Discover Stunning New York City Ballet Costumes designed by Top Fashion Icons

At the age of 8, Pari Dukovic would pick up his camera and explore the streets of Istanbul, capturing the city’s vibrant scenes and people. His passion for photography grew, and he honed his skills by immersing himself in the unscripted moments of life.

Now, at 39, Mr. Dukovic is an accomplished photographer, known for his vibrant portraits of influential figures like Gayle King and Taylor Swift. His work has graced the covers of prestigious magazines like Time, Vanity Fair, and GQ.

Recently, he took on a challenging project: capturing the costumes of the New York City Ballet in a book called “New York City Ballet: Choreography & Couture.” This book celebrates a decade of costumes worn at the company’s fall fashion galas and features the work of 29 fashion designers, including Valentino and Alexander McQueen.

Capturing the essence of these costumes was no easy task. Mr. Dukovic had to carefully plan every aspect of the shoot, from the colors of the background to the direction of each shot. Complications arose due to the pandemic, conflicting schedules, and limited access to the costumes.

During the shoot, Mr. Dukovic was captivated by the craftsmanship of the garments. Each costume had its own unique details and qualities, from Iris van Herpen’s fusion of technology and couture to Palomo Spain’s thousands of Swarovski crystals.

As a veteran of the fashion industry, Mr. Dukovic’s attention to detail and ability to find beauty in the ordinary have made him a sought-after photographer. His work on the runways of New York, Paris, and Milan showcased his ability to capture the essence of a moment.

Off the clock, Mr. Dukovic’s life is just as carefully curated. He resides in Montclair, New Jersey, with his wife and their daughter, and they recently purchased a home without seeing it in person, embracing the idea that everything happens for a reason.