Joe Eula's Ballet Confections

And their influence and impact on Halston

Joe Eula was one of the greatest fashion illustrators of the twentieth century. In addition to his long career in illustration—starting in the mid-1940s—he was creative director for Halston from 1970 until the end of the decade (as I mentioned in this article Tuesday) as well as a costume designer for the ballet. Less discussed than his illustrations and collaborations with Halston, Eula’s work for the ballet can be seen to reveal so much about his total vision. The movement so characteristic of his illustrations influenced his approach to costuming dance, which then impacted his work with Halston.

Eula at work on “Kettentanz.” Photo published in Vogue, October 15, 1971.