Yesterday we had a very exciting day. We were granted special access to the wardrobe department of world renouned Scottish Ballet.
Scottish Ballet was founded in 1978, located in a former Army drill hall in Glasgow. It recently moved to Tramway where £11million was invested in the wonderful new space located in a derelict part of Tramway. I cannot think of a better space for the Scottish Ballet to be located since Tramway is famed as a leading contemporary visual and performing arts venue.
It was the lovely Emily, intern at the Press department, who set us up with this very unique and special visit, and to say we were excited would be a massive understatement. We were positively giddy!
The architecture within the building is beautifully executed, merging many of the old Tramway building with the contemporary one.
We loved the stairwell and the wonderful lights.
This is the set building area - they create all the set on the premises which is a massive undertaking, especially for ballets such as the Nutcracker which is very set heavy.
Now onto the good stuff! The costumes! When we entered the space our mouths dropped open. The costumes are stunningly executed to couture standards in most instances. There have even been costumes which have been designed by the likes of Ben Cho and Jasper Conran.
Our guide, the lovely Emily.
Some tutus in the work area where the costumes are sewn.
When we got into the actual wardrobe department, running our hands through rail upon rail was exhilirating. It was all we could do to stop ourselves from trying everything on.
Many of the materials come from Germany, although even our local branch of Mandors has been used to source fabrics. The thing that really struck us was how contemporary many of the costumes are - you could actually wear them as they are and they wouldn't look out of place.
I had my eye on so many amazing pieces I would introduce into my wardrobe in a heartbeat. My favourite dress was actually very simple, and it turns out it's the dress Cinderella wears when she's in her rags - nuff said!
"Oooh that would fit me!"
"Is anyone looking? I could just put it on under my jacket!"
I could imagine this worn over some leather trousers. There was actually leather a plenty, and the weight of some of the pieces was incredible so the fact these tiny dancers move at all, never mind pull off the kind of elaborate choreography they do, made us realise that these people are more akin to athletes.
Leather and some wonderful cagey goodness!
A sheer hand painted ombre body suit with leather sleeves! Hello!
This could easily be Mark Fast
Military jackets also caught my eye of course.
Queen Marie was naturally loving all the ballgown action and the myriad of colours. It was a feast for the eyes!
Her favourite dress was a mixture of bows and gorgeous muted colours and raw hems.
I think we've found her wedding dress for the day she gets married!
The textures and colours could easily be mistaken for the likes of Marni, Dries Van Noten or Lacroix.
Seeing the drawings then seeing the actual costumes really made me understand just how much the designer and seamstresses interpret the ballet.
Even holding the ballet shoes and realising the sheer strength involved in holding up ones body weight on your toes is deeply impressive.
To say we had a great day would be an understatement. We have a new found respect for the ballet and the process involved in making something so visually beautiful and stimulating on so many levels.
A big thank you to Scottish Ballet, and especially Emily, for making the day possible.
Queen Michelle
