Being a fashion designer in the dance industry has always been a goal of mine. Getting the chance to combine two of my greatest passions–fashion and dance–is like a dream come true. I work hard to find new and stylish ways to mix current fashion trends into the dance world. Really, that’s what my dance fashion line, Royal Couture, is all about.
I have been designing and dreaming up leotard ideas for years–ever since I could get my hands on a pencil and paper to write them down. Now, I try to sketch out the fashion visions that come into my head right away. You never know what might turn into the next fabulous leotard design! Having these drawings turn into patterns, fabric swatches, thread colors, sewing, craftsmanship, going through the whole design process with my team at Royal Couture and finally coming to life is surreal.
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.”
– Colin Powell
Let’s take a tour of my favorite pieces in my collection that I have created as a learning, working, and emerging designer. Each leotard in my Velvet Collection is so special to me and designed exclusively for Royal Couture.
“Angel Baby” in Golden Crushed Velvet
This cute and trendy leotard is, I think, one of the coolest designs I have released with Royal Couture. The bow straps and sleek finish on the back and neckline just add flair and uniqueness to your dance wardrobe. (We all love being a little extra now and then.) This style was originally released in the color Peachy Velvet but the Golden Velvet fabric is a custom exclusive for a supergroup jazz routine I competed in! If bringing my creations to life wasn’t already incredible, dancing in them on stage is on another level entirely.
“Nolita” in Blue Ocean Ombre Crushed Velvet
This is my absolute favorite leotard in the collection, and it is a prime example of leotards as everyday wear. I wore this leotard style backstage at Los Angeles Fashion Week this year, and it was my good luck charm. The velvet material on this leotard is dip-dyed by hand, so it is truly one of a kind. I love the ombre look because no two leotards in this design will ever be the same. (If ombre is your style, too, you’ll want to stay tuned for a limited edition release of special order Royal Couture ombre velvet that is coming soon.)
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
“Daydream” in Lavender Mist Crushed Velvet
One of the first leotard designs I ever created, the “Daydream” style is a Royal Couture classic. The fully open back and the v-cut on the neckline lined with velvet binding captures a timeless ballet style that I can’t get enough of! This style looks beautiful on everyone and I have seen dancers wear this leotard in class and at competitions onstage as a costume element.
Instagram it! What is your favorite leotard in the collection? Tag me (@royalcouturexo) and Showstopper (@goshowstopper) on social media with the hashtag #RoyalCoutureXshowstopper so we can obsess over them together.
Xo,
Christy Lyn
P.S. Want to get the look? All of the leotards in my collection and pictured above are from my dancewear line, Royal Couture! If you want to shop these crushed velvet looks for your own dance wardrobe, check out RoyalCoutureXO.com!
