Over this past weekend, I had the pleasure of watching The Red Shoes (1948) on Netflix Streaming. Victoria Page (played by Moira Shearer), is a socialite-ballerina chosen by famed director Lermontov to play the lead role in a ballet adaptation of the fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, The Red Shoes. However, her passion for ballet strongly conflicts with her love for composer Julian Craster, and Lermontov forces her to choose between the two.
Although made in 1948, this film pushes the boundaries of special effects in film making (see the famous scene of the red ballet shoes lacing themselves on the dancer’s feet, above), and also redefines social standards for women. While this post will focus mainly on the breathtaking couture, this movie is much more than pretty, and I highly recommend it.
Although the crown and necklace are a bit much, the dusty teal color of her gown and plissé cape perfectly compliment her red hair and lips.
This particular ballet costume was my favorite. The peachy bodice and skirt, paired with the baby blue detailing, make an unexpected but sweet combination. It’s difficult to see but in the gathering of the waist of the skirt, there is a hint of blue tulle. So beautiful! Her other costumes were gorgeous as well:
Though considerably more casual, her day wear and ballet outfits exuded the same, timeless classiness:
If you consider yourself a cinemaphile, you must see this movie (if you haven’t already) for its awe-inspiring work in direction, set design, and acting. If you just enjoy a dramatic romance with nice costumery, this movie is perfect for you as well!
April 14, 2011 at 7:09 am
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I also love ballet. I find it so breathtaking and truly stunning. A beautiful way of artistic expression. The movie sounds and looks fantastic and now I cant wait to watch it. Thanks and have a lovely afternoon
Kisses
April 14, 2011 at 8:51 am
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“If you just enjoy a dramatic romance with nice costumery, this movie is perfect for you as well!”
- brb, going to go find this right now haha!
April 15, 2011 at 9:39 am
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I must watch this movie…if not only for the costumes…swoon!!!! :) {oh, and those red ballet shoes are simply stunning!}
April 19, 2011 at 10:10 am
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people kept mentioning this film in connection to black swan, and i loved black swan, but apparently, this is better! cool post :) xx
April 28, 2011 at 7:18 am
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WHAT?! I just posted on this too! That is so weird! Great flick though. I think maybe it’s experiencing a resurgence in popularity because of “Black Swan.” That peach and blue dancing costume is also my favorite :) It looks so gorgeous with her red hair!
December 29, 2012 at 1:50 am
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I’m glad you got the chance to see this movie! This is my all time favorite movie! I started watching it when i was 5, i fell in love with it, and watch it at least once a year now. I wish more people knew about this beautiful movie….we need more classics like this!
January 23, 2013 at 5:18 pm
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Catherine,
Thank you for posting these images…
just as eye-boggling here as in the film