Isabella Boylston in Swan Lake. Photo- Gene Schiavone.Isabella Boylston in Swan Lake. Photo-
They will be “Dancing, dancing in the streets” as “AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE ON MADISON AVENUE” kicks off a weeklong celebration of the fashion of dance, and hot on the high heels of New York Fashion Week. From September 20th to 27th, the boutique windows on Madison Avenue will be bedazzled by costume creations from ABT’S Archives. This is a rare opportunity to view these works of splendiferous art, created from feathers, fabric, sprinkles and sparkles, as well as memorabilia from ABT’s seventy eight year history of performance. Shopping during this time benefits the ABT’S Costume Fund to support new creations and restoration of their vast collection .
“Opening Night” is Thursday, September 20 when the stores will be welcoming ABT dancers, balletomanes and friends to in store drinks and light bites. The pas de deux is a partnership of ABT and the Madison Avenue BID, Business Improvement District, an association of business owners, merchants, elected officials and residents. It is a clever group who looks for ways to improve the experience for the community and the thousands who are drawn to the “Golden Mile” of luxury boutiques, galleries and restaurants. While shopping on-line may have diminished the numbers of in-store patrons, creating unique experiences is a way to entice savvy buyers of luxury goods into the beautifully bountiful boutiques.
Matthew Bauer, President of Madison Avenue BID
Bid President Matthew Bauer noted with enthusiasm, “The Madison Avenue Business Improvement District is honored to partner with The American Ballet Theatre to bring the artistry and joy of dance to the community. There can be no better compliment to the collections at our fashion, shoe and jewelry boutiques than the costumes created by ABT.”
Sketches by Mark Ryden for Alexei Ratmansky’s Whipped Cream.
And a joy it was to shop at participating retailers to find our “What to Wear.” I love dark florals for fall and winter. This AKRIS silk dress has great feminine detailing, and “fit and flare” is a shape that works elegantly for most body types. Alice and Olivia’s Velvet Coat is a must-have – this vintage inspired “borrowed from the boys” could easily top a pair of jeans and turtleneck or a elegant long gown out for a night on the town. Velvet is everywhere this season. The Jimmy Choo shoes, boots and bag are also on the list for fall and winter standbys. Alexis Bittar is another go-to for well priced statement jewelry and combined with Morganthal Frederics sunglasses, they complete the city chic look. I was delighted to discover Meditation Bells Collection at Paul Morelli. They have designed a great variety of bell pendants to wear alone or together in a group. I will ask John to start me off!
Some other BID projects we like to support are Watch Week, Gallery Walk and several art installations and walking tours, or you can shop with your cunning canine in celebration of Chinese New Year to benefit Animal Medical Foundation, and of course our favorite remains the holiday tradition, Miracle on Madison, in partnership with The Society MSKCC and its pediatric initiatives.
Society Memorial Sloan Kettering, Miracle on Madison
Mark and the retailers are anticipating the festivities on Saturday, “The public family ballet workshop will be a joyous experience, and our participating retailers are so much looking forward to presenting flowers to the young dancers during their “curtain call” after performing on one of the world’s greatest stages: Madison Avenue.”
Hilary will be among the spectators on Saturday to watch with delight as children ages 4 to 12 take to the street with teaching artists from ABT’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. Established in 2004, the school was named in honor of the late, former First Lady, who served ABT’s Board of Trustees as Honorary Chairman Emerita for many years. Divisions in the school serve children as young as 3 and supports them through the years with graduated challenging training, up to Pre Professionals.
The President and First Lady entertain guests with a performance by ABT
One of my favorite weekend activities is to stroll down Madison Avenue taking in all of the beautiful window displays, and stepping into one or two or three. This collaboration will make the stroll even that more special. For my look to watch the talented teachers and budding dancers, I shopped at Alice and Olivia. Given the season, I chose items in fall colors. The simple suede jacket is perfect for the weather and the burgundy blouse adds a softness. The boots are a nod to the sparkle and flash of the beautiful ABT Costumes. For my bag, I went to Edie Parker, which has a relatively new boutique on Madison Ave. While known for its acrylic clutches with witty wording, I found the perfect simple day bag. And the satin adds just the right touch in a season which luxe fabrics are mixed and matched.
Must watch this breathtaking video
So everyone up and on your toes for a delightful week of support for one of this city’s greatest institutions. Here is the list of participants.
Akris, 835 Madison Avenue (69-70)
Alexandre Birman, 957 Madison Avenue (75-76)
Alexis Bittar, 1100 Madison Avenue (82-83)
alice + olivia, 755 Madison Avenue (65-66)
Brunello Cucinelli, 683 Madison Avenue (61-62)
De Beers Jewellers, 716 Madison Avenue (63-64)
Edie Parker, 781 Madison Avenue (66-67)
Emilio Pucci, 855 Madison Avenue (70-71)
Etro, 720 Madison Avenue (63-64)
Jimmy Choo, 699 Madison Avenue (62-63)
Lalique Boutique, 609 Madison Avenue (57-58)
Morgenthal Frederics, 680, 944 & 1155 Madison Avenue (61-62, 74-75, 85-86)
Paul Morelli, 895 Madison Avenue (72-73)
And don’t forget your tickets to the 2018 Fall Season
