Costume for Anna-Anna (Envy) worn by Lesley Collier in Kenneth MacMillan's ballet Seven Deadly Sins, designed by Ian Spurling, The Royal Ballet, 1973

Thigh-length costume. The black chiffon sleeveless bodice, is cut to a v front and back, overlaid with a black sequin 'spider's web', appliqued at the front with a red satin heart; the 'ribs' continue into the v neck which is fastened to a stand up collar of black chiffon appliqued at the front with an 'eye' in black sequins with a bold black stud 'pupil'. The 'bodice' continues into the hips and is cut into a v-shape front and back, to which is attached a short straight skirt in purple satin overlaid with black chiffon. The costume fastens down the back with a zip fastener and the neckband with velcro.

Given by Lesley Collier

The costume was designed by Ian Spurling for Anna-Anna in the Envy sequence of Kenneth MacMillan's ballet "Seven Deadly Sins", produced by The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in July 1973. The costume was worn by Lesley Collier in the 1973/4 revival.

"Seven Deadly Sins" was a revised version of the work originally made for Western Theatre Ballet in 1961. Ian Spurling's highly idiosyncratic designs were a feature of both versions, prefiguring the later revival of interest in Art Deco. His decorative, witty costumes, executed in bright colours including such then unfashionable shades as lime green and vermilion, were an acclaimed feature of the production. They are decorative, imaginative and characteristic of their time in making and fabrics.

The museum also owns designs for the 1961 version of the ballet.

S.679-2001