Coco Chanel and Ballets Russes

The early 1900s was the perfect backdrop for Gabrielle Chanel’s efforts to pioneer unrestrictive and liberating fashion for women. This fused with the world of dance, one which the designer would ultimately become involved in thanks to the societal circles she frequented.

The relationship between Coco Chanel and Ballets Russes is one that started by chance and then developed parallel her friendship with Serge Diaghilev, the founder of the renowned ballet company. She not only was a dear friend to the impresario but also one of his costume designers and a patron. To this day, Chanel continues their namesake’s ties with her love of dance as a patron of the Paris Opera Ballet and other distinguished famous ballet companies around the world.

The video below provides snapshots of historic insight into Gabrielle Chanel’s involvement with Ballets Russes and the other avant-garde artists of the time including Igor Stravinsky, Vaslav Nijinsky, and Pablo Picasso.