Australia’s National Gallery of Victoria recently launched a free exhibition celebrating the creative collaboration between dance and design.  Produced in conjunction with The Australian Ballet, “Ballet & Fashion” highlights the signature styles of leading fashion designers, the success of multidisciplinary collaboration and the challenges designers face when creating pieces that must withstand the rough and tumble of performance.

“Ballet & Fashion will excite fans of both the stage and the runway with many of fashion’s biggest labels and ballet’s most revered performances represented,” said Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV. “Visitors will be rewarded with a rare opportunity to see up-close the intricate detailing usually reserved for designers, dancers and the backstage teams.”

The exhibition will feature more than twenty works including ballet costumes by some of the world’s top designers such as Giles Deacon (Swan Lake for English National Ballet 2010), Christian Lacroix (Gâité Parisienne for American Ballet Theatre 1988), Akira Isogawa (Romeo & Juliet for The Australian Ballet 2011) and Collette Dinnigan and Easton Pearson (Tutu for The Australian Ballet 2002).

According to David McAllister, Artistic Director, The Australian Ballet, “Ballet & Fashion forms part of our celebrations to mark 50 wonderful years of The Australian Ballet. Ballet costumes really are works of art with their ornate designs and incredible craftsmanship so we’re delighted to be collaborating with the NGV on this extraordinary exhibition.” 

As well as the 20 works from the past three decades by renowned international and Australian fashion designers, the exhibition will also feature multimedia presentations from ballet performances, including popular favourites such as Romeo & Juliet and Swan Lake as well as more conceptual performances by dance legend Merce Cunningham

“Ballet & Fashion” is part of NGV Summer, an exciting program of exhibitions and events at the NGV encouraging visitors to engage with and participate in great art over the warmer months. Visit ngv.vic.gov.au for more information.