Who needs Wilshire Boulevard when the L.A. Philharmonic has a history of pulling fashion's most exclusive (and reclusive) designers to helm its costume department? If you recall, Kate and Laura Mulleavy sketched and sewed those stunning pieces for Don Giovanni last year. Truth be told, it wasn't just the superb stage performances that gave us goose bumps: It was the stunning display of runway-worthy gowns, and — oh, about 130,000 Swarovski crystals.
For the concert hall's second act: Azzedine Alaïa is taking the reigns for its rendition of Marriage of Figaro. Alaïa, who is quite the man of mystery, will craft costumes for the full cast of soloists (half of which are men). Not only was his decision to partake in such a public venture (pleasantly) surprising, so was the choice to arrange the attire for the gents — he's renowned for his womenswear, after all! But, don't fret — the designer hasn't abandoned his editor-approved approach altogether — we spy some familiar fabrics and silhouettes in the preliminary design drafts.
The play is part two in a trilogy of L.A. Phil’s Mozart and Da Ponte project. We're already placing bets on which designer the DTLA landmark will bag next (to be announced next May), so feel free to participate in the fun! You can catch Marriage of Figaro on Friday, May 17; Sunday, May 19; Thursday, May 23; and Saturday, May 25.
Photos: Courtesy of Los Angeles Philharmonic. Costumes by Azzedine Alaïa for the LA Phil’s production of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro at Walt Disney Concert Hall led by Gustavo Dudamel, in collaboration with architect Jean Nouvel and director Christopher Alden.