The dark side

David Nixon's dance adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons (from Choderlos de Laclos' classic novel) tells a story of sexual power, depravity, cruelty and deceit in 18th century France, where two bored aristocrats plot a game of heartbreak and ruin, preying upon the innocent and shattering the dream of love.

Harvey Nichols' stylist Richard Marsh says: "Our inspiration for the Dangerous Liaisons shoot started with the current autumn/winter Alexander McQueen collection, the last by the designer himself.

His final show was a theatrical masterpiece of gothic glamour and showmanship – a perfect inspiration. His classic skull prints, dark, luxurious fabrics and shapes set the tone.

"This season's abundance of lace and leather from designers including Stella McCartney and Alice and Olivia helped us capture the current glamorous Goth look – think Kirsten Stewart and Twilight.

"We used layers of sumptuous textures – including feathers, cashmere and silks – to create looks that are great to look at and even better to touch."

With a smattering of leopard print (everywhere this season including Prada, YSL and Jimmy Choo) and deep red velvet (see the incredible Alexander Wang dress) the scene was set for a very sexy, sultry and modern dangerous liaison. Hair stylist Rebecca Armitage created a barely tamed temptress look with cascading semi-updos, while make-up artist Sarah Hammond completed the dark and seductive effect with defined smokey eyes and decadently red smudgy rosebud lips.

CREDITS

All clothes and accessories from the new autumn/winter collections at Harvey Nichols Leeds, with styling by Richard Marsh and Louise Dowson.

Hair: Rebecca Armitage at Rebecca Charles, Duncan Street, Leeds. Call 0113 234 6120 or email: [email protected].

Make-up: Sarah Hammond at Harvey Nichols using MAC – call 07773 283318.

Fashion assistant: Sally Cameron.

Models: All dancers from Northern Ballet Theatre.

Martin Bell, 26, from London, trained at the Central School of Ballet. He is a soloist, dancing the role of Valmont.

Jessica Morgan, 22, from Newcastle, Australia, trained at the Elmhurst School of Dance, and dances the role of courtesan Emilie.

Rym Kechacha, 21, is from London. She trained at the Central School of Ballet and dances an aristocrat in the corps de ballet.

Northern Ballet's Dangerous Liaisons is at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds from Tuesday-Saturday, September 7-11.

Tickets: 18-28. Box office: 0113 213 7700.

A Step Closer – Northern Ballet Revealed gives a backstage look as the dancers are put through their paces in daily class, plus an informal talk about Dangerous Liaisons. It costs 3.50.

Venue: The Royal Armouries in Leeds. The Queen's Golden Jubilee International Joust takes places this Bank Holiday weekend (Aug 28 to 30), with two heats a day at 12.15pm and 14.45pm. Tickets from 5 adult (from 3.50 concessions). Call: 0113 220 1888 or check out www.royalarmouries.org.uk.