International Championships 2026: Individuality in Motion Five performers. Six distinctive couture creations. One philosophy: exceptional performance fashion begins with the individual
The International Championships at London's Royal Albert Hall provide one of Ballroom and Latin dancing's most celebrated stages, an occasion where performance, personality and fashion come together under the lights of an extraordinary venue.
For DSI London, the 2026 Championships offered an opportunity to present six couture creations, each developed around the individuality of the dancer wearing it.
From the refined elegance of Caroly Janes to the dramatic sophistication of Sandra Jablonska, the fiery expression of Anna Sloukova, the contemporary fashion direction of Rosie Ward and the exuberant colour of Ella, the collection demonstrates the extraordinary range of performance couture.
There is no single DSI look. There is a DSI look that is right for you
Caroly's two gowns demonstrate how even one dancer's fashion identity can be interpreted in remarkably different ways.
Her Purple Velvet Final Dress is a study in sophisticated restraint. The richness of Purple Velvet gives the gown depth and fluidity, while statement sleeves in the same fabric extend its elegant silhouette. Hand-strung pearls create a distinctive necklace detail, complemented by Pearls and Crystal AB embellishment.
The result is a gown of quiet authority — luxurious without excess, allowing Caroly's movement and presence to remain the centre of attention.
Her Lilac Ballroom Dress presents an entirely different character.
Lilac Mesh and Amethyst Soft Net ruching shape the bodice, while three-dimensional flowers created from Lilac Twinkle introduce romantic texture. Lilac Georgette godets and floats contribute flowing movement, completed by a delicate Lilac Feather hem.
Where the purple gown communicates refinement and composure, the lilac design celebrates softness, volume and romantic Ballroom glamour.
Both are unmistakably Caroly, yet each expresses a different dimension of her personality.
Sandra's Silver Ballroom gown takes a more directional approach.
Created in Glazed Glow Foiled Stretch, its reflective surface produces a striking metallic effect under competition lighting.
Silver Coque Feathers introduce movement and texture, while Crystal AB and Jet Hematite embellishment creates contrast and depth.
The design combines luminosity with a distinctive, almost sculptural quality.
Sandra has an individual presence on the Ballroom floor, and this gown reflects that character. Rather than relying upon conventional romantic styling, it creates drama through reflective surfaces, elongated detailing and a confident silhouette.
It is a reminder that Ballroom elegance can take many forms.
Anna's Sunrise to Flamenco Latin Dress is an expression of colour, rhythm and intensity.
The shaded Lycra bodice moves from Sunrise towards Flamenco, with additional Tangerine colour applied to coordinate with the graduated beading.
Individually cut Lycra elements, beads and chains create layers of movement, while three-dimensional flame detailing reinforces the dynamic character of the design.
The effect is deliberately energetic.
Every movement activates another element of the dress, allowing colour, texture and embellishment to respond to Anna's dancing.
For a performer whose Latin identity is defined by confidence, athleticism and expression, the design provides a striking visual counterpart.
Rosie's Rose Pink gown brings a distinctly fashion-forward perspective to traditional Ballroom couture.
Created in pleated Rose Pink Satin, the design combines a flowing silhouette with sculptural three-dimensional neckline details, a peplum and statement pleated puff sleeves.
The contrasting belt and cuffs introduce Rosie's signature tailoring influence, using specially sourced Grey Gabardine.
Jewellery pearls feature in the detailing and matching headpiece, while Preciosa Transmission embellishment provides carefully graduated sparkle across the bodice.
What makes the design particularly interesting is the collaboration behind it.
Rosie was personally involved in sourcing the contrasting fabric, contributing to a garment that reflects her own creative preferences.
The result is not simply another Ballroom dress. It is a meeting of contemporary fashion, personal expression and performance craftsmanship.
Ella's multicoloured Latin creation takes a completely different approach.
Built upon a Dark Tan Leotard base, the design combines Gold Metallic Fringe with Purple and Sapphire Fringe, introducing movement and changing colour throughout the silhouette.
Purple, Sapphire, Ocean Blue and Lilac Coque Feathers add further dimension, complemented by three-dimensional elements in Gold Metallic Lycra.
Crystal AB, Turquoise, Lilac and Crystal Sunrise stones complete the composition.
The combination is vibrant and expressive, with colour and movement working together to create a lively Latin image.
Where Anna's dress uses fiery graduation and intensity, Ella's celebrates a broader palette and playful visual energy.
Two Latin dancers. Two entirely different fashion identities.
Made in London — Designed Around You
What connects these six dresses is not a shared silhouette, colour palette or decorative formula.
It is the approach behind them.
At DSI London, our Creative Designer Svetlana and the couture team work with dancers to understand their individual preferences, proportions, movement and performance ambitions.
The creative process is personal. Ideas develop through conversation, design, fabric selection, specialist pattern cutting, fitting and embellishment.
Every garment is created within our own DSI London production facilities in South London, where the skills of our designers, dressmakers and embellishment specialists come together.
The objective is never simply to produce a beautiful dress.
It is to create something that feels entirely right for the person wearing it.
Your Own Performance Identity
The International Championships 2026 collection demonstrates that exceptional performance fashion does not have one definition.
It may be refined and understated, dramatic and unconventional, romantic and flowing, or vibrant and expressive.
The possibilities are as individual as the dancers themselves.
The dresses featured in this collection, together with other DSI Elite Performer designs, are available for purchase, subject to availability.
Or perhaps these creations will inspire something entirely your own.
To explore our existing dresses or arrange a bespoke couture appointment with Svetlana, please contact Emma at emma@dsi-london.com
DSI COUTURE — DRESSED BY THE BEST
Photography: International Championships 2026 — Tomasz Reindl.