Dancing Queens

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I can think of only one who will disagree with me (yes, that's you MR) when I declare Black Swan best film of 2010. Hey, fit men in tights, good girls gone bad in tutus? what's not to love about this campy Gothic thriller? It gave American Vogue good reason to shoot a gorgeous fashion story with the divine Natalie Portman.


Natalie Portman in Rochas by Peter Lindbergh


Natalie Portman in Rochas by Peter Lindbergh


Tutus for Black Swan designed by Rodarté

It does seem to be part of a bigger trend that includes both participating in and watching dance of all forms as well as a integrating professional dancer's clothing into ready-to-wear. Maybe it's the combination of strength and fitness combined with fragile femininity that seems so alluring but ballerinas-as-models and dance themes have been cropping up all over the place recently. Earlier this year, US Elle featured a beautiful editorial story with Natasa Vojnovic and members of the American Ballet Theater shot by Carter Smith.


Natasa Vojnovic in Donna Karan


Natasa Vojnovic in Carolina Herrera


Darcey Bussell in Harpers Bazaar circa 1990s

The New York Post used ballerinas from the New York City Ballet to model spring fashions in 2009.


New York City Ballet


Sara Mearns in a dress by Shoshanna

J. Mendel showed his Resort 2011 Collection against a background of a rehearsal studio complete with ballet barre.

J.Mendel Resort 2011


J.Mendel Resort 2011


The imagery of swans has been synonymous with modern classical ballet almost since its inception. Anna Pavlova, who was dancing in Russia at the turn of the twentieth century created the role of The Dying Swan.


Anna Pavlova

Karl Lagerfeld created wonderfully feathery white paper hats for his Spring 09 Chanel show.


Chanel Couture S2009

Finally, let's not forget the boys! Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, which was first staged in 1995 recently enjoyed a hit revival here in New York. The plot is loosely based on the classic version but amongst other changes, the swans are all played by men in an aggressive and swaggering style that is a million miles away from the traditionally soft and romantic cygnets of the original.


Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake


Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    I Love all about this pics!
    (http://www.the-parisienne.com/)

    ReplyDelete

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