As Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre takes the stage for the final year of its beloved production of The Nutcracker, we gathered a splendid crew at the PBT warehouse to create a stylish love letter and curtain call to a magical world that has lived in our hearts for more than two decades. Use these local fashion pieces to inspire your own outfit when you attend a performance this year.

Special thanks to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for bringing all the magic of their 25-year-old Terrence S. Orr production of The Nutcracker to our winter issue. Six company dancers joined our winter fashion shoot, as did eight students from the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, six warehouse experts, three marketing execs, and the head of the company’s costume department. Elements from the sets as well as delightful costumes found their way into the shoot…as did the charisma and beauty of the dancers. PBT helped make TABLE’s annual “shop local” call to action into a thing of rare beauty. Butterfly and bluebird Grae Chalovich and Jocelyn Cramer brought delight to this photo.

Visit pbt.org/nutcracker to purchase tickets to this beloved holiday tradition.

Winter Fashion for Seeing Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

Shimmering Adagio in Plum

Pittsburgh Ballet dancer Abigail Huang brings to life a shimmering adagio in deep plum. A nostalgic mix of retro elegance and overt opulence infuse her Joseph Ribkoff knit camisole with delicate rhinestone detailing and her fluid metallic sequin skirt. Her boxy tassel clutch and Picchiotti diamond snake bracelet are Gatsby-esque exclamation points. This year, Abigail dances as Marie.

• Joseph Ribkoff knit camisole with rhinestones and Elan skirt from Rue Boutique.
• Stylist’s own vintage Giuseppe Zanotti T-strap heels.
• Simon Miller Tassel Boxy Clutch from Archive.
• Picchiotti Diamond Snake Bracelet from Louis Anthony Jewelers.

Storytime with the Mouse King’s Minions

Clad in fantastic shades of pink and purple, dancer Kurtis Sprowls reads to wee mice from Pittsburgh Ballet’s dance school. Contributing Editor Danny Mankin chose the look. “I’m excited to see the return of clothing infused with color, personality, and emotion,” he says, “ and eager to leave the studied blandness of “quiet luxury” behind.” Kurtis and his mice are fully on board. This year, Kurtis dances as The Grandfather in Act 1.

• Les Deux Check Wool Overshirt, Soft Roundneck Knit (worn around the neck), and Rag & Bone Lug Sole Penny Loafer from Moda.
• Another Aspect Another Jeans 4.0 trousers are from Vestis.
• Our curious mice are Mailalatia Rakotozafy and Hailey Jendrzejewski.

Drosselmeyer in Heritage Weaves

Clad in a classic wool-cashmere glen plaid jacket and a fine heathered turtleneck, dancer Matthew Griffin is ready to leap into happy conversation at any time. Heritage weaves in noble fibers are relevant not just for a season, but for many seasons to come. Matthew’s sophisticated yet relaxed look from Larrimor’s gets a little extra elevation from an estate brooch from Henne Jewelers. This year, Matthew dances as Drosselmeyer.

• Scabal wool/cashmere sportcoat in Autumn Plaid, Gran Sasso Hazel Turtleneck from Larrimor’s.
• Late Victorian 14k yellow gold floral enamel pin with seed pearls and old European cut diamond from Henne Jewelers.

Marie’s Modern Silhouette

Even the simplest wardrobe staples are made completely unique by an off-kilter silhouette. Dancer Abigail Huang’s sculpted, off-the-shoulder sweater introduces a beautiful, eye-catching, draped line reminiscent of a fluid port de bras, which mirrors asymmetrical shape of her suede shoulder bag. Paired with a casual wide-leg denim, this combination proves that singular, unique structural details can make an entire outfit completely encore-worthy. (PS: What are those mice up to?)

• Staud Mabel Sweater, AG Jeans Saige Wide Leg Jeans, Staud Dani Shoulder Bag from Larrimor’s.
• Rebel Designs Oval Hoop Earrings and Ring from Rue Boutique.
• Vintage bangle bracelets and Balenciaga heels are stylist’s own.

Act I Nostalgia with Grandfather

Embracing rich fabrication and roomy tailoring, this ensemble channels the nostalgic charm of Tchaikovsky’s magnificently hummable Nutcracker score. The crewneck sweater features a chunky, variegated yarn that provides an exceptional and versatile mix of color and texture. Grounded by the clean lines of relaxed chino pants, this look helps dancer Kurtis Sprowls tell a classic tale.

• Corridor Shenandoah Crewneck Sweater from Vestis.
• Helmut Lang Chino Pants and Common Projects Suede Clog from Moda.
• Grand Seiko Elegance Collection manual wind watch from Henne Jewelers.

The Nutcracker Prince in Swirling Layers

Pittsburgh Ballet soloist David O’Matz channels the dramatic, swirling energy of a winter blizzard with an avant-garde approach to cold-weather layering. His Apparis organza trench coat brings sweeping volume to the season’s shift toward sheer fabrications. Layered over a subtle woven polka dot shirt by Paul Smith, the look pairs breeze-weight outerwear with a fluid, wide-leg trouser – proving that voluminous, relaxed proportions achieve a poetic sense of grace and midnight mystery. This year, David dances as The Nutcracker.

• Apparis Lana Organza Trench Coat from Archive.
• Paul Smith Brown Shadow Polka Dot Shirt, Wax London Malham Black Pinstripe Trouser, and Tiger of Sweden Strap Derby from Moda.

Channeling the Wooden Nutracker Prince

David O’Matz shows how a sharp Western snap shirt pairs seamlessly with slim-fit dark denim to create a chic, monochromatic look. Teleria Zed Roper A Western Snap Shirt, Maurizio Baldassari Linate Techmerino T-shirt, AG Jeans Tellis Slim Fit Jeans, To Boot NYC Largo Chelsea Boot from Larrimor’s.

Victorian Elegance for the Sugar Plum Fairy

A dreamy panoply of estate jewelry turns dancer Magnoly Batista into a vision. This spectacular set of late 19th century amethysts set in 18k yellow gold introduces a color-soaked Victorian elegance to her holiday look. Note gold ribbon and flower drop details of the earrings, and the elegant suede jacket she wears around her shoulders. This year, Magnoly dances as The Sugar Plum Fairy.

• Late 1800s Estate Amethyst Necklace is made of 18K yellow gold, and approximately 37 carats of amethysts.
• The Estate Amethyst Earrings complete the set with 18K rose, yellow, and green gold ribbon and flower shepherd hook earrings with 21x13mm pear shape amethyst drops. From Henne Jewelers.
• Blank NYC Suede Wine Jacket from Carabella.

Crimson Grace Guarded by Soldiers

Dancer Magnoly Batista is ushered into the Nutcracker season by her favorite toy soldiers in a fluid dress of deep crimson by Staud. Its liquid-like movement and gorgeous color are showstoppers, to say the least. She’s holding a gorgeous satin clutch. All from Larrimor’s.

• Staud Portia Silk Dress and Naghedi Gala Clutch Satin from Larrimor’s.
• Vintage Giuseppe Zanotti T-strap seels are stylist’s own.
• Estate necklace and earrings from Henne Jewelers.
• Our attentive soldiers are Galen Dann and Kipka Manley.

Flurry of Feathers & Bumblebees

Fine cascading feathers simulate a Nutcracker-worthy flurry of falling snowflakes from the underside of an embellished tweed shift dress, creating an eye-catching juxtaposition against principal dancer Tommie Lin Kesten’s close-to-the-body equestrian tailoring. “By combining a sophisticated houndstooth suit with a dress, this look encourages us to play and discover our own personal style,” says Contributing Editor Danny Mankin. Student dancer bumbles are ready to play their part in this game of style!

• Peace of Cloth Houndstooth Jacket and Flare Pant from Carabella.
• Dhruv Kapoor Sleeveless Brown Tweed Dress from Archive.
• Self Portrait Pink Taffeta Feather Mini Dress from Madeleine George.
• Vintage Tory Burch sculpted wedge heels, necklace and earrings are stylist’s own.
• Our dear bumblebees are Ava Jendrzejewski and Ada Balyesele.

Texture-Maxxing for the Stage

A hallmark of polished seasonal dressing for men is a deliberate collision of rich textures and saturated color. Dancer Matthew Griffin’s look is a masterful display of “texture maxxing,” as Contributing Editor Danny Mankin refers to it. A soft pink turtleneck and a structured, utilitarian fatigue jacket are paired with a tailored, single-pleat trouser. The striped sweater around his shoulders is this ‘fit’s coup de grace.

• Universal Works MW Fatigue Jacket, Harley of Scotland Superfine Lambswool Turtleneck, Portuguese Flannel Alton Pleated Trousers from Vestis.
• PS Paul Smith Striped Textured Crewneck Sweater from Moda.
• To Boot NYC Largo Chelsea Boot from Larrimor’s.

Grande Dame Bows & Scene-Stealing Cardigans

Great style is about transforming familiar pieces through unexpected pairings. A classic navy cardigan basic takes the stage with a boisterous faux fur collar. The sweater clashes artfully with a form-fitting skirt with an enormous satin bow. Principal dancer Tommie Lin Kesten carries this scene-stealing look in a way that combines grandeur and sweetness in a modern way.

• Self-Portrait Navy Faux Fur Knit Cardigan, Self-Portrait Green Satin Bow Mini Skirt, and ATP Atelier Lana Black Shiny Nappa Slingbacks from Madeleine George.
• Et Ochs Draped Off-the-Shoulder Top from Archive.
• Rebel Designs Oval Hoop Earrings Rue Boutique.

Featured Accessories & Details

Details matter! Clockwise from top left:

• Buddha Mama Blue Star Necklace combines blue topaz, white diamonds, and 20K yellow gold. From Louis Anthony Jewelers. Rebel Designs Oval Hoop Earrings from Rue Boutique.
• Handbag to come.
• One of a kind Gumuchian multi-color gemstone necklace on 18k yellow gold chain from Louis Anthony.
• Elegance Collection manual wind watch from Henne Jewelers.

More to Explore at TABLE Magazine

Looking for more local inspiration, seasonal style guides, and cultural features across the region? Explore these stories on pittsburgh.tablemagazine.com:

• Pittsburgh: Arts, Culture & Entertainment: Discover curated guides to local theater premieres, classical concerts, museum exhibits, and upcoming Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre performances.
• Pittsburgh Shopping & Boutique Guide: From luxury menswear at Larrimor’s to indie finds along Butler Street and local jewelers in Shadyside, explore where to shop local across Pittsburgh’s distinct neighborhoods.
• Pittsburgh Restaurant Guide: Get the ultimate bucket list for local dining, craft beverage spots, holiday pop-ups, and hidden gems around the city.

About the Author and Stylist

Danny Mankin is a Contributing Editor at TABLE Magazine, styling and writing fashion, design, and lifestyle features. A Pittsburgh-based creative director with 13+ years of experience, his past clients and collaborators include Nordstrom and Jeremiah Brent Design. He also runs his own studio, Danny Mankin Creative.

About the Photographer

Laura Petrilla is a Pittsburgh-based editorial and commercial photographer contributing to TABLE Magazine, covering food, people, and places. Her work has appeared in Pittsburgh Magazine, and for the past five years she has photographed still lifes and models for Peyote Bird Designs.

About the Groomer

Dominika Bronner is TABLE Magazine’s contributing photo and fashion stylist, covering Pittsburgh shopping and style for TABLE and Shady Ave. A Pittsburgh-based stylist and mom of four, her client and event work includes Kiya Tomlin and FashionAFRICANA’s AFRICANISM Gala.

With Support From Ethan Chmura

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