GETTING THE BALLERINA LOOK

Just how much does the world of ballet influence bridal? A lot. Traditional ballet costume evolved in the era of the Johann Strass', a young Queen Victoria, and Giselle, an 1840s ballet by Aldophe Adam. Think classic corps de ballet in long white tulle and a floral wreath and you've nailed it. Also reflecting the silhouette of the ballet costume as we know it, Queen Victoria clinched the look when she married Prince Albert wearing yards of white lace and dressing her flock of attendants the same.
The hourglass silhouette is most synonymous with ballet and remains one of the pinnacles of bridal wear. The ball gown is as romantic a confection as those seen in the corps de ballet, flowing in swirls of white tulle. The skirt and its under structure are both based on volume. Thus, sweeping skirts equal sweeping entrances especially awesome on brides who know how to work their strut.

Though tulle is the most typical fabric for the ballet-inspired gown there's a whole range of gossamer sheers like organza, silk organza, chiffon, and Georgettes that work beautifully. Defined, tulle is a fine mesh netting with a hexagonal pattern that comes in silk, cotton, nylon or acrylic/silk for power netting.

 

Gown and wreath by Amy-Jo Tatum//Photos by Scott Williams Photography