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The tutu has been said to have been the greatest costume invention of all time. It has withstood the test of time and even found its way into today’s fashion. I ask myself, what is it about a tutu that has done what other fashion styles have failed to do.
The path of the tutu into “everyday glam” has been very interesting. The invention in 1832 was to emphasize the movements of the ballerina’s body. After much influence from Romantic and Classical ballets three types evolved from the original - Romantic, Classical And Bell.
The Romantic style, the first one, appeared in the ballet La Syphide on Marie Taglioni in Paris. These tutus were long, floating and cut above the ankle to show the legwork. It still shows up in some of today’s romantic ballets, because of its ability to enhance the flowing, beauty and grace of the ballerina.
Over time the desire was to see more of the dancer’s legs, therefore the Classical tutu was born. It’s first appearance was in the 1880’s on Virginia Zucci, an Italian ballerina . It’s length was just above the dancer’s knees. Although in the 1940’s the classical tutu began to evolve, it became shorter and shorter. The appearance and materials changed to two very distinct styles – Pancake and the softer version called the Powder puff.
A combination of the Romantic and Classical styles, created the Bell tutu. It is shorter than the Romantic yet longer than the Classical, and features a bell shape. Today’s “street tutu”, the name given to tutus worn for fashion, was influenced greatly by the Bell.
Where did the tutu become the “street tutu” of today’s fashion industry? Many of today’s fashion designers have created costumes for some of the greatest ballets. For example, French designer Christian Lacroix’s haute couture features ballet type clothing of organza and tulle (matching ballet flats as well). A collector paid $94,800 for the Leslie Hurry-designed tutu Margot Fonteyn wore in Swan Lake. Coco Chanel is famed for creating many beautiful costumes as well.
Did the involvement of these designers help in the growth of the street tutu? Tutus have been said to represent a magical circle around the ballerina. Was it the want of everyday- magic in our lives, that brought alive this new tutu?
In 2003, the opening sequence for the ever popular TV show Sex and The City, features a beautiful Sara Jessica Parker on the streets of New York City in a $5.00 vintage tutu. It was a much heated debate on whether to use this outfit to define Carrie’s style for the entire series. But she and her costume designer Patricia Field insisted. It has been said that her tutu became a fashion classic. This much debated tutu style was even reincarnated in the final movie. Today, the street tutu has even become a rock star statement and a mainstay in punk styles.
Children’s fashion designers have jumped on board and include tulle adorned hems, full pettiskirts under dresses and even onesies adorned with tutu style ruffled bottoms. Nothing is cuter than a little girl dancing around and around in her tulle ruffled skirts.
I am not sure what has made the tutu a timeless fashion – magic, romance, uniqueness, or just plain fun to wear. All of the above is why I keep buying them for my little girl and myself!
This article was contemplated and investigated by Shannon Henrici a writer for MyBabyClothesBoutique.com specializing in adorable tutus, and fun baby headbands.
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