Karazin University Impresses: An Oscar for the University's Free Listener Varvara Karinska

One of the prominent and globally recognized figures who made a significant contribution to world culture is Varvara Karinska, a free listener at the School of Law of Kharkiv University, renowned fashion designer, and holder of an Academy Award.

Did you know that she revolutionized ballet fashion by creating the ballet tutu still used today? Before her, ballet tutus resembled umbrellas with numerous metal spokes, which added considerable weight and restricted the dancers' freedom of movement. Karinska managed to lighten the tutu by combining over 10 layers of chiffon in such a way that the upper layers were shorter than the lower ones. As a result, the costume appeared more elegant and beautiful, and ballet stars could move on stage with maximum ease.

In addition, Varvara Andriivna actively collaborated with Broadway and Hollywood filmmakers and worked with Salvador Dalí and Marc Chagall. Her costumes were worn by Vivien Leigh, Marlene Dietrich, Liz Taylor, and other stars.

In 1948, Karinska was awarded the highest film honor, the Academy Award, for costume design in the film Joan of Arc (USA), starring Ingrid Bergman.

Karazin University remembers and takes pride in this outstanding free listener of the university.