Darling, Happy New Year! The world is a new oyster, all shimmering with possibilities for fashion, and, of course, fabulous dancewear!
As we say goodbye to the rather trying 2020, it's the perfect time for a little retrospective – and a peek at what's to come, of course. I must confess, dear readers, there has been something deliciously daring in how we've all taken to our ballet wear! We’ve worn our leotards and tights from dawn til dusk, darling, even as our usual repertoire of classes, rehearsals, and shows was suspended. It’s not all bad, really, we have finally embraced the elegance and comfort of dancewear for every day!
It’s this embracing of dancewear for everything – ballet barre workouts on the beach, even a little pointe work at our kitchen counters – that I believe has truly shaped the trends for the new year, and given designers a fantastic new challenge. And a very delicious one at that!
From Tutus to T-ShirtsA favourite, for so many dancers is the enduring romanticism of the tutu! I do adore a classical ballerina's **Tutu** – with its delicate fabric and flowing tiers, its lightness just allows you to really take flight. In 2020, some designers have definitely been leaning on this iconic garment. You know the classic ones! And, darlings, how they just have to be in every dancer’s wardrobe. I mean, is there anything more satisfying than that moment when the delicate layers of fabric are carefully lifted and arranged to reveal its full glory?
The **Romantic Tutu** with its more dramatic cascade, oh darling, it always brings to mind a magical performance. But for this season, my advice would be to go bold, go all-out glamorous and maybe a little audacious with your designs! There's something to be said for the statement tulle **Party Tutu**, that is bold, modern, with plenty of sass and a cheeky hint of playful whimsy!
Dancing into the Future: Comfort is QueenAnd for my modern dancers out there, what could be more luxurious, darlings, than slipping into our favorite **Leotards**? This piece has been going through a serious style upgrade recently. I'm speaking about beautiful fabrics, intricate mesh cutouts, oh my, and sleek, flattering shapes! For your dance sessions at home this is simply a must, don't you agree?
There's a lovely, almost sporty feel for the contemporary dancewear scene - designers seem to be opting for fabrics that are smooth and technically superb. The most interesting designs are coming from those who are actually taking ballet to new, inventive and thrillingly challenging places! This isn't just a return to dance basics – we are going full throttle in terms of functionality and flair.
International Dance Style – and the New DesignsNow for the dance world out there – so diverse! – it is about how fashion and style embrace and even embrace our differences and reflect the unique cultures of our communities. We're a very multicultural, eclectic world now and dancers, just like fashion, reflect the great melting pot! So let’s delve into some styles around the world.
New YorkIt goes without saying – that the **New York City Ballet** continues to be the benchmark for exquisite dancewear. And who can deny that their costume designs are as exciting and thrilling as their performances? There is so much glamour, daring, that's often tied into an unexpected, experimental edge! Think bold colour-blocking, sleek silhouettes that have both athleticism and glamour.
The costumes they have designed for their more traditional ballets continue to be breathtaking and have an exceptional feminine sensibility. Think tulle and silks in vibrant colours. The **Russian ballerina** who always looks fabulous, with just that slight touch of dramatic beauty and an elegance in everything she does. For their 2021 season , they're bringing the drama of Russian dance back, featuring a selection of their **Classical Tutus**, which is going to make for some very interesting moments.
Tokyo and Seoul: Asia Takes Center StageWhat's going on in the East? The Asian market has just exploded with some super fabulous dance wear! There are all kinds of fantastic designs for dancers in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and other fabulous hubs of the fashion world – including designers who are making a serious splash right now. These dance studios are simply rocking the scene with a fresh aesthetic – think delicate silks in pale, shimmering colors. I am absolutely obsessed with their fabrics which move so elegantly and so effortlessly!
What makes their looks unique, darlings, is the playful contrast with geometric forms, so modern! And they love an injection of colour! It's absolutely delicious, like a palette of pastels or neon with pops of unexpected accents, to break up that feminine palette. This fresh way to embrace both modernity and elegance. You really can’t look away when Asian designers are pushing those boundaries. A stunning new wave!
The Evolution of Fashion and Dance:And for 2021, darlings, there’s going to be something absolutely magical in the evolution of dance fashion, and it is truly coming of age. What makes our little world so extraordinary is our dedication to performance and perfection and this plays into the ever-evolving and very exquisite world of fashion. We’re very lucky, indeed!
Fashion has always reflected what’s going on, darling, so the designers are really listening to what we dancers are thinking – and that’s so empowering, really. So to bring our wardrobe into this incredible year, here are a few ideas for 2021.
For 2021, embrace the latest styles with confidence! Here’s a little “dance” fashion checklist :And then just accessorize! You can use those bright and vibrant colours in some little touches that take it to that other dimension!
Dancewear, it's a very sophisticated world indeed, darlings. A place to shine, express yourself, and have a whole lot of fun with those expressive colors and interesting silhouettes.