New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala 2024

The Dinner, photo by Lieba Nesis

George Balanchine famously remarked, “Ballet is woman,” and nowhere was that more evident than on Wednesday, October 9th, at the New York City Ballet’s (NYCB) fall fashion gala at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center with cocktails beginning at 5:30 PM.

The all-women choreographed evening, along with the hundreds of women in attendance, was a subtle ode to Balanchine, whose effusive love of women led him to marry four of his dancers while romancing dozens more.

Kitty Mason, Gilles Mendel, photo by LIeba Nesis

The evening was eagerly awaited for its opening of the ballet season and the excitement surrounding the costume choices by renowned designers, including Zac Posen and Gilles Mendel, this year. However, the dancing and costumes, unfortunately, did not meet the high expectations. Despite this, the crowd was extraordinary, a true reflection of the unmatched diversity of the New York social scene.

Brooke Shields, Jaimie Alexander, photo by Lieba Nesis

Celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen, Nina Dobrev, Brooke Shields, Jaimie Alexander, Huma Abedin, Georgina Bloomberg, Jean Shafiroff, Justin Theroux, Dianna Agron, Laverne Cox, and Nicole Ari Parker gathered at the outdoor cocktail promenade as a lengthy line for the red carpet awaited.

Jean Shafiroff wearing a gown by Ese Azenabor, photo by Lieba Nesis

The brainchild of fashion icon Sarah Jessica, who conceived melding fashion and ballet in 2012 and was herself dressed in a resplendent Oscar gown for the occasion, this evening has featured the greats, including Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Virgil Abloh, Iris van Herpen, Dries van Noten, and Carolina Herrera.

Liz Peek, Ali and Monica Wambold, Jeff Peek, photo by Lieba Nesis

The evening began with an introduction by Board of Directors chair Diana Taylor and Executive Director of NYCB Katherine Brown. It was announced that the evening had raised $3.2 million, with a cumulative total since the Fall Fashion conception of $34 million.

Diana Redruello, Roberto Cardenas, Barbora Vrablova, photo by Lieba Nesis

A brief film provided a background for the inspiration behind the pieces of the evening’s three women choreographers; Gianna Reisen, Caili Quan, and Tiler Peck. The opening piece, “Signs” by Gianna Reisen, was a chance for Reisen to show her prowess in nurturing the younger generation.

Rushka Bergman, Christina Kruse, photo by Lieba Nesis

Clad in plain blue leotards designed by Marc Happel, who had a staff of 17 assisting, the attire’s simplicity was a head-scratcher. It was a disappointing choice for a ballet premiering fashion, leaving many wondering why designs more suited for a class rehearsal were chosen for such a grand event.

Photo by Lieba Nesis

This ballet, which first premiered at the School of American Ballet Workshop in 2022, was well done, with expertly crafted partnering and well-executed steps. However, once again, it was not gala-worthy. Perhaps they were building up to Act 2, where choreographer Caili Quan joined designer Gilles Mendel for the World Premiere of “Beneath the Tides.”

Amanda Tabet, Oona Zlamany, photo by Lieba Nesis

The ballet was well danced by Tiler Peck (who served in dual capacities as dancer and choreographer for the evening), Gilbert Bolden, Sara Mearns, and Aaron Sanz, but there was a noticeable absence of a ‘wow factor. ‘ The costumes by Mendel were the best of the evening, with flowy midi-dresses for the ladies and sexy chest-baring corseted ensembles for the men that showcased their ‘pecs to perfection’ without being exploitative.

A creative guest accessorized his Issey Miyake outfit with New York Yankee slides, photo by Marilyn Kirschner

As a fortunate spectator in 2015, when Peter Copping for Oscar de la Renta dressed dancers in voluminous ball gowns that left attendees stunned, this evening’s costumes did not suffice. There was a palpable longing for the days of excess and abandon, as I eagerly awaited the third act, where Zac Posen would join Tiler Peck for her ‘Concerto for Two Pianos. ‘

Fern Clausius, Abigail Simon, Shoko Tamai, photo by LIeba Nesis

Posen is renowned for his statement-making red carpet dresses, including Claire Danes’s light-up ball gown at the Met Gala 2016 that had the entire world buzzing. Known for his intricate craftsmanship and over-the-top designs, his appointment as Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy and Creative Director of Gap in May 2024 was a surprise.

Dianna Agron, Jeremy O Harris, Jordan Roth, photo by LIeba Nesis

Maybe this was Posen’s way of showing his reformation away from red carpet fare to more practical everyday attire, and yet there was a palpable sense of audience disappointment. Posen was the only designer I didn’t see on stage with the dancers at the end of Peck’s ensemble—perhaps he, too, was disappointed with the end product.

As I exited the audience, I heard Sarah Jessica Parker refusing a photo, ‘I have never in my life taken a selfie with a fan,’ she remarked – how very “Sex and the New York City.” – Lieba Nesis

As guests who paid $3,000 per ticket headed to the second floor for dinner, there was a massive line at the bathroom due to the recent decision to cut intermissions from gala evenings. This change, unfortunately, diminished the opportunity for the audience to fraternize with the glitterati, a once cherished highlight of the evening.

Latest Comments:

  2. Irene and Matt are so authentic! Love that they still do the live formats where we can ask questions or…

  2. Irene and Matt are so authentic! Love that they still do the live formats where we can ask questions or…

Lieba Nesis

My love of fashion, writing and photography were something that always dominated my lifestyle however it wasn't until I was approached by the editor of Lookonline that I realized I could utilize these three skills in combination.

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