Akris' Albert Kriemler Designs Costumes for Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Concert Ballet

For the Vienna Philharmonics upcoming New Years concert, renowned designer Albert Kriemler of Akris has crafted stunning costumes for the dancers. To ensure maximum agility, the costumes are made from lightweight silk georgette, offering sleek, elegant silhouettes that contrast beautifully with the movement required for the ballet. Featuring pleated panels and side slits, these designs allow for fluid and graceful motion, while still maintaining a sophisticated appearance.

Kriemlers designs take into account both the dancers performance needs and their comfort. One dancer even praised the outfits for being "the most comfortable clothes we have ever had," highlighting both their aesthetic appeal and practicality. Additionally, the dancers appreciate that the costumes are light, eliminating the need for heavy tape, which is often used in traditional ballet attire. Kriemler emphasized that his clothes should naturally fit the performers, ensuring they can move effortlessly without sacrificing style.

The collaboration between Kriemler and choreographer John Neumeier is not new; the two have worked together on various performances over the years. Their previous collaborations include the Beethoven Project II in 2021, Turangalla in 2016, and Josephs Legende/Verklungene Feste in both Hamburg and Vienna. Most recently, they worked together on Neumeiers Epilogue, which premiered at the Hamburg Ballet in June 2024, marking the end of Neumeiers 51-year tenure with the company.

Reflecting on their long-standing professional relationship, Kriemler shared that his brother, Peter, frequently encourages him to create a collection inspired by his ballet costumes, an idea which Kriemler is considering. Describing their collaboration as wonderful, Kriemler feels fortunate to have worked alongside Neumeier for decades. Kriemlers connection to the Swiss fashion house Akris dates back to his youth, having joined the company at the age of 20. Based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, a hub for textiles, Kriemlers family has deep roots in the industry, with many locals considered extended family members of the company.

The latest project between Neumeier and Kriemler for the Vienna Philharmonics New Years concert ballet promises to be a visual and artistic triumph. The performance will feature two dazzling dance sequences set to Johann Strauss Jr.s Rosen aus dem Sden and Diplomatenpolka. These pieces will be filmed at two iconic locations in Vienna: the MAK Museum of Applied Arts for the waltz, and the Hofburg Palace for the polka, including the Ambassadors Staircase. The high-profile collaboration marks 20 years since the duo first worked together on the ballet for the New Years concert in 2006.

With their shared history of creative partnership, the return of Neumeier and Kriemler to this prestigious stage is a highly anticipated event for both ballet and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Sources:

• Akris’ Albert Kriemler Dresses Dancers for Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert Ballet