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"Gone was the lace and tulle of the previous century. Instead dancers wore Chanel, had stage sets created by Picasso, Music composed by Stravinsky, and backdrops pained by Matisse." Susanna Palk The Ballets Russes introduced an unprecedented freedom into the arts influencing not only ballet and theatre but also fashion, visual arts, and interior design. The success of the Ballets Russes was legendary, but there is more to the legend than its name: the actual story, the adventure, conceived by one man and lived by a few, that lasted only eight seasons and three summers. From 1911 to 1914, Serge Diaghilev, driven by conviction and stubbornness, turned his vision into reality. He collaborated with the likes of Leon Bakst, Igor Stravinsky, and Picasso to create an explosion of creativity in Western Europe which had never before been seen in the world of art. Thanks to Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, the most glorious page in the history of ballet, one of the most magnificent moments in the adventure of Art, was written. To turn the pages of this stunning book, which offers rare documents from the legendary Ballets Russes from 1911 to 1914 (Monte Carlo years), is to follow Diaghilev on his creative quest--a journey that continues to influence art, theatre, ballet, and fashion to this day. This unique, oversize special edition celebrates the explosion of creativity in Western Europe created by Sergei Diaghilev and his collaborates - including Igor Stravinsky, Leon Bakst, and Pablo Picasso. Over 200 pages feature photography and drawings tipped on watercolor cotton paper. ILLUSTRATIONS: 180 illustrations SELLING POINTS: Hand-bound limited edition with colour plates presented in a linen clamshell box.