by Brooke Varney
The prestigious New York City Ballet’s stunningly beautiful costumes have just received a touch of couture. NYCB board vice chair, actress Sarah Jessica Parker conceived the idea of appointing various designers to create both unique and functional costumes for dancers. Carolina Herrera, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Mary Katrantzou, and Thom Browne all consulted with choreographers before conceptualizing the gorgeous looks.
Designer Mary Katrantzou spoke of the challenge of designing ensembles for dancers, saying, “We had to make sure there were no restrictions in the [dancers’] movement, which is not something a designer is used to doing. If you design a dress and there’s a bit of restriction, that’s a good thing. It all came down to the physicality of the dancers and making sure it really was like a second skin for them.” Katrantzou’s designs were inspired by her Resort 2015 collection, which incorporate yellow, lavender, and burgundy lace appliqués on form-fitting nude leotards. All of the designers’ looks are on opposite ends of the fashion spectrum, as Carolina Herrera’s costumes are made with flowing chiffon, Sarah Burton’s black and embroidered with gold, while Thom Browne chose to utilize his penchant for suit-making to create his unexpected, preppy designs. The costumes made their stage debuts last night at the NYCB Fall Gala, and will be featured in ballet performances on October 2, 7, and 11.
Mary Kantrantzou’s designs.
Flowing, chiffon ensembles by Carolina Herrera.
Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
Thom Browne’s perfectly preppy outfits.