Ballerinas in the Sky: Rodarte Exhibition

Even off the red carpet, it's all about who wore what. In the case of Oscar-winning film Black Swan, that means the exquisite tutus and plumage worn by Natalie Portman and company. Now, the costumes used to make the film so visually exciting are being recognized in an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

Rodarte: States of Matter will showcase the original ballet costumes designed by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte as well as more than 20 pieces from their Spring 2010, Fall 2010, and Fall 2008 runway collection. Six intricately designed tutus are beautifully hung from wires and slowly, yet dramatically, spin around as though invisible ballerinas were dancing about. Associate Curator Rebecca Morse says of the exhibition, "By removing the garments from the figure and creating an installation around them, the focus will be entirely on the dresses and tutus as singular sculptural objects rather than pieces that are reliant on their relationship to the human form."

Rodarte: States of Matter is on display through June 5.

MOCA Pacific Design Center: 8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, Calif. 90069