Costumes by Karinska

This hardcover book, by former ballerina-turned-author Toni Bentley, published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc., features many historic photographs of Madame Karinska's life and legacy. Chosen by Mr. Balanchine, she was a multi-faceted, charismatic and stylish costumer/designer of the New York City Ballet. She established the New York City Ballet's costume shop.

About the Book:
Bentley, Toni.
Costumes by Karinska / by Toni Bentley; foreword by Edward Gorey
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-8109-3516-3

 

Highlights from the Book

Cartoon by Alex Gard of KARINSKA holding a safety pinned tutu.	Romantic tutu for Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet, Choreographed by George Balanchine in 1966. This costume features intricate cutout piecing on bodice with multi-color net skirt.
Jacques d'Amboise seen in 1979 in a costume from Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet (Fourth Movement). The ballet was choreographed in 1966 by George Balanchine. Costumes by Karinska.	Allegra Kent seen in 1979 in the role of "The Sleepwalker" in a costume from La Sonnambula. The ballet was choreographed in 1968 by George Balanchine. Costumes designed by Dorothea Tanning, executed by Karinska.
	A gouache rendering by Croquill, used by Karinska, of a child's costume of an "Insect," from the Overture of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Although she could draw and paint, Madame KARINSKA often employed the work of other sketch artists as renderings for her own costume designs. She felt that her creative strength was in her creation of the garment and not in the act of putting paint to paper.

Please note that all the costume designs shown in this web site are the property of the individual costume designers. The designers retain any and all rights with regard to reproduction or recreation of these designs.