Rei Kawakubo has created a series of opera costumes for the Vienna State Opera and the aesthetics here prove to be lush and striking. The designer is known for his work at Comme des Garcons — a popular contemporary fashion brand that has carved itself a prominent space in the category thanks to its appeal to deconstructed and avant-garde-style clothing.
Rei Kawakubo designed these captivating opera costumes for the production of Virginia Woolf's 'Orlando,' which premiered on December 8th, 2019. Understandably, the designer drew inspiration from the modernist novel that was being adapted. Subtly echoing the creative aesthetic ethos of Comme des Garcons, the lush opera costumes varied from an "outsized three-piece tartan suit" to a dress that was covered entirely with bowls.
Image Credit: Michael Pöhn for Wiener Staatsoper
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Lush Opera Costumes
- Opportunities for designers to create visually stunning and innovative costumes for opera productions.
- Deconstructed and Avant-garde Fashion
- Potential for collaboration between fashion designers and artists to create unique and boundary-pushing costumes for artistic projects.
- Inspired by Literature
- Opportunities to incorporate literary themes and narratives into costume design for theatrical performances.
Sectors Adopting This
- Fashion
- Fashion designers can explore new collaborations and push the boundaries of costume design in the opera industry.
- Performing Arts
- The opera industry can embrace innovative costume designs inspired by fashion and literature to enhance theatrical experiences.
- Literary Adaptations
- Costume designers can contribute their creative vision to adapt literary works into visually captivating theatrical productions.
