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There is something about a ballerina that is awe inspiring, the classical beauty and elegance of the dance of course but also the dress which is so intrinsically linked with the image of a classical bride, pure, white, innocent and youthful. This stunning image of Marilyn Monroe epitomises the timeless grace of this look… Le sigh… but also a more obvious interpretation from a modern day style icon, Carrie Bradshaw..
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Ok, so maybe these days we are as much used to seeing brides in any colour but white trouncing down the aisle but being inspired by the much anticipated release of the psychological thriller Black Swan I have put together a little piece of ballet inspired images.
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| Luckily for me it appears that the catwalk and bridal designers are also quick to embrace the grace of the ballerina and many of the key looks of the ballet dancer have filtered through, whether it be the powder puff pinks and tutu-esque skirts of the celebrity favourite David Koma (see below a couple of images from his Spring 2011 RTW collection) |
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...to the use of tulle, satin and ballet flats at Chloe (again some gorgeous styles below from its Spring 2011 collection).
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| Other designers who have also welcomed the ballerina influence are Alberta Ferretti (below on the left), a calf length tulle skirt that could be teamed with a pretty vest and ballet flats for an effortless whimsical look and also, more obviously Swan Lake-esque with the use of feathers at Marchesa on the right (both images via Net-a-Porter) |
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| And of course there are the accessories, in some way easier what with the proliferation of ballet pumps on the high street and still on the catwalks. These Miu Miu pumps are so cute and wearable but if, like me, you are on the short side and can't bear the thought of a flat then these Alexander McQueen babies would be perfect (via Net a Porter) |
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Jewellery would be kept to a minimum, maybe just a small diamond or pearl detail necklace or earrings would be enough but a little satin or sparkly clutch would be divine, sticking to ivory and blush colours.
(on the left a pretty Valentino clutch from Net-a-Porter and on the right a less bank busting Lulu Guiness number from House of Fraser) |
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| On the left here a sparkly clutch from Coast via House of Fraser with rounded beads to avoid snagging your tulle and on the right a tongue in cheek clutch by Paparazzi at House of Fraser, maybe more suited to a bridesmaid but I couldn't resist the blatant imagery! |
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| Of course there is also a resurgence of ballerina inspired hairstyles to behold, my favourite the top knot for off duty Swan Lake but also the uber-elegant low bun and scraped back hair making a refreshing change from the chignon or cascading curls. |
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| And so finally, what are the bridal designers doing already? Well there is a wealth of tulle out there thanks to the likes of Sassi Holford and Jenny Packham and thankfully (as I am a huge fan of tulle skirts and sported it myself) it has become more modern bride than My Lady bride. Candy Anthony designs some beautiful tea length tulle dresses (see right) and this Justin Alexander 8465 dress which has been so popular this year embodies ballerina grace and elegance. |
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| For a full length version, Jenny Packhams new SS11 collection has some beautiful tulle and satin numbers amongst it including this one on the left and finally one for the brave, how about pirouetting down the aisle in this Makany Marta gown I found on wedding inspirasi? Bravo! |
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I hope you enjoyed this piece, I certainly enjoyed researching it! I'm just off now to practice my twirls.. .. sashay, sashay....!
xx |