Last spring I was interviewed about the ballet trend in fashion and whether I thought it was in fact a trend or more of a timeless aesthetic. I was initially a bit surprised to be contacted for the piece as I didn’t think I was an obvious choice, but as I was answering the questions about my personal style I realized I consider it to be more the latter, and that I have been inspired by ballet in my dressing all along. I’ve mentioned before that I like to dress based on mood and that usually involves incorporating elements of fantasy, romanticism and femininity on a daily basis. For that particular piece I talked about my love of crisp white tights paired with black ballet flats, leg warmers, styling a buttery yellow Molly Goddard tulle skirt, the opening titles of The Big Chill and Meg Tilly’s striped leotard, the red pointe shoes that Moira Shearer’s character wears in The Red Shoes, which made me think of the Mark Adams’ painting Toe Shoes, my favourite bodysuits, and more. Moved by a recent bouquet of ranunculus, a new tulle skirt for spring and two documentaries by Frederick Wiseman, here are some additional ballet references, inspirations, outfit recipes and my most worn pairs of ballet flats.
© 2024 Katie Merchant
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