February 2021: Darling, the air is thick with the scent of jasmine and the sound of tutus swishing across the stage, it's February! That magical time of year when the world of ballet truly blossoms and with it comes a thrilling display of costuming masterpieces. This season I've taken it upon myself, as a true aficionado of all things elegant, to scour the globe and bring you the hottest, the most captivating, and frankly the most delightful ballet costumes currently gracing the stages of world renowned ballets. Buckle your pointe shoes, lovelies, because we're taking a front-row seat to this fashion spectacular!
Let’s start with the breathtaking creations we witnessed at the Bolshoi. Darling, if you were looking for classic opulence then the **"Swan Lake"** costumes are positively breathtaking. We all adore those flowing white tulle tutus with their romantic frills and exquisite beading, reminiscent of swans taking flight in a flurry of feathery elegance. The costumes worn by the "black swan" characters in the later acts were undeniably impactful - that bold, fiery crimson truly embodies passion, drama, and a touch of dangerous allure.
Speaking of a touch of drama, darling, did you catch the **"Giselle"** revival in Paris? You must have witnessed those beautiful, whimsical costumes, perfect for the ethereal spirit of Giselle. The use of delicate, flowing fabrics that whisper in a breeze creates such ethereal, yet poetic beauty and there was a beautiful transparency in those airy peasant blouses that, as Giselle dances, give us glimpses of the soft skin underneath, enhancing her fragile beauty.
Let's jump across the ocean now and indulge ourselves in the mesmerizing **"Sleeping Beauty"** productions taking place across America. Imagine a symphony of sparkling pink and powder blue satin with embellishments that simply sparkle - you see why we are mesmerized! The princess costumes are truly royal with those wide-skirted tutus embellished with jewels that literally take your breath away. The court dancers, too, wear stunning and vibrant ensembles, with the males wearing those dazzling blue jackets with rich brocade detailing, oh darling, it's a costume ball dream come true!
Now for a change of pace, a complete shift in aesthetic... darling, did you happen to see **"The Nutcracker"** at the Royal Opera House in London this season? For the little girls, the **Sugar Plum Fairy's** costume in London's production is positively adorable - a perfect mix of the magical and the sweet. The traditional sugar plum colours, adorned with sugared, spun cottony fluff to give a "just sprinkled with sugar" finish! I dare say you’ll fall head over heels for these captivating creations. Then there's the captivatingly vibrant costuming used for the Chinese Dance! Those silk-trimmed scarlet tunic jackets for the males and those delicate butterfly dresses for the ladies, a symphony of flowing ribbons and twinkling sequins; it's quite simply breathtaking!
A little further down the line from those London ballets are the **"Don Quixote"** productions across Europe, Oh! darling, you simply cannot fail to be dazzled by their intricate and richly coloured costumes. The main male character's suit, made of deep navy, dark red and opulent black velvet, evokes an air of brooding chivalry, his swirling velvet cape is so dramatic. We also can’t forget those playful, vibrant costumes in the "Gypsy" scene! The women wear colorful dresses featuring those cascading flamenco-style flounces, those emerald and sapphire shawls flow in a stunningly dramatic fashion. It's an intoxicating display of visual exuberance, perfectly reflecting the spirited dance.
Finally, before we indulge in our fashion after-party cocktails, let’s discuss the costumes of the legendary **"La Bayadère"** production at the Mariinsky Theater. Darling, you absolutely must witness these costumes! The ethereal "Temple Scene", where the beautiful female dancers in their pristine, ethereal white tunics perform such graceful temple dances - it's a picture of heavenly beauty. Of course, the contrasting dark sensuality of the "Kingdom of the Shades" with its classic ballerina's black tutus is simply a timeless vision, elegant in the true sense of the word.
Costume Inspiration:
And as a ballerina, I simply adore drawing inspiration from these beautiful costumes, particularly their detailing and the exquisite fabrics that the world's top costume designers employ. They provide a wealth of inspiration that not only shapes our balletic interpretations but also nourishes our personal fashion tastes. Here are a few tips on incorporating some ballet-inspired flair into your own wardrobe: Tips from a Ballerina for Incorporating Ballet-inspired style into your wardrobe.
- Embrace Romantic Florals: Those dainty, airy floral print designs, like the ones you might find in Giselle’s wardrobe, are perfectly romantic. Add a splash of elegance by adding a delicate floral scarf or perhaps a summer dress with those captivating floral prints for a touch of whimsy.
- Embrace the power of tulle: Let's talk tulle! Darling, the elegance of that delicate and ethereal fabric will make you swoon. We’ve seen tulle featured extensively in the iconic "Swan Lake". Incorporate this luxurious fabric into your outfits. Think elegant tulle skirts and maybe even an airy, tulle scarf for a romantic touch. You’ll dance through life with style, trust me!
- Go for graceful silhouette: A ballerina’s movement flows effortlessly. It's all about movement! A graceful silhouette, just like those beautiful ballet costumes create, is essential. Look for clothes with flowing lines, whether a delicate dress or a graceful pair of pants with a loose, flowing drape.
- Get some beautiful statement Jewellery: Oh Darling! Have you noticed all that exquisite jewelry and headpieces those dancers wear on stage? Don’t be afraid to make a statement. Bold earrings, dramatic necklaces, and eye-catching hair pieces can all be wonderful ways to channel your inner ballerina. The "Sleeping Beauty" costumes have those gorgeous jewelry pieces that add just the right amount of bling!
- Add an elegant pair of Ballerina Flats It's not just about dancing on pointe; think graceful comfort for everyday wear. The ballerina flat is the perfect complement for any feminine outfit. I absolutely love to slip on a pair of beautiful satin flats, or velvet ones for a more decadent touch.
- Accessorize with graceful, stylish gloves Oh, darling! Those long kid gloves - you simply cannot resist the charm and elegance. Pair with an elegant outfit for a classy evening event. Look for gloves in delicate lace, satin or those sumptuous velvets to achieve a sophisticated look with a touch of vintage flair.
And darling, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own ballet-inspired style. With a little bit of creativity, you can be your very own ballerina in everyday life! As we embark on this new season of ballet and all of the glorious new costumes, may this month bring you inspiration and joy as we revel in the captivating artistry and exquisite fashion of the dance world.