Iris Van Herpen and NYC Ballet
Iris Van Herpen’s costumes for the New York City Ballet’s annual Fall Gala are set to grace the stage, breaking the mould of traditional ballet attire.
Before studying fashion, Van Herpen’s first passion was dance, making her a fitting choice to design costumes for this year’s Gala. Designing for a ballet performance rather than a runway collection leads to considerations about how the garments will withstand the movements of the athletic dancers and at the same time enhance their performance. Unlike a fashion collection ballet costumes are generally viewed from a distance, removing the emphasis on detail.
Known for introducing 3D printing into fashion, the costumes reflect the style that Van Herpen has become renowned for. The garments feature a series of plastic pieces that have been used to build structure. The result is a layered skirt and black shiny bodice that is far from the pale pink and delicate tutu of traditional ballet costumes.
The New York City Ballet’s annual Fall Gala will take place on Thursday 19 September 2013.
