Australian audiences are craving more immersive experiences that blend different art forms, according to a recent survey by Stage and Screen. The survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 1,001 Australians over the age of 18 revealed that 42.7 per cent would be more likely to attend a ballet featuring collaborations with pop culture or modern music. Additionally, 17.9 per cent said they would be more inclined to see a ballet featuring costumes designed by a renowned figure like Chanel. While over half (51.5%) indicated a strong love for classic ballet such as Swan Lake. The desire for contemporary themes and stories is growing, especially among younger audiences aged 18-34 years, with 36.3 per cent of respondents expressing interest in these themes.
Answering this call, the rags-to-riches tale of fashion icon Coco Chanel is about to dazzle Brisbane ballet audiences in a one-of-a-kind performance. Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon is set to leap across the stage this week at QPAC’s Playhouse Theatre, running from 4–19 October. Co-owned by Queensland Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet, and Atlanta Ballet, the show promises to be a visual and emotional spectacle for both ballet lovers and fashion enthusiasts. Featuring 155 roles played by 50 dancers per performance, it tells the extraordinary story of Chanel’s life, her rise to fame, and her revolutionary influence on the fashion world.
But bringing this sartorial feast to life was no small feat. Flight Centre Travel Group’s Stage and Screen, which specialises in managing travel and logistics for some of the nation’s top entertainment and creative organisations worked behind the scenes to support the seamless travel arrangements involved in bringing the production’s artistic choreographic team to Brisbane enabling Queensland Ballet to bring present this iconic production on the Australian stage.
In addition to travel arrangements for the internationally based creative team, this production involves intricate logistical arrangements, with hundreds of delicate costume pieces travelling across continents to Brisbane. This includes 512 costume elements, 85 hats, 28 wigs, and 450 shoes—including 150 custom-made black Bloch pointe shoes which must arrive in pristine condition.
Coordinating the transport of these costumes required meticulous planning by Queensland Ballet. The costumes travelled from the United States to Mexico, across the Pacific, and finally arrived in Brisbane with a brief stop in Sydney. This pre-planned journey ensured the costumes were delivered on time, allowing Queensland Ballet’s Costume Department to finalise fittings and make last-minute adjustments ahead of the show.
At the heart of this ballet is celebrated costume designer Jérôme Kaplan, who drew inspiration from Chanel’s minimalist yet groundbreaking style. Kaplan’s designs pay homage to Chanel’s legendary aesthetic, from the famous Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle to her iconic little black dress.
Working with choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Jérôme was able to reflect that same sense of liberation and timeless beauty. Incorporating these designs into a ballet of this scale required meticulous attention to detail. The costumes not only reflect Chanel’s fashion legacy but also help bring her story to life through dance, as audiences follow her rise from humble beginnings to global fame.
| What would make you more likely to attend a ballet performance? | |
| Incorporating contemporary stories and themes | 28.10% |
| A well-known, classic story like Swan Lake or The Nutcracker | 51.50% |
| Performances featuring costumes from famous designers such as Coco Chanel | 17.90% |
| Collaborations with pop culture or modern music | 42.70% |
| Offering immersive or interactive experiences with the audience | 22.90% |
| Showcasing local talent alongside international stars | 25.10% |
ENDS
About Stage and Screen
Stage and Screen is a leading provider of specialist travel management solutions for the sports, entertainment and creative industries. Founded in 1995 and acquired by Flight Centre Travel Group in 1999, Stage and Screen offers bespoke travel services, group travel packages, and artist management solutions to clients worldwide. Stage and Screen is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and personalised support to meet the unique needs of each client. It has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Vancouver and Cape Town. In 2023, Stage and Screen was certified as a Great Place To Work and was honoured with the Most Outstanding National Travel Management Company award at the Australian Travel Industry Association’s National Travel Industry Awards 2023.