The Influence of Ballet in Fashion

Introduction

The arrival of the term ‘Ballet’ makes our mind to take us to a planet where people are dancing like a ball, women are magnificently dressed reflecting out their ultra feminine styles with the ribbons, bows, dainty tops, lace, leg warmers, leotards, ballet flats, wrap tops, knee socks, Margiela Tabi’s, tights, pastels, to a place of romanticism, where men gaze the women and feel their essence of feminine graciously. And when we think about fashion, an elegant dress, a pair of shiny shoes, a piece of jewellery, accessories, a person embracing itself in love, creativity, and confidence are usually the thoughts appearing in our conscious mind. The Ballet and fashion are said to be in an affair of love and compassion because they both share common subject and object. Subject- the body, object- the manifestation.

Ballet-inspired elements in fashion

Ballet, as an art form, has a rich and fascinating evolution that spans several centuries. The term ‘ballet’ has come from the Italian word ‘ballare’ and the origin of the word is the place where this artform has taken birth. Ballet was organically created as a dance to be done by wealthy and elites of the society however, with time and its spread to the other parts of the world, it became more inclusive in nature. And with the passage of time, it became an influencer friend to fashion as well. The ribbons, bows, wrap tops, socks, tights and other balletcore styles had also got imbibed in fashion.

Ballet-influenced Silhouettes: Ballet dancers’ elegant lines and flowing movements have inspired innumerable fashion designers. Ballerina silhouettes have impacted clothes such as ball gowns, evening gowns, and cocktail apparel. Designers frequently use voluminous skirts, tight waists, and delicate draping to emulate the beauty and poise of ballet dancers. Ballet-inspired designs add a touch of softness and elegance to fashion, whether it’s a billowing tulle skirt reminiscent of a tutu or a form-fitting bodice replicating the lines of a dancer’s leotard.

Delicate fabrics and Embellishments: Ballet costumes are renowned for their excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. Ballet costume inspires designers with its delicate materials and exquisite embellishments. Tulle, chiffon, and organza, which are often associated with ballet tutus, make their way into fashion collections, creating fanciful and beautiful clothing. Similarly, designers use lace, sequins, and beading to mimic the exquisite embellishments seen on ballet outfits. These fabrics and embellishments provide an ethereal and delicate touch to clothes, reflecting the ballet world’s enchantment.

Pointed shoes and Ballet flats: Ballet shoes, both the pointe shoes worn by ballerinas and the flat ballet flats, have had a tremendous impact on the world of footwear. With their structured form and satin ribbons, pointe shoes have impacted the design of exquisite heels with delicate straps and graceful lines. Ballet flats, on the other hand, have become a mainstay in women’s fashion due to its comfort and simplicity. They are a stylish and adaptable alternative that pays homage to ballet’s grace and poise while remaining comfortable for regular use.

Minimalism and clean lines: Ballet’s emphasis on clean lines and minimalism has filtered into the fashion industry, pushing designers to produce elegant and modest designs. Ballet costumes’ minimalism, with their streamlined shapes and monochrome palettes, has affected modern fashion aesthetics. Contemporary fashion frequently features minimalist shapes, neutral colour palettes, and clean cuts, echoing the polished beauty of ballet.

Ballet-Inspired Hairstyles and Makeup: Ballet hairstyles have become popular choices for special occasions and red-carpet events, with neat buns, exquisite updos, and delicate hair embellishments. These haircuts exude sophistication and timeless beauty. Ballet makeup has also inspired beauty trends, resulting in the emergence of natural and fresh-faced looks in the fashion industry.

Ballet inspired Collections

Following the death of Ballets Russes, its director established Ballet Russes de Monte Carlo in 1932, and its issue concerning the production of cotillon, which was covered in the eight pages of vogue, drew significant attention in the fashion press. The costume for the production was developed by Christian Berard, the French fashion illustrator and designer, and it was mirrored by Barbara Karinska, demonstrating the fusion of ideas between the two creative forms. Berard also mentored Christian Dior, who became mostly associated and connected with the ballerina inspired fashion which dominated the French society through 1940s and 1950s.[1] His designs were known for their feminity, elegance, and flowing silhouettes, which echoed the grace and movement of ballet dancers. Dior’s famous “New Look” collection, introduced in 1947, featured full skirts, nipped-in waists, and soft, romantic designs reminiscent of ballerinas’ tutus.

Valentino Garavani, the Italian fashion designer renowned for his luxurious and glamorous creations, has also been inspired by ballet throughout his career. His designs often incorporate delicate tulle, soft layers, and ethereal fabrics that evoke the elegance and lightness of ballet costumes. Valentino’s attention to detail and craftsmanship along with his signature colour, red mirrors the precision and artistry seen in the ballet performances.[2]

Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the sisters who established the fashion line Rodarte, have a strong connection to the ballet industry. They have worked with different ballet organisations, including the New York City Ballet, to create costumes that combine fashion with dancing. Rodarte’s designs frequently use exquisite lacework, embroidery, and delicate fabrics, evoking the romantic and whimsical essence of ballet. In the campaign for Fall 2022 collection, the exclusive designs of Rodarte captured the essence of romance, ethereal grace, and delicate movements of ballet. The collection coated in the pink, the bride’s favourite colour, they said, will steal their heart away.[3]

Ballet has also influenced Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain. Ballet elements such as tulle, silk, and elaborate needlework have been integrated into his creations. Rousteing’s designs frequently feature bold forms, delicate embellishments, and a synthesis of ballet’s ethereal attributes with edginess of high fashion. “When dressing someone like Beyoncé, you have to understand every dance move she makes during every minute of her show,” Rousteing explained[4]. In the Paris Opera Ballet, Bertaud’s Renaissance was created to “honor and update the Ecole de Danse Française, from Versailles of Louis XIV,” with Rousteing’s own designs and brand image echoing and evoking the highly adorned and elaborate clothing of this period, reinventing the past by bringing it into the present.[5] Balmain’s collection for the Paris Opera Ballet was a blend of beauty and athleticism, with precisely created costumes that complemented the movement of the dancers. The designs radiated grandeur, with ornate decorations, luxurious fabrics, and avant-garde forms. The combination brought a modern, high-fashion sensibility to the ballet stage, enthralling viewers with its aesthetic splendour.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the influence of ballet on fashion is an enthralling phenomenon that has crossed generations and cultural barriers. Ballet has left an everlasting effect on the world of fashion, from its humble beginnings in the courts of Renaissance Europe to its current global prominence. Ballet’s ethereal elegance and grace have inspired both designers and artists, resulting in a profusion of ballet-inspired works. Ballet outfits’ delicate and flowing tutus, beautiful ballet slippers and meticulous details have impacted fashion designs, textiles and patterns. Ballet motifs have been included throughout designer collections, ranging from voluminous skirts and tulle embellishments to soft pastel colours and ballet-inspired footwear. Moreover, Ballet has also shaped our perceptions of femininity and grace. Ballet dancers’ poise and discipline have become synonymous with grace and sophistication. This has resulted in fashion styles emphasising femininity, elegance, and a sense of grace. Ballet’s influence on fashion demonstrates the power of art and the ability of one art form to inspire and transform another. Ballet’s ageless allure continues to enchant designers, artists, and fashion fans, assuring that its impact will last for many years.

[1] Cath Pound, How ballet has inspired fashion, THE COLLECTION, (June. 22, 2023, 9:12AM), https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20191016-how-fashion-fell-in-love-with-ballet.

[2] FARFETCH, https://www.farfetch.com/style-guide/brands/a-history-of-the-life-of-fashion-icon-valentino-garavani/#:~:text=Inspired%20by%20old%20Hollywood%20glamour,in%20his%20signature%20color%2C%20red, (June 22, 2023).

[3] DWP INSIDER, https://dwpinsider.com/blog/rodartes-2022-fall-collection-is-inspired-by-ethereal-ballerinas/, (June 22, 2023).

[4] Macaela Mackenzie, Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing is designing Costumes for Paris Opera Ballet Dancers, W MAGAZINE, (June 23, 2023, 9:35am), https://www.wmagazine.com/story/balmain-olivier-rousteing-paris-opera-ballet.

[5] VARSITY, https://www.varsity.co.uk/fashion/13253, (June. 23, 2023)

Author- Vishakha Burnwal