Part of my job here at MotionWear is to watch dancewear trends. I keep my eyes on the runways of New York and Paris too.
Why?
For one, I am a fashion nut but primarily because we know the fashion-forward runway styles are what eventually and inevitably trickle down to ballet dance and performance wear.
Well, imagine my surprise when I was flipping through coverage of Paris Fashion Week and I discovered that the ballet leotard was actually inspiring the runways.
That’s right, ballet leotards are one of the hottest fashion trends for this year. Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Sonia Rykiel all showcased a range of ballet-inspired pieces and leotards in their collections this year. It was inspiring from basic leotards to full tulle skirts, it was all there, prancing down the runways of Paris.
For the first time since the 1980’s, dance is inspiring fashion.
Wearing a Ballet Leotard as a Fashion Piece
Most of the designers I mentioned featured a classic ballet leotard paired with either a pair of long, skinny jeans, tights or a flowing dancer’s skirt. The look was either sleek and dancer-chic or bohemian, depending on how it was accessorized. The Yves Saint Laurent leather number pictured above seems to defy classification, I’m guessing it’s more dramatic than functional.
Meanwhile, other and lesser-known designers like Gareth Pugh put out a few dresses and skirts inspired by ballet tutus, a look first made popular in the mid-90s by the Carrie character on Sex and the City.
The Price of Looking Good
The thing is, these designer ballet leotards are selling for a mint. A basic black Marc Jacobs’ black leotard costs close to $200. Meanwhile MotionWear offers authentic, high-quality ballet leotards in a range of trendy styles starting at about $25. We have almost every neckline, sleeve length and color combination you can think of and we don’t do leather leotards.
It all starts with a base leotard and then use your imagination and creativity to accessorize a unique look of your own.
Unless you are a million dollar designer, there is no wrong way to do it!
photo:Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 Ready-to-wear collection
“I’m guessing it’s more dramatic than functional.”
I agree with U.
It sure would be delightful if Motionwear would widen the selection of long torso designs. They are currently all camisoles with the exception of one tank, which is completely unembellished.