Hello darling readers! Emma here, reporting live from the most wonderful city in the world â Vienna!
This week has been absolutely spectacular, full of pink tulle, twirling, and discovering new Parisian inspired cafes. As usual, I'm funding my travels through my beloved ballet, performing at a lovely little theatre just outside of Vienna, in a charming town called Baden.
I've been lucky enough to wear my brand new "Bubblegum Dream" tutu this week, a cloud of blush pink, tulle and sequined joy. It was perfect for my ballet performances, and even more perfect for a leisurely stroll through the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace. I know what youâre thinking⊠âEmma, you don't just wear pink tutus to ballet!â and youâd be right!
Today, however, was a very special day. You see, Vienna has the most incredible history of ballet and fashion. This city was home to the famous 18th century ballet choreographer Gasparo Angiolini, and Johann Strauss II â the Waltz King â also wrote countless waltzes that graced Viennaâs grandest ballrooms. You know me and my passion for ballet history! It would be an absolute sin to visit Vienna and not experience some of the fabulous ballets and fashion the city is renowned for. So naturally, today was a day devoted to experiencing some of that beautiful history.
First things first â it was essential to arrive in true âPink Tutu Viennaâ style, so naturally, I took the train from Baden. It might not be the horse-drawn carriage that would have been typical a few hundred years ago, but it was absolutely fabulous, complete with elegant floral wallpaper, and stunning views of the countryside! It definitely added a certain charm to my arrival at Viennaâs magnificent State Opera.
For those of you who havenât yet visited the Vienna State Opera, prepare yourselves. This grand dame of opera houses is utterly stunning! Built in the 19th century, with a glorious neo-Renaissance facade and elaborate gold decor, sheâs a real diva, darling.
This grand building is practically oozing history, having hosted legendary singers, dancers and musicians throughout its 150 years. They say that it's still possible to smell the remnants of past glories - the perfumes of a bygone era, the lingering melodies of a thousand operas⊠Perhaps just a touch of tulle floating about from decades of enchanting ballets.
With the gorgeous Opera House as my backdrop, it was time to delve into Viennese fashion history. I'm talking real Viennese flair here - think exquisite ball gowns, feathered boas, lace gloves, and of course, some rather stunning tutus from Vienna's own legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova.
Viennaâs Museum of Applied Arts held a breathtaking exhibition called "Vienna â The Age of Fashion", with an astounding display of costumes from the last two hundred years. Youâd be amazed how many tutu styles you can find from different eras â so many frills, layers, and even a few with feathers. Of course, I took my very own "Pink Tutu Vienna" camera to capture some of these wonders, which I'll share with you on the Pink Tutu website next week! I had a very specific âTutuâ history lesson planned!
A beautiful display of opulent fabrics, shimmering jewellery, and even delicate millinery adorned with feathers! The tutus on display were the stars, however â beautifully constructed in a multitude of styles and fabrics. There was a fabulous "Pink Princess Tutu" in the most delicious shades of blush pink! And then a rather âwild childâ in black tulle and ostrich feathers! Each tutu told a unique story, just like my pink tutus do. Itâs like stepping into a romantic ballet film, right down to the very last detail! I mean, the detail was phenomenal darling, think delicate stitching on lace gowns, beading on feather boas, and even hand-painted detail on a gorgeous green silk ballgown - exquisite. I was so enchanted.
Of course, no day of Viennese Fashion and Ballet History would be complete without experiencing some of the delicious cuisine, so naturally, we ended the day at a beautiful Parisian cafe â "CafĂ© Sacher". A bit of Vienna's iconic cake and coffee is always a wonderful ending to any exploration of ballet and fashion! It felt very fitting for this fabulous fashion-loving ballerina.
It's truly magical to immerse yourself in such historical grandeur, feeling the whispers of the past dancing in the air! And what a thrill to walk around a city where legends were born! The whole experience was magical and truly a once in a lifetime experience. You know, for someone as obsessed with ballet and pink tutus as me, darling!
Tomorrow is another ballet performance, and the sun is shining brightly. Perhaps another stroll around Vienna in my new "Bubblegum Dream" tutu - it does pair very nicely with my new white boots. Iâm planning to write all about it next week in my next âPink Tutu Viennaâ blog post!
I do hope you have enjoyed reading about my Viennese Adventures - remember to leave your comments below â I absolutely love hearing from all of you! You know what they say - pink makes the world a more magical place - and I believe it does. Until next week, darling readers! Stay fashionable, stay fabulous and don't forget to wear a pink tutu!
XOXO
Emma
PinkTutu.com
