Cath Kidston unveils creative partnership with The Royal Ballet
by the Royal Ballet and Opera
Monday 12 October 2026
Cath Kidston unveils its autumn collection, Waiting In The Wings, with The Royal Ballet. The collection celebrates the often unseen artistry behind performance, exploring the craftsmanship, dedication and creative process that bring stories to life both on and off the stage.
Starring Principal Guest Artist Lauren Cuthbertson, the campaign celebrates the shared values of craftsmanship, creativity and artistry that unite the two British institutions.
About the Collection
Inspired by the creative world behind the theatre curtain, the collection draws on the artistry of costume, set design, painting and performance, placing the creative journey at the heart of the narrative. Set against the historic backdrop of the Royal Opera House, the beautiful collection is brought to life by Royal Ballet Principal Guest Artist, Lauren Cuthbertson.
Waiting in the Wings, with The Royal Ballet, is a tribute to the creatives behind each performance - a celebration of the talent, craft and dedication that exists on stage and behind the curtain, where each performance begins. The collection spans womenswear, nightwear, bags and childrenswear with each print reflecting the skill and imagination that transforms an initial sketch into a finished collection.
Gallery
Designed for life both on and off the stage, the collection pairs everyday practicality with theatrical charm. Quilted totes arrive in both soft pastel patchworks and paired-back playful plains with embroidered butterflies, while multi-pocketed shoulder totes juxtaposed a utility camel ground with unapologetic fuchsia button roses. Classic book bags feature a hand-painted placement declaring 'Life is a Stage', with matching ballerina ditsy pouches nod to the rituals of the dancer, perfectly sized for essentials, from pointe shoe ribbons to everyday keepsakes.
New beautifully soft accent cardigans with hearts on their sleeves and elevated every day essentials like the embroidered, rose-adorned hooded zip jacket make for transitional treasures between the studio and the stage.
Wearing Cath Kidston’s statement Sheer Butterfly Dress, Lauren Cuthbertson brings the collection’s hero Butterfly print to life in a specially commissioned performance choreographed by Katya Bourvis, demonstrating the artistry, elegance and technical brilliance that have defined her celebrated career.
The Waiting In The Wings collection with The Royal Ballet is available to buy online at NEXT and in store at Cath Kidston’s Westfield London location.