Black Swan: a Gothic Ballet

1&2. Marchesa
3. Valentino
4&5. Black Swan illustration, Rodarte sisters

I love these pieces. I love their gothic yet feminine inspiration, the mix of black and nudes that toe the line between strength and purity. Using pink or nude ballet tights against the black creates a more subtle juxtaposition than white, and makes the contrast more interesting than the simple broken innocence. It reminds me that there's a woman in the flesh underneath that dress that's strong enough to carry it off. It reminds me of Helena Bonham Carter, who from Fight Club to Sweeney Todd has been able to carry off pink and black.