Vanessa Leyonhjelm

Fashion Designer

Deciding who should create the gown for the Tarantella imagery was not a difficult task.

Only one name was considered, Vanessa Leyonhjelm.

For legendary fashion house Carven of Paris Vanessa created furs for women who sought luxury in a sculptural silhouette. Recognition in the dance world came with commissions from The Netherlands Dance Theatre, Houston Ballet and for The Australian Ballet ground breaking designs for Stanton Welsh's “Divergence”.

When asked how perfume relates to fashion Miss Leyonhjelm replied, “Perfume fulfils the sensual side of dressing.”

The deceptively simple gown for Tarantella incorporates 120 black and white pleated crinoline fans on a base of silk organdie. As expected it moves beautifully with the body, especially to the rhythm of the tarantella.