The current iteration of the “balletcore” trend, which sees the fashion industry creating ballet-inspired apparel, accessories, and footwear items for consumers in all walks of life, began in the early 2020s and hit its peak in 2023 and 2024. But the style is still hanging on, and in fact seems to be gaining new life this year. A handful of recent fashion and footwear collaborations, along with seasonal collections within existing partnerships, are emblematic of the continuing strength of the style:
• This week, news surfaced that Hailey Bieber, model and founder of beauty brand Rhode, who was in serious ballet training as a child, paired with Adanola, a British activewear brand. The 23-piece capsule collection of athleisure apparel is inspired by the mix-and-match outfits worn by dancers when they are training. Items include sweatshirts and tops, leggings, leg warmers, yoga pants, knit bolero jackets, trousers, and a sling bag.
• Designer Yohji Yamamoto revealed his most recent pairing with French dancewear and footwear brand Repetto, known for its ballet flats, in September during his Paris runway show. The limited-edition collection, released shortly thereafter, consisted of black, white, red, and silver ballet flats featuring a suede toe box, small heel, ruched edges, and a scrunched design element on the top. The two first partnered for a footwear collaboration in 2002.
• Jennie of the K-pop group Blackpink, who frequently favors balletcore styles in her public appearances, teamed with Adidas Originals for a ballet-inspired collection in August of this year. The positioning of Adidas Originals by Jennie is “functional grace,” which combines strength with softness and restraint. Pieces include wrap skirts, sheer layered tops, knitwear, sweatshirts, track suits, and accessories, as well as a Superstar SQ Ballet sneaker.
• Orthopedic sandal maker Birkenstock partnered with Repetto, in a deal announced in July, for a collection of Parisian-inspired hybrid pump/ballet shoes, Mary Janes, and sandals. The collection, which launched simultaneously with the release of the news, involves Birkenstock 1774, the company’s more elevated and experimental line, where most of its collaborations — primarily with luxury fashion and lifestyle brands — are centered.
• The NikeSKIMS collection, the partnership between the athleticwear brand and Kim Kardashian’s bodywear label, was inspired by the ballet in its spring 2026 line, billed as the first comprehensive system of dressing from the joint label. The line includes footwear, accessories, and five collections of apparel (Matte, Stretch Knit, Ribbed Seamless, Weightless Layers, and Woven Nylon), all combining performance and style. The collection includes a new footwear style, the NikeSKIMS Rift Satin, based on the Nike Rift.
These examples from 2026 build on other collaborations that have gone before, especially during the peak of the trend, including Salomon’s pairing with designer Sandy Liang, Fleur du Mal’s collection with American Ballet Theatre dancer Isabella Boylston, and both Reformation’s and J. Crew’s partnerships with the New York City Ballet, among many others. Read our previous coverage of the balletcore trend here and here.
Meanwhile, watch for Raugust Communications’ monthly e-newsletter next Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The Licensing Topic of the Month will focus on the diversification of experiential initiatives tied to licensed properties, while the Datapoint research spotlight will take a look at the outbound licensing and collaboration activity of food and beverage brands. If you do not yet subscribe to this free publication, you can sign up here.
Comments are closed.