Geneva opera house selling off thousands of extravagant costumes
Sandra Delpierre's fingers linger on a long blue and white fur coat and graze a pair of angel wings as she winds past thousands of colourful costumes used in opera performances.
"There are some real treasures to be found_" the head of costume workshops at Geneva's Grand Theatre told AFP.
At a time when Bridgerton-style costume parties are all the rage_ the Swiss opera house is planning to sell off 15_000 stage costumes_ accessories and shoes from major productions through the years.
Delpierre marvels at the thousands of garments_ ranging from vests and tunics to dresses and leotards displayed in a large warehouse near Geneva.
She shows off large animal heads_ including a rat and a bull_ and an embroidered dress with a ruffled hem made for the production of the Handel opera "Alcina".
There is also a costume inspired by crinoline_ the stiff or structured petticoat designed to hold out a skirt or tutu_ but whimsically reimagined using neoprene.
The Grand Theatre_ a majestic building in the heart of Geneva which opened in 1879_ is selling around half of its stock_ calling it "a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes and take home a living fragment of the show".
"From valets to duchesses_ from three-piece suits to the Roaring Twenties_ there is something for every taste_" it boasts on its website.
The pieces_ some dating back to the 1980s_ will go on sale on February 14 and 15_ with a time slot reserved for professionals.
Less than 10 dollars
Prices range from five to 500 Swiss francs (6.50-650 dollars)_ although the star of the sale has been priced higher_ at 995 Swiss francs.
That is because the work of Romanian costume designer Miruna Boruzescu for the piece in question is "monumental"_ said Marianne Perreau_ in charge of sorting through_ setting up and selling off the massive stash.
"It truly embodies everything that makes a remarkable costume_" Perreau told AFP_ lifting the heavy_ green piece that evokes a luxurious plant creature_ entirely composed of overlapping green leaves_ embroidered with gold-coloured thread and dotted with peacock feathers.
The costume_ which exists in several exemplars but only one of which is up for sale_ was worn by dancers in the opera "JJR (Citizen of Geneva)"_ dedicated to the life and work of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau_ by Canadian director Robert Carsen.
"Each piece of fabric_ each petal_ is made from different material. It was top-stitched to give the impression of veining_" she said.
The costume_ which consists of a bodice placed over a boned skirt fitted with a farthingale -- a kind of padded roll that provides volume at the hips -- is part of the sale's "Remarkable" section.
A bit further along_ Perreau unveils a light green piece_ created by Italian costume designer Ezio Toffolutti for one of the fairies in William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
Several designs are also available for children_ in yellow and grey.
Also on display are imposing and extravagant birds in tailcoats_ created by Greek costume designer Yannis Kokkos for a male choir_ each with enormous_ rounded artificial bodies affixed with real feathers that have been dyed pink.
'Difficult choice'
After months of sorting_ every costume has been labelled to identify the production it was part of_ the role it was used for and the performer who wore it.
"A collection needs to be rotated_ renewed and updated to fit current tastes_" Delpierre explained.
"So we have to part with some of our heritage to make room for other productions."
Some little-worn pieces are in excellent condition. Others are a bit tattered.
Delpierre voiced regret that limited storage space is pushing the Grand Theatre to part with some outfits.
"We're forced to make a difficult choice_" she said.
But the sale is sure to delight potential buyers.
Delpierre said the opera house expected to see independent companies and performing arts institutions_ as well as collectors_ and individuals just eager to dress up.
The sale will be perfect_ she said_ for "people who dress more eccentrically and want to find a truly exceptional piece for their wardrobe".(AFP)