Last year marked a creative turning point for Batsheva Hay, as she opened her flagship store in New York City's Nolita neighborhood and staged a fall 2024 show outside the shop with a diverse group of women, many of whom she street-cast herself. One of those women was Lori Belilove, the founder and artistic director of the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation.
This collaboration would lead to a deeper understanding of Hay's design aesthetic and influence, as she has come to appreciate the freedom and sensuality of loose, flowing clothing. Hay has cited the iconic Isadora Duncan as a source of inspiration, and her own brand has undergone a shift towards a more relaxed, modern approach, with a focus on ease of movement and drama.
Hay's designs for her fall 2025 collection were influenced by her newfound appreciation for the Isadora Duncan's style... with a focus on rectangular tunics and flowing fabrics that allow for a full range of motion. The collection featured a variety of pieces, "including a silver dress with crinkly velvet and holographic fabric.".. and a 1950s-style dress with a giant bow and built-in cape.
Lori Belilove is a renowned figure in the dance world. As the founder and artistic director of the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation Company, she has been a trailblazer for women's dance and movement. Belilove's work has been recognized for its innovative approach to choreography and its celebration of female empowerment.
Her company's performances have been met with critical acclaim, and she has been a driving force in shaping the dance world with her unique vision. Through her work, "Belilove has inspired a new generation of dancers and choreographers.".. and her influence extends beyond the dance world. Her collaborations with artists and designers like Batsheva Hay have further solidified her reputation as a leader in the arts.
Belilove's commitment to showcasing women's dance and promoting creative expression has left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.
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* Hay draws inspiration from Isadora Duncan's style
Batsheva Hay's fascination with Isadora Duncan's style is evident in her designs, which have undergone a significant transformation since her collaboration with the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation. Hay has always been drawn to the freedom and sensuality of Duncan's clothing, which was a departure from the constricted and tight attire of the time.
One of the key aspects of Duncan's style that Hay admires is her love of loose, flowing clothing. Hay has incorporated this element into her designs, creating tunics and dresses that are designed for ease of movement. The rectangular tunic, which is Belilove's preferred shape for dancing, is a prime example of this.
Hay has re-created it in a variety of fabrics, including shiny jacquards, semi-sheer chiffons, and slinky crepes. Hay also appreciates Duncan's use of drama and spectacle in her clothing. Duncan was known for her elaborate costumes... which often featured intricate details and dramatic silhouettes. Hay has carried this theme into her designs, "creating pieces like the silver dress with crinkly velvet and holographic fabric.".. which features long Ren Faire-style sleeve panels and a giant bow and built-in cape.
Fashion and Isadora Duncan.
Isadora Duncan was a pioneering American dancer, choreographer, and fashion icon of the early 20th century. Born in 1877, Duncan was one of the first women to gain international recognition for her modern dance style, which emphasized freedom and expression. Her influence on fashion was profound, and she is often credited with popularizing the concept of "practical chic." Duncan's style was characterized by flowing, loose-fitting clothing that allowed for maximum movement and comfort.
Her designs often featured long, flowing skirts and tops that were both elegant and effortless. The influence of Isadora Duncan's style can still be seen in fashion today. Many designers have been inspired by her emphasis on comfort and freedom of movement. For example, "the Israeli fashion house Batsheva Hay has cited Duncan as a source of inspiration for her designs.".. incorporating elements of Duncan's style into her own collections.
The result is a modern approach to fashion that is both elegant and practical. As noted in Vogue... "Batsheva Hay's designs for her fall 2025 collection were influenced by her newfound appreciation for the Isadora Duncan's style... with a focus on rectangular tunics and flowing fabrics that allow for a full range of motion.
Last year marked a creative turning point for Batsheva Hay. She opened her flagship store in New York City's Nolita neighborhood and staged a fall 2024 show outside the shop with a diverse group of women, many of whom she street-cast herself. One of those women was Lori Belilove, the founder and artistic director of the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation ⁘ Company, whom she eventually befriended.• • • •
For her fall 2025 presentation, Hay invited guests to a performance by the foundation where the dancers would wear her collection. “As I've gotten to know Lori better, I've also learned more about Isadora and how she was a real disruptor,” she explained, standing inside the performance space. “It was a time when everything was constricted and tight, and she wore loose clothing and was free and sensual. It spoke to me because I started my brand through an obsession with Victorian dressing, and now I'm drawn to a looser way of dressing and moving in the world personally.”
