Curator Talk: Costume for Salome, performed by the Ballets Russes

Acquired thanks to donations made in memory of the late Chloe Neary, this extraordinary costume was designed by Serge Sudeikin for prima ballerina Tamara Karsavina for the 1913 ballet 'La Tragédie de Salomé', performed by Serge Diaghilev's iconic Ballets Russes.

Inspired by the explicit illustrations created by Aubrey Beardsley for Oscar Wilde's play Salome, this costume was considered highly risqué for the stage at the time – the mesh panel in the bodice gave the illusion of Karsavina being bare-breasted with orange stars covering her nipples. The body-hugging design featured short culottes and bare legs and her right leg featured painted roses on the thigh and calf to further emphasise this.

If you would like to remember a loved one and support the V&A, our in-house legacies team will be available for an informal chat after the event.

This event is free but ticketed. Booking essential. Please meet in Seminar Room 1 of the Learning Centre
October 2 - 6 is Legacy Week at the V&A! Discover how gifts in Wills make a difference at the Museum.

For more information, please contact our Legacy Team at legacy@vam.ac.uk or by phone at +44 20 7942 2716.