New York City Ballet: A Look at Costume Designer, Marc Happel

The New York City Ballet is a unique experience, one that should not be missed on any trip into the big city. Aside from the pirouettes and the relevés, the most eye-catching part of the ballet, of course, is the costumes. The NYC Ballet spares no expense when it comes to their attire. With their own permanent costume shop, aptly named The Costume Shop, the ballet is given top-of-the-line costumes for every performance by Director of Costumes Marc Happel, an experienced master of the art.

Happel’s professional ascendance really can’t be re-created nowadays. Whereas any aspiring costume designer would have to cut his teeth at an FIT or similar school, Happel left the Universit of Minnesota for a job at Minneapolis’s Guthrie Theater. Two years into that apprenticeship, he was told that Bob Fosse was hiring, and he packed up his stuff into a station wagon bound for New York. Happel comes from a background dressing the cabaret. As the personal costumer for a duo of cross-dressing stars in Kiki & Herb, he went from small stage to Broadway. Now, he’s one of the most sought after costume designers in the world, utilizing stretch fabrics and tutus to not only impress the audience but to influence the atmosphere of the story on stage. “At New York City Ballet it’s all about movement,” he says, “and you’re constantly aware that what you’re doing has to be danceable,” says Happel. Whether designing costumes or watching them, Happel says to pay attention to how costumes amplify our understanding of the on-stage action.

This season, Mr. Happel and his staff are hard at work preparing for seven different major premiere performances. And the buzz is, there will be many surprises this year! Faye Arthurs, who was being fitted for a new “Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet” costume, exclaimed with pleasure over the subtle range of colors in her new tutu. Also, in store for this seasons costumes are A Prabal Gurung (staff of Marc Happel) costume design for the new Justin Peck work to premiere at NYCB’s fall gala, and we will apparently be seeing a lot more glamorous haute couture being featured this fall. Ballet, after all, is a visual format. From the iconic tutu to leotards, pointed shoes to tights, the choice of what to wear is every bit as important as to how much time is put into designing the costumes each year.

More Fashion Fabula

The At Home Classic Manicure

Skip the time-consuming and costly trips to the salon and perfectly polish your nails at home. With the right equipment, your favorite polish color and

Weekend Closet: Valentine’s Day

Akris Punto Faux Leather Trim Jersey Skirt, $395.00 at Nordstroms  – This Faux leather trim adds a sleek finishing touch to a classic jersey pencil

The Black Friday List

Editors’ Picks BLOOMINGDALES – Take 10% off all Beauty products. USE CODE: BEAUTY10 FREE PEOPLE 50% OFF MOST ITEMS KENNETH COLE 50% OFF SITEWIDE TED

Editor’s Picks: White Out

From left to right: Topshop Crochet Overlay Dress, Dior Mono Eyeshawdow, MAC Eye Kohl, Matt Bernson Slide Sandal, MARC BY MARC JACOBS Cross Body Bag

5 Ways to Wear a Leather Jacket

With brands now offering more styles than ever, there’s never been a better time to invest in one. But with choice, often, comes confusion. And

6 Houseplants for a Healthier Home

There’s nothing like a well-curated display of indoor plants! It’s impressive on two levels–the artistic and the practical. It takes some skill to maintain plants,

Sunglass Obsession: The Right Fit

Quick, name one item you never leave home without. If you said sunglasses, you’re on the ball. Sunglasses, just as much as your hairstyle, purse

Beauty Masterclass : Kajal Eyeliner

We’ve always been a fan of smoky, dramatic eyes. Ever since ancient times, kajal and kohl (note: you can use these terms interchangeably) have been

Weekend Closet: Military Madness!

Free People – Distressed cotton backpack with rugged leather detailing and adjustable canvas straps. Santa Cruz Backpack, $125 Nordstrom – A metallic panel and barely

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Still need something for Dad? Look no further — we’ve got you covered! This Father’s Day, don’t just get Dad anything; give him he can

Must-Have Makeup for Spring

We are used to seeing spring makeup in the form of bronzed skin, glossy lips and soft eyes. But the beauty trend this season threw

Editors Picks: Floral + Graphic

RO & De Floral Print Blazer just went out of stock, try the L’Agence floral print blazer instead. L’AGENCE ‘Jean Marie Floral Blazer Fresh white

8 Rules For Party Season

Dust off your finery— It’s party season once again. From turning up under dressed to getting too dressed up, we know it’s not always easy

What to Wear to a BBQ

With Memorial Day right around the corner, barbecue season is here. Officially! While great fun, BBQs can be tricky to style for. They are a

Behind the Brand: A.P.C.

Known for it’s minimalist designs and timeless aesthetic, founded by Mr Jean Touitou in 1987,A.P.C. (which stands for Atelier de Production et de Création) was

Fashion Brands

Feedback/Suggest Brands

Again, welcome to Your Brandzaffair. Our goal is to be your daily source for immediate access to all your favorite brandz with their best offers, in addition to providing insights and reviews in your lifestyle interests. We want to always continue to improve your experience. Please tell us what you think and what we can do better.

Spread the Word