ARTIST STATEMENT
Révérence is an evening wear collection that plays with a satirical view of classical ballet, drawing inspiration from traditional ballet costuming to make a statement about the horror and exhaustion that lurks beneath the surface of the art. As it is a very individual art, and demands so much time and effort, it becomes a dancer’s very identity. The concept behind Révérence is influenced by my own experiences with dance. While I have a healthy relationship with ballet, many of my classmates struggled with their mental and physical health due to the staggering amount of pressure the ballet world imposes on young dancers.
Using common ballet costuming fabrics like duchess satin, tulle, lace, and chiffon, the collection is a combination of beauty and blood. White gowns, like a flock of swans, are dipped in crimson lace and tulle. Révérence as a collection seeks to dig beneath ballet and uncover the pain that comes alongside.
