Fashion and the dramatic arts have long shared a symbiotic relationship. Ballet, in particular, shares a richly inter-twined past with the fashion industry, influencing styles and silhouettes decade after decade. From the casual Coco Chanel-designed costumes in some of Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes of the 1920s to the balletcore trend of today, this inspired partnership continues to flourish on the streets, runways, and stage.
The bond between fashion and dance goes much deeper than sparking trends, and gives choreographers and designers alike the opportunity to ensconce themselves in a new medium that foregrounds two assets intrinsic to their respective disciplines: movement and the body. Countless designers have lent their talents to renowned ballet companies: Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier, Iris van Herpen, Sarah Burton, and Valentino have all delivered high-fashion concepts to ballet companies around the world, bringing a touch of couture to the choreography.
Most recently, London’s Royal Ballet welcomed Daniel Lee of Burberry to develop uniquely British ballet looks, while Carolina Herrera’s Wes Gordon created looks for a Balanchine piece performed by the New York City Ballet. This past spring, Alaïa’s Pieter Mulier designed the costumes for Pit, a modern ballet at the Opéra de Paris.
Ultimately, both fashion and dance revolve around storytelling. Whether these designers are creating elaborate costumes for the stage or simply delivering a ballerina-off-duty flair (à la Miu Miu), the importance of ballet and dance to fashion—and vice versa—lies within the innate desire of creators to convey something meaningful to their audience.
