PHILADELPHIA (February 21, 2025)—Moore College of Art & Design’s Fashion Design program and Philadelphia Ballet are once again collaborating to provide an immersive experience for Fashion Design juniors. This year’s theme, “Threads of Success: Stitching the Future of Costume Design,” is a culmination of classroom designs, onsite experiences at Philadelphia Ballet and fittings with dancers throughout the Fall 2024 semester. This evening event on Thursday, February 27 showcases an innovative collaboration in which students will debut original costumes inspired by Maurice Ravel’s Boléro, brought to life in a live performance by Philadelphia Ballet dancers.
Now in its third year, the relationship between Moore’s Fashion Design department and Philadelphia Ballet’s Community Education and Public Programs provides an opportunity for students to merge design and performance art in a professional setting. Each student designer worked closely with costume designers and dancers from Philadelphia Ballet to create costumes from initial sketches to final stitches.
“The collaboration between Moore College of Art & Design and Philadelphia Ballet is a testament to the unique opportunities Moore provides for its students and the power of the arts in Philadelphia. Our Fashion Design students learn in the classroom, then gain real-world experience working with industry professionals and creating costumes for world-class dancers,” said Cathy Young, president, Moore College of Art & Design. “This kind of education sets Moore apart, ensuring our students graduate not only with exceptional technical skills but with the confidence and connections to thrive in the fashion and costume design industries. We’re proud to partner with Philadelphia Ballet in fostering the next generation of designers who will shape the future of the arts in Philadelphia and beyond.”
Following the live performance, the evening will transition into a panel discussion moderated by President Young, who will lead a conversation on the evolving role of costume design in the world of performance. The distinguished panelists include Holly Hynes, an acclaimed costume designer recognized for her work with leading ballet companies worldwide; Jennifer Tierney, wardrobe manager and educational collaborator on the project for the Philadelphia Ballet; and Morgan Porter, adjunct professor of Fashion Design at Moore. These experts will discuss their experiences, the importance of collaborative design processes and the growing demands of the costume design industry.
“The collaboration between Philadelphia Ballet and Moore College of Art & Design is a true celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and the power of interdisciplinary partnerships,” said Sarah Cooper, creative director, Community Education and Public Programs for Philadelphia Ballet. “This immersive experience allows students to bridge the gap between fashion and performance, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in designing for movement. Seeing their vision come to life and worn by our dancers is a remarkable full-circle moment that highlights the importance of collaboration in the arts. We are thrilled to continue fostering the next generation of designers through this meaningful partnership.”
“Threads of Success: Stitching the Future of Costume Design” will take place on Thursday, February 27, in Moore College of Art & Design’s Graham Auditorium. Doors open at 5 pm, with the program beginning at 5:30 pm, followed by a reception. Attendance is free, but registration is required by Thursday, February 20.
To register for the event, click here.
About Moore College of Art & Design
Founded during the original industrial revolution to advance women in new fields, Moore College of Art & Design is the first and only historically women’s college for art and design. Our mission is more relevant than ever, as technology, sustainability and diverse cultures drive and disrupt new and existing industries. Through dynamic BFA and Graduate Studies programs, educational programs for creatively curious youth and professional adult learners, and our own public and dedicated space for contemporary art—The Galleries at Moore—we are influencers and advocates for breakthrough artists and designers of all ages and backgrounds. The world needs Moore. For more information about Moore, visit www.moore.edu and follow us on social media @moorecollegeart.
About Philadelphia Ballet
Founded in 1963 by Barbara Weisberger, a protégée of George Balanchine, Philadelphia Ballet is one of the nation's premier ballet companies and a true cultural treasure of Philadelphia. Furthering a sixty-year artistic lineage in Philadelphia, The Ruth & A. Morris Williams, Jr. Artistic Director Angel Corella leads an ensemble of 48 dancers from around the world and an ever-evolving repertoire of classic and contemporary works. The Dr. Carolyn Newsom Executive Director Shelly Power spearheads development and strategic plans to strengthen and expand the company's presence and impact locally, nationally, and internationally. Recognized as one of the top ten ballet companies in the United States, Philadelphia Ballet's 27-member Board of Trustees is led by local business leader and philanthropist David F. Hoffman. In addition to its performances on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus, Philadelphia Ballet serves more than 15,000 individuals across the region every year with hands-on arts education and engagement activities brought to children and adults alike regardless of ability or socioeconomic background. For more, visit philadelphiaballet.org or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Philadelphia Ballet is supported in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development, and receives support from The Philadelphia Cultural Fund and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
For press inquires, contact:
Gabi Stevenson
Communications Manager, Moore College of Art & Design
gstevenson@moore.edu | 610.551.8231
Lindsay Doyle
Cadence Public Relations, on behalf of Philadelphia Ballet
lindsay@cadencepublicrelations.com | 215.275.6541
