San Francisco Ballet's Dores André Shares Her Streetwear Style Icons and Studio Must-Haves
This story originally appeared in the June/July 2016 issue of
Pointe.
Dores André doesn’t like shopping, but she loves clothes. Her favorite source of style inspiration is the 1964 comedy What a Way to Go!, starring Shirley MacLaine and a closet of over-the-top costumes. “It’s just crazy—she wears, like, thousands and thousands of outfits,” André says. “I wish I owned every single piece in that movie.” When it comes to her own personal style, “I’d say it’s a little like Natalie Wood meets Pussy Riot,” she says. Black is an easy go-to, but when she has time she puts together more eclectic, colorful ensembles, and she likes a bit of punk edge. In the studio, André dresses for the work she’s rehearsing. “I don’t like wearing pink tights in general, but if I’m doing a classical piece I’ll wear them,” she says. “Or if it’s a little more contemporary, I’ll wear shorts instead of a skirt.” She looks for pieces that are flattering (long-sleeved leos are one favorite), while still allowing her to dance her best. “You have to look good, but also make it so you can look good dancing,” she says.
Photo by Erik Tomasson
The Details—Street
C/MEO Collective kimono:
“It’s an Australian brand. I own many things from them. I like how their clothes can be flowy but also very structured, and the materials are a little thicker.”
T-shirt:
“This was a present from a friend, and I made it a crop top. It’s from the planetarium in Puerto Rico.”
Jeans:
“I got these at a vintage store in San Francisco called Afterlife—best name for a vintage store.”
Photo by Erik Tomasson
The Details—Studio
Yumiko unitard:
“Yumikos are the best. This one’s, like, 10 years old—they’re so sturdy.”
ASOS jacket:
“I like big sweaters and pants before class, and then I usually take them off quite fast.”
Freed of London pointe shoes, Heart maker:
“I love that I wear Hearts.” André typically puts on her pointe shoes for center. If it’s a new pair, she’ll wear them at the end of barre.
