The Visionary Behind the Brand

 

 

Melissa DeLorenzo, Owner and Designer, began dancing Ballet and Jazz at the age of 4, with ballet quickly becoming her ultimate passion. Throughout her life, she continued taking and teaching dance classes, even branching out into group fitness at local gyms and boutique fitness centers. When Melissa moved to Maui, Hawaii, in 2014, ballet took a back seat due to the lack of open classes for adults. However, she landed her dream job, dancing professionally in Burn n’ Love at the Maui Theatre in Lahaina.

Returning to New Jersey in 2018, Melissa rekindled her love for ballet by taking numerous classes, teaching at The Ballet Studio, and performing lead roles in the Nutcracker with Hamilton Ballet Theatre. Immersed once again in the ballet world, she was inspired to revisit an old skill from her childhood: sewing. Melissa began creating her own ballet skirts for class, leading to the birth of oodelooo Ballet Wear. Initially making skirts for herself, she soon started receiving custom requests from friends and peers, igniting her desire to learn more about the fashion industry.

After completing the Designer Development Program at Made Institute in Philadelphia, PA, Melissa officially launched oodelooo Ballet Wear. The brand draws inspiration from the many elements that fueled Melissa's love for ballet over the years, including the beautiful costumes, fabrics, makeup, hair, stages, theatres, live music, and all the pretty accessories dancers wear to class. She recognized early on that every small detail matters, creating a full picture for the audience.

Melissa has shared her love of ballet through teaching and choreography, and now through fashion. Every piece of oodelooo Ballet Wear is designed and handmade by Melissa in New Jersey, with love, care, and special attention to detail. Let oodelooo Ballet Wear whisk you away to a world of pretty pastels, where all the enchanting elements of ballet come to life in timeless ballet essentials for class and beyond.