Ballets Russes Fashion
Published on January 24th, 2010.
The Ballet Russes (French for The Russian Ballets) was a Ballet company that performed under the directorship of Sergei Diaghilev between 1909 and 1929. They performed in many countries around the world including England, USA and Spain.
I love the costumes used in the Ballet Russes. These costumes were designed by Russian artist Leon Bakst.
The unusual oriental style of these costumes had a huge impact on the world of fashion.
Orientalism was prevalent in Paris after the debut of the Ballet Russes in 1909. In 1911 Paul Poiret held a fancy dress ball, La I002e nuit, where he showed his collection inspired by the orient. The designs were adopted from the ethnic costumes of various eastern countries such as India and China. The party was such a success that Poiret became known as a forerunner in dramatic and exotic fashion design.
The Ballet Russes continues to influence fashion today. Karl Largerfeld recently designed a beautiful costume for the English National Ballet who marked the centenary of the founding of the legendary dance company.
Ballet Russes costume by Leon Bakst
Ballet Russes costume
Ballet Russes costume illustration
Filled under Fashion History.
