I was intending to visit the V&A just to see the fashion and theatre collections but when I found out that this exhibition was on I had to go. It's easy to dismiss the influence of Russian artistic director, Sergei Diaghilev and his ballet company. A true visionary, he combined the influences of Russian folk history and art with the greatest artists of his time. Music from Stravinsky and Satie, sets by Picasso, Matisse and Cocteau and costumes by Chanel. He produced the most visually stunning theatrical performances of the 20th century. The show highlights how the spirit of The Ballet Russes is very much alive in current fashion and theatre design.
From top;
Nikolai Roerich, Natalia Goncharova, Henri Matisse, Coco Chanel, Leon Bakst and Picasso.