Exclusive: Joseph Altuzarra on Designing Costumes for the New York City Ballet
It's no surprise that Joseph Altuzarra is one of fashion's top designers, so ballet and fashion fans alike were delighted to learn that Altuzarra would be designing costumes for a new ballet for the New York City Ballet. We spoke to Alt
Ballet and fashion fans alike were delighted to learn that Joseph Altuzarra would be designing costumes for a brand-new ballet for the New York City Ballet. The pas de deux debuted last week at the company's spring gala, and initiated Altuzarra into the ranks of fellow top designers — Rodarte, J. Mendel, and Valentino, among them — who have created fashions for ballet performances. We spoke to Altuzarra about his latest designer collaboration, and his thoughts on every woman's spring closet must-haves.
Marie Claire: You designed the costumes for the new ballet debuting tonight! What are you most looking forward to?
Joseph Altuzarra: I mean, I love the ballet, but I also worked interestingly with one of the choreographers, Christopher Wheeldon, on the costumes for the ballet tonight. It was an incredible — and I mean incredible — experience. It was very freeing, artistically, to be able to work beyond the confines of the identity of my brand.
MC: What was something that you found was completely unique about the process of designing for tonight's ballet?
JA: Well the construction and the functionality of it is obviously very different. Of course, it has to be washed every night and it can't move around too much because of the ways the male partner is handling the female partner. But also working on Robbie Fairchild's [principal dancer with the New York City Ballet] costume was the first time I was ever really doing menswear. So it's not classic menswear because it's ballet, but it was interesting.
MC: What are three items every women must have in her wardrobe for spring?
JA: Can one of them be mine?
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
MC: Of course!
JA: I'll say an engineered striped jacket, because it's like summer denim. I think a silk printed button-down shirt is always a really good staple for spring. And then a high-heeled sandal.
Photo: Courtesy of Paul Kolnik, WSJ
-
J.Crew x Catbird Will Take Over Your Summer Jewelry Stack
The new collab is the prettiest addition to your wardrobe.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Anne Hathaway Provides a Much-Awaited Update on Sequels for Two of Her Most Popular Movies
There's some good news, and there's some bad news.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Meghan Markle’s New Podcast with Lemonada Media Is Reportedly Delayed “Until Next Year At the Earliest”
There’s a reason for the holdup.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published