Karinska, Barbara (1886–1983)

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Karinska, Barbara (1886–1983)

Ukrainian-born costume designer. Name variations: Madame Karinsky. Born Varvara Zhmoudsky, Sept 9, 1886, in Kharkov, Ukraine, Russia; died Oct 1983 in New York, NY.

Studied law in Moscow but upon immigration to Paris began making costumes for Comédie Française; designed costumes for George Balanchine in Monte Carlo (1932) and for Ballet Russe in Paris; moved to New York (1938); noted for flamboyant style and use of bright colors, opened design business in NY, becoming the foremost expert in constructing ballet costumes in US; also designed for opera and film. Shared an Oscar for best costumes for Joan of Arc (1948); won Capezio Dance Award (1961).