AI Ballet Review 199

## **Ballet's Dress Code: A Monthly Review** Darling, it’s that time again! November, oh November. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and everyone is talking about what’s new and what’s not this season. Well, let’s get real, darling. Who can resist a fabulous new *tutu*, even if the season does dictate it should be more... *autumnal*. Speaking of tutus, you just have to *see* what’s going on in the world of ballet right now. The season's premieres have just started and everyone’s going gaga for colour, texture, and yes, even *sparkle*. Oh, the things we sacrifice for art. I must tell you, darling, I *may* have made a rather *splendid* investment in a new *corps* tutu. Black, it is, with little shimmering sequins around the edges – a hint of drama and whimsy. And yes, you've got it, a *very* cheeky thigh-high slit – I adore the subtle flash of leg it allows, just a touch of allure in an otherwise classical piece. Just wait till you see it *in the light*. Now, this month we’re not just discussing the glitzy glamorous... No, darling, this is about the *art* of the *costume* – how it can elevate a story, bring out the character’s emotion, and, let’s face it, simply look *fantastic* in that beautiful, sweeping light that graces the stage. So, let’s *step* into this fabulous world. ### **Classically Elegant** * **The Ballerina’s Black Swan**: **Royal Ballet, Covent Garden**, darling! How divine are the feathered tutus of *Swan Lake*? I’m all about black swans this year - dark, dramatic, oh so *effortlessly elegant*… Just a splash of feathered intrigue on the delicate lace… Honestly, perfection! And those beautiful feather wings, *designed* to dance around the stage like the black swans themselves? It is the epitome of delicate romance mixed with primal, animalistic beauty. *Swoon*. * **The Romantic Princess**: **Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet**, you see, always have such grace. The *Giselle* tutus they wear are just... divine. Such simplicity and lightness - the wispy tulle in white or off-white, a hint of glittering crystals. It’s all about *transparency*, that lovely flowing feeling, allowing every movement of the dancers to speak in a language so delicate, yet powerful. Just *beautiful*. * **The Intriguing Enchantress**: But **Paris Opera Ballet** isn't *always* classically refined. No, darling, they bring *magic* to *Sleeping Beauty*, creating enchanting costumes with a bit of *spice*. We see those incredible velvet bodices, with their long sleeves and dramatic shapes – perfect to highlight the princess' transition into an ethereal creature – It’s just divine, how the *design* allows a simple step to feel so *magical*. ### **Beyond the Tulle** The *corps de ballet* are absolutely stunning, and the ballerina is always an exquisite vision. But darlings, this month, I am smitten with how the character roles are coming into their own. * **A Touch of *Red***: I adored seeing **The New York City Ballet**’s production of *The Firebird*. Now, the firebird herself is absolutely dazzling. Crimson feathers that really *glow*, contrasting the lushness of the green dress. So elegant! So impactful. Oh, and those *sparkles* – they really take it to the next level. But, for me, darling, the real magic is *Kostroma*… in her flawless *deep blue velvet*. So regal, a touch of mystery, and with a magnificent cape to match. Just… *magnifique*. * **Eastern Beauty**: And let’s not forget the **Ballets Russes**. For years their costumes have captivated the world – always bold and striking. Those vivid colours, inspired by Russian folk-art? They are truly breathtaking! Remember those elaborate headdresses? And don't even get me started on those dramatic designs… truly capturing the intensity and the emotion. * **Modern Elegance**: Now, this is where it gets *fun*. **Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake**. Now, the *boys* don’t *need* feathers or long skirts, *non*? But look how they absolutely *own* this role in tight pants – that *silhouette* just *sizzles* when they move. There is a *power* in their movement, and they wear their *male* *sexuality* so gracefully. It's not the classical *feminine*, it’s a *strength*, a new kind of ballet altogether, and oh, so *cool*! ### **But More than a *Costume*** Remember, darling, we are *beyond* the tutu, even as much as I *adore* a good *tutu*. Think beyond the ***costume* - **into the fabric and texture**, into the colours, the intricate detail, the *emotion* it inspires. * **Embroidered Dreams**: You see, the detail is just *heaven*. Look at those hand-stitched **pailletes* – sparkling with light and reflecting each movement in such an intimate way. You really feel the magic that only a *handmade* piece can bring. It’s so important to appreciate the effort, the *artistry*, that goes into making each garment, creating not just *costume* but *works of art*. A tiny stitch can be a *symbol*, a movement of *power*, an idea *realized*. It's beyond fabric and thread. * **Embracing *Thematic* Detail**: The costumes must speak to the *heart* of the piece. You know the ballerina *should* wear a *tutu*. But *why* is it *blue*? Or *yellow*? Or *shimmering* with silver? It tells the story, darlings! For example, a shimmering **silver* **tutu** is perfect for a *dream* scene. It's a moment of reflection, a sense of mystery, that the costumes, the **colours**, can convey perfectly. And the *silky fabric*, like that flowing *river* of *mist*? Don’t *dismiss* the textures, it all comes together! * **Evolutionary Style**: You know, darling, even classical costumes have a *modernity*. Remember when those little *white dresses* were *huge* – that *hoop* around the skirts? We’ve progressed. The shapes and designs are still there, but it’s more *slender* and *refined* now – and oh, that much more *sexy* when it swirls around the stage. ## **Our Favourite Designers** This season, darling, we’ve been so smitten by these names… * **Jean-Paul Gaultier**: We *adore* this French darling, always taking classical forms and bringing in *modernity*, *edginess* , *funk* to it all! And *always* so comfortable – the dancers must be happy. * **Christian Lacroix**: He really knows *theatricality* – just like he knows a *fabulous* dress, this man’s ballet work is just... *perfect*. You *always* get a sense of grandeur, *exquisite* colour palettes and exquisite detail – I'm smitten. * **Karl Lagerfeld**: Yes, I know this might be an unconventional choice… But have you seen his costumes for *The Nutcracker*? Modern but still so elegant, you have the sleek shapes, the daring silhouettes and such *refined* fabrics. **Don’t forget to follow me, my darlings, on Instagram for more *insider* views on ballet fashion.** Let me know what *you* are watching and what has caught *your* fancy this month, darlings. Until next time!