Friday 19 September 2008

The Costume Department

I'm sure it never really intended to play such an important role in fashion history. Once upon a time it was only seen on Christmas Eve during a terribly drawn out ABC version of The Nut Cracker. Today, it's worn by toddlers worldwide at their fairy and goblin themed birthday parties. The most copied being the “soaked by a bus version” on the opening credits of a stupidly successful television series. It seems these days, if you haven't worn layers of tulle and tried to pass it off as a skirt you're not really 'fashion'.
Personally, I spent a good 80% of my upbringing wearing one (I have the toes to prove it). Therefore, have never been a huge follower in the real world. I tend to believe this soft, romantic, fairytale skirt has its place and that place is the stage. I admit, I was a fan of Carries tiered version but I've never had a hankering to replicate it. I've worn many petticoat versions under full skirts but never felt the need to expose them.
Due to my somewhat dramatic nature and love for quirky over accessorised labels such as Alannah Hill; I often find myself holding back with outfit choices in fear of crossing the line from outfit to costume. A red and white polka dot dress can look sweet; add a patent round toe Mary Jane and I'm getting paid by Walt Disney to have my picture taken with children. The tutu unfortunately falls into this 'costume' like category for me. In a conscious effort not to look like Swan Lake I have always opted to leave the tutu to the professionals rather than risk looking like an overweight version of Margo Fonteyn.
Today, however, in the snaps above, I've decided to push myself over the edge, cross the line and be a little bit crazy (said in sarcastic tone with jazz hands and major eye rolling action). Searching through the ballet cupboard, oh yes ladies this cupboard actually exists in my family home, I took the step, here's my best “tutu for the real world”- best keep an eye out for passing buses.

20 people have commented:

Francis Girard said...

There were 2 lovely comments on this post this morning and then my Mac threw a tantrum and deleted both... or maybe blogger did it or maybe I accidently did it. Im so sorry to those 2 readers - please visit again. xfrancis

Shannon said...

lol - I was wondering what happened to this post.

Again - you look gorgeous and not at all over the top and now I am thinking I should go and clean all the stuff out of my Dad's shed so I can find my tutu..

Liv Bambola said...

I love these pictures, very sweet.

I don't know how the tutu look is pulled off in "street fashion" but I would love to know how to do it. I think it's so lovely! :) I'd love to see it teamed with a stud belt and black heels and a rock band tee... wow. that's a strange combination.

Q's Daydream said...

I think one of those was me. I love your blog, and your tutu is wonderful!

choppyshades said...

this is such a wonderful picture. i love the skirt.
you little ballerina!

Miss_Red said...

I still remember my first tutu- it was white with silver lace and I loved it! I have the 'costume cupboard' too that lives at my mothers house, stuffed full with years of sequined, beaded and colourful creations.
You make that tutu look so modern and yet romantic, the photos are great! Much better than the "soaked by a bus" version IMO :)

Anonymous said...

I don't know about anyone else but a tutu will always make me happy...wearing one just has a positive fashion effect....

Lissa said...

I had a tutu when I was younger, but it was to scratchy for me. But this one looks lovely on you.
By the way, the clipping is actually from the US version of Bazaar.

Make Do Style said...

I love a tutu too even after the years of ballet - I too have the toes and feet to prove it! I actually did go to a party as the sugar plum fairy and it wasn't fancy dress.

Q's Daydream said...

Thank you for the wonderful comment you left on my blog! Hope your well!

Mónica said...

Picture is lovely. When talking about tutus I can't help but think in Carrie -SATC-. I think despite in street fashion is not very extended, there are thousands of ways to make it work, and the fashion-forward effect can be amazing

Rachel said...

It's funny you should mention it - I was staring at several tutu skirts on the wkend wondering how to wear them, and should I wear one how I would put memories of dance class from my mind. I have a ballet cupboard too, but I always get caught up in the other "themed" performances before I get to the stock-standard tutu.

Lady Melbourne said...

I agree with Susie!
I love my tutu-ish petticoat, but beware- it does draw the inevitable SATC comparisons.
As long as you rock it I don't think it matters....and we all know FG can rock a tutu!
LM
x

Sydneydoll said...

I can always tell when someone works at Alannah Hill in the street.
they have a very distinctive look.

tutus are cool.
i LOVE tutu dresses : )

michelle said...

Tutus are a must for any girl's closet. You never know when it'll come in handy ;)

we wear things said...

wow that photo is gorgeous!!.. not overtop at all..

-issa

Jen said...

I was a little ballerina too and was also a fan of the "carrie tutu" but have yet to wear one myself. And those photos are lovely...

Ivelina FriChic said...

Thank you so much for reading my blog!
You have some amazing photos that tell a wonderful story on their own. Love you view on everything!

pumps & luiers said...

Thanx!

really like the tutu: it's always more fun to go over the top!

Mademoiselle Dauphine said...

where can u find a good tutu skirt... Ive been searching everywhere thats soft and not made of that terrible super stiff tulle.... yours looks gorgeous though. i want it!