Wednesday 6th June 2012
Darling readers,
Greetings from Vienna! My trusty steed, the Orient Express, delivered me here in all its steamy, glamorous glory on Monday, just in time to catch a mesmerising performance of the Vienna State Ballet at the iconic Vienna State Opera House. Oh my! Such elegance, such artistry! It almost felt like I’d been swept back in time to the golden era of ballet. And you know I’m a total sucker for a bit of history, especially when it’s steeped in beautiful dance and decadent costumes!
Vienna, a city that exudes the essence of culture and history, has truly cast its spell upon me. As I write this, the aroma of Viennese coffee and freshly baked Sachertorte fills the air, mingling with the sounds of street musicians and the joyous laughter of children playing in the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. There's a real vibrancy to the city, but at the same time, there's also a sense of timeless elegance that speaks of an illustrious past.
Before we get lost in the historical labyrinth, let’s get back to my glorious journey, which, as always, involved a delightful dose of tutus and fashion! I boarded the Orient Express sporting my newest pink tulle creation, a voluminous, frothy masterpiece that looked straight out of a ballet dream. The fellow passengers were absolutely captivated by it, even the old-fashioned, grumpy gentleman seated opposite me couldn’t help but smile at my flamboyant fashion choice. And the train steward, a dashing fellow with a charming twinkle in his eye, was particularly smitten with the blush-toned feathers adorning my hat.
Vienna is famous for its magnificent buildings and impressive museums. But for a tutu-loving fashionista like myself, there's no place more divine than the Vintage Vienna shop, a little treasure trove of bygone elegance that reminded me of stepping into a 1950s fairytale. Imagine, darling, mountains of frothy petticoats, layers of lace, sparkling brooches and bejeweled gloves. I swear I almost passed out with happiness! I treated myself to a delicate tulle scarf in a soft pastel pink and a beaded evening bag to add a touch of Viennese sparkle to my evening ensemble.
And then there's the shopping! It would be a crime not to mention Vienna's unparalleled fashion scene. I fell head over heels for the beautiful boutiques lining the cobbled streets of the city centre, their window displays filled with the latest creations from Austrian designers. I bought a beautiful white linen dress with a touch of pink embroidery, which I paired with a pair of delicate pearl earrings and a silk shawl in a shade of blush that almost rivalled the blooms of a cherry blossom.
Speaking of the ballet, the Vienna State Opera House is a grand dame of the arts scene, with an imposing neo-Renaissance façade that wouldn't look out of place in a fairy tale. Stepping inside, I was transported to a realm of opulence and elegance. The interior, adorned with elaborate carvings, gilding, and ornate chandeliers, reminded me of a magical theatre from one of my childhood stories.
But my whirlwind of Vienna has only just begun. This afternoon, I'll be indulging in a traditional afternoon tea at the Hotel Sacher in the most gorgeous of ball gowns, accompanied by my latest creation - a tiny, bejeweled ballet bag just big enough to fit my lip gloss and a small pair of pink ballerina slippers! Tonight, I'll be waltzing the night away at a Viennese Ball, surrounded by dancing couples dressed in their finest. My dress is a swirling explosion of pink satin and feathers, and of course, I'll be sporting a dramatic tutu.
My journey through Vienna is a true dream come true. The city pulsates with a lively energy and, dare I say it, has truly given me the pink inspiration for my next Tutu creations!
Oh, and before I forget, a reminder to all you lovely ladies out there – the tutu movement is spreading! You, yes you! Go on, grab a pink tutu and join the ballet revolution. Because every girl deserves to twirl in a world of beauty and magic!
Catch you next week with more updates from my Austrian adventure.
Lots of love and twirls,
Emma xx
PS: Did I mention I even had a lovely encounter with a handsome Prince charming at the Schönbrunn Palace? Maybe I'll share that story next week. ; )
