National Ballet of Canada’s stunning new production of Swan Lake finally premiered in 2022. Directed by former Artistic Director Karen Kain, the famous ballet has been reimagined in a respectful and refreshing modern staging with the aid of set, props, and costumes designed by Gabriela Týlešová. We worked with Gabriela to develop unique textile designs that complimented her costume designs. 

we interpreted Gabriela’s sketches and ideas to engineer countless print repeats and graphic artwork for costume pieces. Once the artwork was printed on fabrics, all of the costumes were constructed by National Ballet of Canada’s Costume Workshop.

Placement panels of feather like texture were created in black and white to add dimension to the swan bodices. Printing this texture leaves the fabric clean, smooth, and visually lush for the life of the costumes.

Some prints were kept intentionally simple, and others exceptionally elaborate to deliver a wide range of imaginative and exciting costumes for the characters.

Swan Lake, 2022 The National Ballet of Canada

Production Credits

Directed & Staged by: Karen Kain
Choreography: Karen Kain, Christopher Stowell & Robert Binet after Erik Bruhn, Lev Ivanov & Marius Petipa
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake, Opus 20 (1875-76)
Set, Property & Costume Designer: Gabriela Týlešová
Lighting Designer: Bonnie Beecher
Projection Designer: Sean Nieuwenhuis

Photo Credits: Karolina Kuras & Melissa Tait