New York City Ballet: Choreography & Couture

by Marc Happel
New York City Ballet: Choreography & Couture cover
Good Books rating 4.45
Art, Design, and Photography
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Technical
  • ID: 10486
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-25
  • ISBN: 9780847873203
  • Publisher: Rizzoli Publications
  • Published: 2023-09-12
  • Reviews: 3

Celebrating the art forms of ballet and fashion, this beautiful book explores the creative collaborations between New York City Ballet and the top fashion designers of our age. Featuring more than thirty contemporary fashion designers, it highlights their distinctive work for ballet, showcasing how fashion design is adapted for dance to amplify movement and music. The stunning photography by Pari Dukovic features breathtaking images of the dancers in motion, along with detail shots highlighting the couture elements of the costumes. Author Marc Happel, NYCB’s Director of Costumes, has collected the designers’ original sketches along with quotes discussing their process and inspiration for each ballet. The book includes a foreword by Sarah Jessica Parker, and essays by Tonne Goodman of Vogue and Patricia Mears of FIT, further illuminating the creative collaborations between design and dance. New York City Ballet, which celebrates its 75th anniversary, has been collaborating with prominent fashion designers since its inception, and this volume brings ten years of artistic vision to life.

Reviews
Airmail News · 2023-09-23
insightful 4.25

The book highlights the dynamic interplay between ballet and fashion, showcasing the unique collaborations that bring these worlds together. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of both art forms while pushing creative boundaries.

In this book, the reader is taken on a journey through the creative process behind the New York City Ballet's costumes. The collaboration between choreographers and top fashion designers is explored in depth, revealing how each discipline influences the other. The book not only showcases stunning visuals but also provides insights into the technical and artistic challenges involved in creating costumes that are both functional and fashionable. The author's passion for preserving the essence of ballet while embracing modern fashion trends is evident throughout, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of art and fashion.

Quick quotes

    It kicks off with a heartfelt statement from Marc Happel, the company's director of costumes.

    His mission? 'To absolutely keep the integrity of the ballet while pushing the boundaries of fashion.'

    The book is a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty that emerges when two creative worlds collide.

Women's Wear Daily (WWD) · 2023-04-20
celebratory 4.50

The book offers a unique perspective on the creative process behind the New York City Ballet's costumes, featuring original drawings and personal observations from top fashion designers. It is a visual feast that celebrates the fusion of art and fashion.

This book is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating the stunning costumes for the New York City Ballet. It features not only breathtaking photographs but also the original costume drawings and personal insights from the designers themselves. The book provides a rare glimpse into the technical and creative challenges of designing costumes that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional for the dancers. The collaboration between choreographers and fashion designers is highlighted, showcasing how each brings their unique vision to the table. The result is a beautiful blend of art and fashion that is sure to inspire and captivate readers.

Quick quotes

    Happel includes the designers' original costume drawings, their personal observations about the inspiration and technical accommodations.

    The book is a visual feast that celebrates the fusion of art and fashion.

    It provides a rare glimpse into the technical and creative challenges of designing costumes for the ballet.

Amazon · 2023-01-01
vibrant 4.60

The book is praised for its vibrant and dynamic captures, bringing the essence of the New York City Ballet to life. It is described as a work of art that encapsulates the spirit of the ballet's maxim, 'there is only now.'

This book is a visual masterpiece that captures the essence of the New York City Ballet in all its glory. The photographs are vibrant and dynamic, bringing the performances to life on the page. The collaboration between the photographer and the ballet's director of costumes results in a cohesive and captivating narrative that celebrates the art of ballet and the fashion that complements it. The book is not just a collection of images but a testament to the creativity and passion that goes into every performance. It is a must-have for ballet enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the intersection of art and fashion. The book's design and layout are also noteworthy, making it a beautiful addition to any coffee table.

Quick quotes

    This book is Alive! ... Happel's vision, Dukovic's in-the-moment captures bring this work of art together to the pinnacle of the NYCB maxim 'there is only now'.

    The photographs are vibrant and dynamic, bringing the performances to life on the page.

    It is a testament to the creativity and passion that goes into every performance.

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