The elegance of a black swan

The antithesis of throwaway fashion, their signature delicate cobweb-knits fashioned into fairytale dresses sell for eye-watering sums, and are closer to works of art than items of clothing.

Although a storied tradition of designer and ballet compositions, how come this time when Rodarte meets Swan Lake the world turns upside down (or better said, sit straighter – posture, posture!!)

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the movie Black Swan features costumes by the Mulleavy sisters also known as Rodarte. When the sisters touch shredded cotton gauze, it turns into arm-warmer. Tutus become frayed and fluttered at the edges, to make believe one wears feathers.

Pure. Goth. Magic.

The combination of the gothic with the ultimate classic female idealism (the ballerina body) makes a jaw-dropping duet. But this is not a first. Coco Chanel dressed dancers for George Blanchine and his Ballets Russes. Karl Lagerfeld not only followed her in the Chanel empire but he too, be it eighty years later, re-did what she did for Apollo in 1929. Lagerfeld also designed a tutu for the British National Ballet’s Dying Swan, which contained 2,500 feathers and 300 hours of hand labour.

In the 70s, Bob Mackie designed a 50s style ballet version of Blue Suede Shoes. A decade later, choreographer Maurice Bejart hired Gianni Versace to clothe the dancers in explosions of taffeta and beads. Bejart later took Issey Miyake on board to design and clothe. In the 80s Thierry Mugler proofed himself to be a costume designer too.

Recent years, minimalist Narciso Rodigues designed for the ballet in London, whilst his opposite, the maximalist Christian LaCroix for the ballets in Vienna and Paris. Pierre Cardin designed both set and costume for the Shanghai Ballet last year, and Giles Mendel designed 45 pieces (of which 11 couture items) for the New York City Ballet. Paul Smith also exhibited his mood, monochromatic portraits of London’s Royal Ballet stars. Amongst myriad runway collections drawn from the ballet in one way of another stands out Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2008 show, feathers and tulle, a flight of superlative fancy.

Rodarte’s creations perhaps cater for a wider audience. Movie lovers, film goers, ballet dancers, ballet watchers, fashion gurus and more.. 
Maybe that is why Rodarte makes us sit up straight.

From February 3rd in cinema's in Holland.