Ballerina: Fashion's Modern Muse

A gorgeously illustrated look at the profound influence that classical ballet and the ballerina have had on high fashion

Ballerina: Fashion’s Modern Muse is a revelatory, irresistible treat for dance aficionados and fashionistas alike. Couturiers such as Balmain, Balenciaga, Chanel, Schiaparelli, Charles James, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent designed ballet-inspired dresses and gowns, many featuring the boned bodices and voluminous tulle skirts of classical tutus. American ready-to-wear designers such as Claire McCardell found inspiration in ballet leotards and other practice clothing, creating knitted separates, bathing suits, and wrap dresses.

Written by fashion and ballet experts, the book is illustrated with archival photography by such masters as Richard Avedon, Edward Steichen, Irving Penn, Man Ray, and Cecil Beaton, along with newly commissioned photography of contemporary ballerinas wearing ballet-influenced couture.

About the Author:

Patricia Mears is deputy director of The Museum at FIT. Laura Jacobs is a dance critic, fashion writer, and novelist. Jane Pritchard is curator of dance, theatre and performance at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Rosemary Harden is manager of the Fashion Museum in Bath, England. Joel Lobenthal is a dance critic and historian.