Who can forget those now iconic images of Justine Summers wearing fashion designer Vanessa Leyonhjelm’s tutu of rippled air-conditioning mesh? Created for the Australian Ballet’s 1994 production of Stanton Welch’s Divergence, Leyonhjelm’s tutu is just one of the beautiful costumes that will be on display at the National Gallery of Victoria part of Ballet & Fashion, a free exhibition celebrating creative collaboration between dance and design.
Running until 19 May 2013, Ballet and Fashion includes works by renowned international and Australian fashion designers, including Giles Deacon, Collette Dinnigan, Akira Isogawa, Valentino, Rei Kawakubo, Christian Lacroix, Toni Maticevski, Richard Nylon, Easton Pearson, Ralph Rucci and Viktor&Rolf, as well as Leyonhjelm.
Just as audience members rarely see the physical work that goes into making ballet look effortless, it is unusual for the general public to have the opportunity to see the intricate detail that has gone into making these beautiful garments. Each costume truly is a work of art in its own right.
More info: www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Akira ISOGAWA (designer)
Amy Harris in costume for Lady Capulet, 2011
Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Graeme Murphy, The Australian Ballet, 2011
The Australian Ballet Collection
© Akira Isogawa
Photo: Jo Duck, makeup courtesy Napoleon Perdis
Vivienne Wong in costume, 2007
C. to C. (Close to Chuck), choreographed by Jorma Elo, American Ballet Theatre, 2007
American Ballet Theatre Collection, New York
© Ralph Rucci
Photo: Jo Duck, makeup courtesy Napoleon Perdis