#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2022-04-13

Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing traveller, reporting live from the heart of Vienna, Austria! This glorious city, steeped in history and adorned with architectural wonders, is positively captivating. And you know me, I can't resist a little bit of history when it comes to tutus!

This week, I've been swirling through the cobbled streets, chasing after those magical pink-tutu moments. It’s been a whirlwind of waltzing, shopping, and soaking up the Viennese charm – let’s just say it's a haven for all things fashionable and fabulous!

The waltz is, of course, Vienna's most famous dance. Every step, every twirl, embodies the romance and grace of this extraordinary city. The sheer energy and vibrancy of Vienna's ballet scene are quite intoxicating. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the ballet at the Vienna State Opera – a true masterpiece. Seeing the grand ballerinas, their pink tutus a dazzling blur against the ornate stage backdrop, left me breathless.

My recent trip was made extra special with a backstage visit to meet the exquisite ballerinas and costume designers! Imagine my delight at discovering that Vienna’s costume designers pride themselves on creating the most intricately detailed, perfectly-fitted tutus – pure bliss! I just couldn’t resist snagging a picture of myself amidst the swirling silks and sparkling jewels of their costume workshop. It felt like I'd stepped straight into a fairy tale.

This visit triggered my inner historian, and of course, it got me researching tutu history. Imagine this - the earliest version of the tutu dates back to the late 1800s and was worn by the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova. Now, you know I have to tell you this... Anna Pavlova was known for her exquisite grace and lightness! It seems there's a thread connecting our pink-tutu passion throughout history, don't you think? She paved the way for today’s elaborate, billowing tutus and inspired my own quest for the perfect pink tulle creation.

Vienna's streets themselves are an artistic adventure, a symphony of grand palaces, towering cathedrals, and vibrant market stalls. The smell of freshly baked strudel fills the air as you stroll along the narrow cobbled streets. Vienna's artistic soul flows through every corner – even in its most ordinary cafes and bakeries, the sheer attention to detail, the craftsmanship, it’s a delight!

And when it comes to finding the perfect tutu, there’s nowhere better than Vienna's luxurious boutiques and antique shops! I found a hidden treasure in the city centre: a beautiful little boutique tucked away in a backstreet that sells only the most exquisitely handcrafted tutus. It was just like stepping into a vintage tutu dreamscape.

And wouldn’t you know it, I had to pick up the most exquisite little tulle skirt with shimmering pink embellishments – absolutely irresistible! I've been wearing it all week, pairing it with my favourite pink silk blouse, strolling through Vienna's magical squares and parks. My Vienna diary is full of charming photos - with my camera snapping away, every picture is filled with the essence of this incredible city.

One of the most memorable experiences in Vienna has to be the horse-drawn carriage ride through the city centre. My horse, named Vienna – yes, truly! – was a gentle giant with a majestic stride, drawing my pink-tutu clad figure through Vienna’s historic centre.

There's nothing quite like seeing Vienna through a veil of tulle from the back of a carriage. As we strolled through the city's cobbled streets, my senses were flooded with the sound of jingling bells, the scent of blossoming trees, and the joyous sound of laughter from passing children.

You might be surprised to know that a lot of Vienna’s charm and beauty is thanks to the magnificent Habsburg royal family, a family synonymous with history, luxury, and most importantly – a love of fine design. As I strolled through Schönbrunn Palace, their summer residence, I imagined elegant balls filled with waltzing dancers wearing the most elegant tutus. This opulent royal home gave me more than just a dose of inspiration. It allowed me to visualise a different time, an era where elegance, grandeur, and the grace of dance reigned supreme.

One afternoon, I stumbled upon the Hofburg Palace. Not only is it a beautiful, historically significant palace, it houses Vienna's biggest museum dedicated to Habsburg imperial treasures – I mean, it's just dazzling! Inside, there are some beautiful galleries showcasing exquisite pieces of royal attire from the 18th and 19th centuries, many of them tutus, just perfect for a ballerina of any age!

And, of course, no visit to Vienna would be complete without indulging in some shopping. It's truly a city brimming with unique and beautiful fashion finds! From traditional Austrian hand-made silk scarfs and elegant gloves to boutiques filled with dazzling contemporary designers, I could hardly resist picking up a few new fashion accessories! I’m telling you, this trip has truly left a stylish impression on me – just wait until I show you the gorgeous outfits!

Vienna is a magical place, filled with the sounds of waltzes, the scent of freshly baked bread, and the energy of creativity. It’s a place that embraces its past with a passion, a city where fashion and art are celebrated at every corner. And, it just so happens to be the perfect setting for my pink tutu journey.

My week in Vienna has been filled with dancing, dreaming, and discoveries. From admiring the magnificent costumes of Vienna’s ballets to exploring hidden shops brimming with fashion treasures, I have felt inspired and delighted. As I make my way back to Derbyshire, England, I can’t wait to share all my fabulous finds with you!

Until next week, darling readers, keep twirling and embracing your inner ballerina! And don't forget, the world is waiting for your pink tutu to bring some sparkle and joy.