Balletcore Returns in 2024 and Here Are 5 Brands You Need to Know
This youthful and unapologetically feminine aesthetic is here to stay and we've rounded up the key fashion brands to check out
Over the past year—and indeed, the last two—Balletcore has emerged as a dominant fashion phenomenon, claiming the title of the most searched fashion keyword globally. This ethereal trend shows no signs of waning in 2024, with BLACKPINK's Jennie at the forefront of its burgeoning popularity.
What is Balletcore?
Drawing inspiration from the delicate costumes of ballet dancers, Balletcore elevates the fashion realm with its use of tulle, lace, and sheer satin. This trend embodies an elegant, feminine allure through pieces like leggings, tutu skirts, and ballet flats, evolving into a sophisticated and romantic aesthetic that captures hearts worldwide.
Balletcore epitomizes a soft, uniform style that can be deceptively challenging to master. Its delicate appeal isn't universally embraced, as not every woman feels comfortable donning short skirts and tube socks for everyday outings.
How to wear Balletcore?
In 2024, Balletcore transcends mere item combinations to capture the very essence of ballet's aesthetic spirit. This style thrives through its materials, tailoring, and colour palette, exuding vibrancy and elegance while encouraging a fusion of diverse stylistic interpretations.
Key elements include tight tailoring, transparent fabrics, and graceful hues, all hallmarks of the ballet aesthetic. Fluffy dresses and ribbon bows also stand out as signature accessories. Yet, the beauty of Balletcore lies in personal interpretation—mix and match to craft a style that is both elegantly unique and comfortably yours.
Below are the top 5 designers to check out if you're thinking of embracing this youthful trend:
Repetto
Founded in 1947 by Rose Repetto in Paris, Repetto revolutionized ballet footwear with its meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring both comfort and elegance for dancers. The brand's iconic Cendrillon shoe, inspired by Brigitte Bardot, remains a staple in French fashion. Repetto's dedication to ballet extends beyond shoes, offering an array of dancewear that perpetuates the ballet spirit. Recent collaborations, like the one with Jacquemus, highlight Repetto's creative innovation, blending ballet elegance with contemporary style.
Simone Rocha
Simone Rocha masterfully combines delicate materials and vibrant colours to create dresses that exude gentleness and elegance. Yet, beneath the romantic exterior lies a touch of dark punk, offering a profound, multi-dimensional interpretation of Balletcore. Her designs capture the ballet aesthetic's depth, reflecting a nuanced blend of classic and contemporary elements.
Sandy Liang
Chinese designer Sandy Liang, raised in New York's Chinatown, channels her cultural heritage and urban upbringing into her brand. Sandy Liang's collections radiate strength and determination, from romantic evening dresses to classic ballet attire. Her ballet-inspired pieces feature both sexy, flirtatious short dresses and practical 3/4 pants, layered culottes, and dramatic bows, offering a bold yet timeless Balletcore vision.
Zemeta
Founded by a Korean designer in Manhattan, Zemeta fuses Eastern and Western aesthetics. This brand marries trendsetting designs with ultimate comfort, allowing the wearer to effortlessly embody the sophistication of Balletcore in daily life. Zemeta's innovative approach integrates street elements like prints, labels, and rivets, adding a touch of freedom to ballet's romantic allure. Endorsed by celebrities like BLACKPINK's Jennie and AESPA, Zemeta has quickly become a sought-after name, solidifying its position in the fashion industry.
ShuShu/Tong
ShuShu/Tong is a fashion brand loved by stars in recent years, founded by Chinese designers Lu Liushu and Chiang Yutong in Shanghai. The brand is famous for its romantic, sweet, flirty and feminine style. The bow tie is a typical symbol of ShuShu/Tong. However, the explosion of ShuShu/Tong in the fashion industry is not only thanks to the romantic and sweet elements, but also the resistance and dustiness hidden in the brand's DNA.
