It’s time to dust off your childhood pointe shoes. This season, ballet is taking centre-stage.
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At Ferragamo, creative director Maximilian Davis made Katherine Dunham his muse, pinning images of the dancer and social activist (who helped pioneer the 20th-century African and Caribbean dance movement) on his moodboard.
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Wrap-around cardigans were layered over leotards and shoe ribbons were laced around ankles, just as they are backstage at The Royal Opera House. And it wasn’t just Ferragamo: JW Anderson, Simone Rocha and Vaquera all put their own spins on Swan Lake-inspired tutus, while ballet pumps continued to reign supreme on the catwalks.
Dance, more broadly, is enjoying a moment. Pip Black, co-founder of exercise studio Frame, has seen the popularity of its dance-based classes skyrocket. It’s also the exercise form of choice for Alexa Chung, Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid. ‘Dance is [about] feeling first – and isn’t measured on personal bests,’ Black says. ‘It makes you stronger and happier and speaks to how we’re looking for a moment of escapism.’
The link between fashion and dance is only growing. Most brands now work with movement directors to bring energy and character to campaign shoots and the catwalk, and some London-based designers, including Daniel Lee, Roksanda and Erdem, have created costumes for The Royal Ballet.
Recently, 16Arlington’s Marco Capaldo designed pieces for a show co-produced by Hauser & Wirth with artist George Rouy. Perhaps it’s the fluidity that aligns the worlds of fashion and dance. Or it could be the expressive movement of the body and storytelling elements that bring clothes to life. Whatever it is, prima ballerina or not, we’ll be embracing the trend.
Repetto Wrap-Over Cardigan
Vaquera Puffball Bodysuit
Christian Louboutin Lace Up Pumps
SKIMS Scoop Neck Bodysuit
Simone Rocha Tutu Skirt
Ferragamo Ribbon Trim Ballerina Flats
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