The designs and colours used in Ballets Russes productions forged a new aesthetic in the 20th century. Knowledge of the company's revolutionary ballets filtered through to theatre, fashion and daily life, including interior design. Diaghilev's presentation of his homeland in particular created a notable strand of Russian style.
The Royal Ballet production of The Firebird
Photograph by Graham Brandon
Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London
2006
© Victoria & Albert Museum, London/Graham Brandon
Costume worn by Alice Nikitina as Flore in Zéphyre et Flore
Designed by Georges Braque
1925
Museum no. S.838&A-1980
© Victoria & Albert Museum, London
Newspaper article in The Sunday Times describing an auction of Ballets Russes material, with illustrations of models in costumes from The Sleeping Princess and Thamar
The Sunday Times
1973
© Victoria & Albert Museum, London
Alicia Markova teaching the title role of George Balanchine's Le Chant du Rossignol to Iohna Loots
Photography by Graham Brandon
English National Ballet
1995
© Victoria & Albert Museum, London