Ballet geekery, fashion related: “ Chanel evening gowns, Karinska costumes, Margot Fonteyn's personal wardrobe and more!” (via Pointe Magazine)
“A new exhibition titled "Ballerina: Fashion's Modern Muse," running at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City from February 11–April 18, ties together a few of our favorite things: fashion, dance history and, of course, ballet.
“ Organized by MFIT deputy director Patricia Mears, the exhibition features approximately 90 objects—tutu-inspired haute couture, ready-to-wear designs based on leotards and practice clothes, and a selection of ballet costumes—many of which are on display in the U.S. for the first time. The exhibition is primarily comprised of items from 1930-1980. Before the mid-twentieth century, ballet was largely marginalized and its dancers frequently exploited. But, the exhibition argues, after the Ballets Russes' 1909 triumph in Paris, and the following success of Anna Pavlova throughout the West, balletomania began in earnest. And ballet's profound impact on fashion followed.”
The exhibit (in person, and will have an online exhibition as well as programs on YouTube) will include “ gowns by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, Christian Dior, Pierre Balmain and Charles James; costumes worn by Anna Pavlova and Margot Fonteyn; and designs by Christian Bérard for the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, Barbara Karinska and Marc Happel for New York City Ballet, and Geoffrey Holder for Dance Theatre of Harlem. Ready-to-wear items, designed by Bonnie August of Danskin among others, reflect the popularity of leotards and tights into mainstream mid-century fashion—a trend in part inspired by George Balanchine's black-and-white ballets. Also on display are garments from Fonteyn's private wardrobe.”
https://www.pointemagazine.com.....id=5268395
Lamenting that I’m on the wrong coast for many of MFIT’s amazing exhibits that I’d love to see - though in this case, locally Pacific Northwest Ballet’s costume department produces true works of art (see their costumes made a couple years ago for Jewels with Jerome Kaplan‘s designs, or A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Balanchine’s choreography with PNB-specific costume and sets designed by Martin Pakledinaz.)
