Van Cleef & Arpels teams up with dancer Benjamin Millepied

Benjamin Millepied doesn’t start as Director of Dance at the Paris Opera until autumn 2014, but he’s already keeping himself busy in the French capital with a new collaboration celebrating precious stones. 

More than forty-five years after Van Cleef & Arpels first debuted “Jewels”, a ballet by George Balanchine inspired by the jewelry of the famous Parisian gem-specialist and watchmaker founded in 1896, the brand is working on a new project. 

Rising to international fame with his work on Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 hit “Black Swan”, the aptly named Millepied danced in and choreographed the movie, which also featured costumes from Rodarte’s Kate and Laura Mulleavy. The dancer’s romantic involvement with the lead actress, Natalie Portman, added to the buzz around the film. 

The music for “Reflections” has been composed by David Lang. Costume and stage design will be handled by American artist Barbara Kruger. 

Millepied is no stranger to luxury labels; in July 2011 he became the face of Yves Saint Laurent’s ‘L’Homme Libre’ fragrance.

“Reflections” will be performed from May 23-25, 2013 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. 

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