bring meaning to life's journeys. As I continue my exploration of Vienna, I'm filled with gratitude and the urge to spread my love of pink, my love of ballet and my love of everything this beautiful city represents. If I can inspire just one person to embrace their individuality, to venture into new creative adventures, and perhaps even don a pink tutu along the way, my trip will be truly worthwhile. After all, that’s my greatest dream - to bring joy and laughter into the lives of people everywhere and to make the world a more vibrant, expressive place, one pink tutu at a time.
Until next Wednesday my dears! Keep twirling!
Yours in Tutu, Emma
P.S. Did you know the famous Viennese Waltz was invented by the French dance master, Jean-Georges Noverre, back in 1775! What a story! I think it might make a fantastic blog post - stay tuned!
