As a fashion designer, I always need to consider the body - how to dress it so it can move freely and how to design clothes that make the wearer feel and look beautiful.
On a recent trip to New York City, I got to see "Dance & Fashion" - a fashion show at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). This show investigates both the human form and the beauty of a dance costume. I often think of how a person will live and move in my clothes - all types of motion need to be considered for an effective and appealing execution of a garment. This comes into play even at a greater level in dance.
There is certain beauty to the body when it is in motion - this beauty, however, requires special attention from fashion designers. Dancers need costumes that support their bodies and allow for their athleticism to show. Fashion in dance indeed needs to be uncluttered to accommodate for complex movement.
Take a look at the costumes below. Aren't they are wonderful combination of design and functionality? FIT displays garments by many famous designers who worked with dance companies. For instance, you will come across costumes by Prabal Gurung, Jean Paul Gaultier (only he could turn a tutu punk), Iris van Herpen, Valentino, Isaac Mizrahi, Versace, or Rodarte.
When you see a dance show, do you appreciate the costumes? I find them beautiful and if you have a chance, I recommend you see this exhibition.
On a recent trip to New York City, I got to see "Dance & Fashion" - a fashion show at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). This show investigates both the human form and the beauty of a dance costume. I often think of how a person will live and move in my clothes - all types of motion need to be considered for an effective and appealing execution of a garment. This comes into play even at a greater level in dance.
There is certain beauty to the body when it is in motion - this beauty, however, requires special attention from fashion designers. Dancers need costumes that support their bodies and allow for their athleticism to show. Fashion in dance indeed needs to be uncluttered to accommodate for complex movement.
Take a look at the costumes below. Aren't they are wonderful combination of design and functionality? FIT displays garments by many famous designers who worked with dance companies. For instance, you will come across costumes by Prabal Gurung, Jean Paul Gaultier (only he could turn a tutu punk), Iris van Herpen, Valentino, Isaac Mizrahi, Versace, or Rodarte.
When you see a dance show, do you appreciate the costumes? I find them beautiful and if you have a chance, I recommend you see this exhibition.
 Halston, woman’s costume for Tangled Night, 1986, lent by Martha Graham Dance Company. Photograph © The Museum at FIT |  McCartney, man’s tattoo costume for Ocean’s Kingdom, Fall 2011, lent by New York City Ballet. Photograph © The Museum at FIT |
Valentino, woman’s costume for Sophisticated Lady, Fall 2012, lent by New York City Ballet. Photograph © The Museum at FIT.
The show is on view at the Fashion Institute of Technology until January 3, 2015.