Fashion

Watch a Clip of Maiyet's New Fashion/Dance Film

by Erin Mayer

Fashion has long carried a torch for the world of dance, as evidenced by the endless parade of ballet-inspired collections and designer/dance collaborations we see each year. Once again, we are treated to a match made in fashion heaven with a film choreographed by Benjamin Millepied for Maiyet's Spring 2015 collection.

The short video project, entitled Passage to Dawn, is a modern retelling of the story of Daphnis and Chloe. Passage to Dawn debuted during Maiyet's Spring 2015 presentation and features dancers from the L.A. Dance Project and a haunting original soundtrack by the band London Grammar. In a clip from the film, released by Style.com, we see dramatic lighting and simple, gorgeous movement designed both to highlight the story and the clothing.

Millepied, who also choreographed Daphnis et Chloé for the Paris Opera Ballet, told Style.com, "The clothes had to look like something the characters would actually wear, not self-conscious. I also needed the material to move well.” Dance is easily the fashion world's most-referenced art form (ballet flats, anyone?) and so it's wonderful to see clothing brought to life through movement. Don't expect too many flashy tricks here, though — dance isn't just about fouettés en tournant. It's about emotion and turning a simple gesture into one of great significance. That's what Millepied and his dancers achieve here, providing the perfect backdrop to Maiyet's wearable collection.

Check out the clip from Passage to Dawn here and don't blame me if it leads to an impulsive order of tickets to the New York City Ballet.

Images: maiyet/Instagram