Oh darling, you won't believe the *extra* things I've seen on this latest tour!
You know me, I'm always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in fashion, especially when it comes to ballet costumes. There's something so elegant and timeless about a perfectly crafted tutu, the way it floats and dances with the ballerina's every move. It's a masterpiece in its own right.
I recently had the pleasure of performing in some of the most iconic ballet venues around the world, from the opulent Bolshoi in Moscow to the charming Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. And let me tell you, I saw some truly stunning costumes!
From the classical and traditional to the modern and avant-garde, there's a ballet costume to suit every style. But what I really want to talk about is how the evolution of the tutu itself has changed things, giving a new generation of dancers some fabulous outfits to show off their artistry in.
A New Kind Of Tutu
Traditionally, we know tutus for their pouffy, fluffy construction and they still reign supreme on stages around the globe. The romantic era and tutu is one I have always been quite drawn to and these pieces never lose their mystique. They create a classic, airy silhouette that helps make a ballerina appear graceful and ethereal. And with the way tulle drapes on the body and flows with each twirl, well, that's just magical! And let's not forget about those fabulous feathers - an essential for those iconic Swan Lake white swan costumes.
But modern ballerinas have embraced more than the romanticized tutu. You'll find they favour streamlined tutus in a vast array of fabrics, colours and forms - and I mean *everything* from the classics to materials such as chiffon, silk, and even jersey - *quelle surprise*. Gone are the days of a ballerina being confined to only a white or pink costume, now they're rocking bolder looks with colours like red, gold, and blue!
Let's be honest, some of the new forms are certainly not your grandmother's tutus. You'll see plenty of deconstructed looks these days. But that's what I love most about modern ballet, it's pushing the boundaries and exploring new aesthetics and I believe the costume evolution really pushes that.
Speaking of colours, let's talk about those gorgeous new shade ranges - they've definitely upped their game. The other day, I saw a breathtaking, shimmering turquoise costume with delicate embroidery, the kind that catches the stage lights and brings out the vibrancy in the piece. And, speaking of embroidery, that's another way these modern pieces really come into their own - delicate threads are giving even more detail to already gorgeous silhouettes!
My Personal Favourites
But don't think the new trends overshadow the classics. While some modern tutus might favour an almost *barely-there* vibe, it's still all about structure. And one of my favourite traditional pieces, which I always recommend, is the classic 'Giselle' tutu - that intricate construction and silhouette truly showcases a ballerina's ability, darling.
Let's Not Forget the Boys
Of course, it's not all about the women, and those handsome male dancers certainly know how to turn heads too! Forget boring, white tights and leotards; these men have upped the game! For example, when we were in Paris, I was particularly captivated by the costumes in 'The Sleeping Beauty', featuring sumptuous velvets in deep reds and emeralds! And don't even get me started on those *ravishing* waistcoats, perfect for showcasing the dancers' well-toned physiques, don't you think?
So what are my favourite looks so far, this season? You already know me well - I can't resist a little *drama*. But it has to be **classic* alongside modern pieces, darling! In Moscow I saw this one tutu, oh it was fabulous: deep black silk and feathers, the perfect combination of drama and elegance, and it *truly* brought out the artist in the ballerina. You just had to gasp at the way she moved! It gave me the shivers just thinking about it.
Darling, these are the looks that are *forever* going to be on my mind.
Speaking of what will never leave my mind - let's have a word about fabrics. It's no surprise there has been a renaissance of those traditional silks and fabrics: I adore the way they move on the body - it's a completely different effect to anything I have worn on stage before - and so smooth to the touch!
Beyond the Stage
Honestly darling, these modern pieces have really upped the game. This shift has had a huge influence, especially on the designs you see in street-wear too. We can thank our ballet darlings for pushing those creative boundaries and making those designs into fabulous creations, darling.
Of course, there's a whole new generation of ballet enthusiasts out there and they're taking those artistic boundaries of dress into the everyday! What I find inspiring is seeing ballet, particularly in costumes and those wonderful creations, really blending into everything else.
Oh, and if you're thinking of giving ballet a go, or just looking for that ultimate gift idea, remember you don't have to be a professional to appreciate the art of a perfectly crafted ballet costume.
If you really want a look into the modern and traditional beauty of the dance world and costumes, be sure to check out those museums and historical ballet archives. You'll see the *most incredible* creations, darling - you'll *never* have a dull moment!
Be a total *fashion* darling in whatever ballet you choose!
Here are my tips for a divine ballet costume:
- Always remember: a fabulous costume is about finding something that highlights the best of you!
- Go for those traditional fabrics that flatter! Tulle and silk are real show-stoppers, and when they dance? Oh, darling!
- Keep it clean: A truly elegant ballet costume always *must* look crisp and perfect on stage, and nothing can ever outdo classic lines.
- Don't forget the accessories: a perfect bun or a set of stunning earrings - there are endless ways to elevate that classic look!