The Ballets Russes’ Schéhérazade season of 1910 had a swift and colourful effect on fashion. Stylish Parisian salons suddenly overflowed with jewel-toned cushions in the style of Schéhérazade’s steamy harem, while the sartorially daring adopted turbans and Turkish-style pants. Almost a hundred years later the pendulum has swung the other way, with Australian designer Kit Willow creating an entire season influenced by the Ballets Russes.
How did first stumble across the Ballets Russes?
At an exhibition in Paris called ‘Traces du Sacré’ at the Centre Pompidou
What was it about them that so inspired you?
The costumes, the collaborations, the expression the ritual, the spirit.
They were quite an outrageous troupe – do you imagine people having a similarly outrageous time in your clothes?
I hope so!
Do you have a favourite dancer from the Ballets Russes period?
Vaslav Nijinsky
Did you ever dance, growing up?
Only at the disco!
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