Ballet. With a swish of tulle and a tiptoed flourish en pointe, the theatrical fantasy world of the dramatic, dream-like dance is set to sashay back into the fringes of fashion. Designers right, left and centre are utilising shimmering embellishment, flounces and feathers; fixing their fashion focus upon the starry otherworld arenas of costume and ceremony.
Paris catwalks of SS/11 twinkled with fronds and fairytale fabrics; the very life-stuff of the magical creations adorning characters of traditional ballets such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Ostrich feathers at Chanel. Towers of tulle at Alexander McQueen. In London, Erdem invoked the spirit of the ballet russes in a sweetly romantic and somehow sartorially very European collection. Milan, too, was not all sophisticated Italian hauteur; some girlishness emerged in the form of debutante coyness and light, pretty palettes. The rash of minimalism and monochrome across many fashion houses’ spring ouevres has been combated and offset by some enchanting forays into romance and decadence.
Chanel S/S 11
Alexander McQueen S/S 11
Tutus at Felder Felder, S/S 11
Sugar-plum sweetness at Giles, S/S 11
Frou-frou at Mark Fast, S/S 11
Ethereal and doll-like at Dolce & Gabbana, S/S 11
Dramatic gilt plumage at Gucci, S/S 11
The approaching party season is the perfect excuse to team lavishly decorated ballerina pumps with a sleek cigarette pant or fabulous frock for all-out impact.
Tory Burch, £255
Carvela. £65
Timely ads for Repetto, the historic French ballet shoe company, are currently spashed, in glossy finery, across a raft of fashion magazines.
Diane von Furstenburg has even been coaxed from her trademark territory of the womanly wrap dress to deliver enchanting party dresses in new, lissome shapes. Anna Sui has woven fairy gowns of organza and tulle.
Diane von Furstenburg 'Talea' dress, £730
Diane von Furstenburg 'Yadira' dress, £545
Anna Sui silk tulle and sequin dress, £870
Ladies, the sumptuous stage is set. Throughout the glittering snows of winter and the beauty of swan-like spring, indulge in an elegant celebration of that dream-world-without-limit; the dazzling brilliance and bravura of the ballet…
I’m in love with fairy tale or ballet inspired clothes, Sugar Plum Sweetness at Giles is my favorite by far. Lovely post.