Last week I was invited to attend a special behind the scenes event inside the SF Opera’s Costume Shop. Who wouldn’t want to see the inner workings of a costume paradise? It was definitely an invitation I could not refuse. So, so exciting!!
My dear friend Diana Brito from The Art Deco Society of California in front of a 1920’s photo of the Opera Cast
We started out in the hallowed halls of the War Memorial Building on Van Ness, in San Francisco’s Civic Center. Inside, the walls are lined with photographs of historic opera performances and some of the most epic operatic sets I have ever seen. We were met by Galen Till, the opera’s Senior Costume Production Supervisor, who told us a little bit about her role liaising between the costume designers, drapers and stitchers. Designers from all around the world work directly with their creative team, on a specific vision around each upcoming performance. It’s really quite astonishing what they are able to come up with and the vision behind each production is so meticulously thought out.
Once the doors were opened to the costume shop, and our small group ushered inside, we were privy to the quiet calm and beauty of that particular sanctuary. There were 4 large stations, each of which housing a draper or tailor, with stitchers sewing across from them, assembling the pieces they were working on. There was pattern making-a-plenty and some really beautiful tailoring before our eyes. Costumes were in progress for the upcoming production of the Magic Flute as well as pieces from former operas that were getting loaned/rented out to other opera houses. Galen told us that the life span of a costume is about 30 years. Fascinating! I was so pleased to find that these works of art get shared and seen by more than just one opera. This working atelier also houses a dye room as well as a millinery studio.
A few interesting facts
about The Magic Flute - It is Mozart’s Final Opera, premiering in 1791, just a short time before he died. The music is classic and the story suits any era. This production of the opera is inspired by 1920’s cabaret, early Hollywood animation and Edward Gorey, which gives the show an entirely new set of visuals. The backgrounds are mostly projected and because of this the costumes are mostly black and white with only a few very specific colors scattered in. Also, because of the projected background, the actors had to learn new ways of being on stage. It sounds like it’s going to be a delight for all the senses.
Continuing our tour, we journeyed downstairs into the “Stock” room. This room is an enormous storage facility with floor to ceiling shelves of shoes (a whole section dedicated just to American Duchess shoes) and racks and racks of costumes at ground level and above. There was a wall of belts, racks of matador costumes and shelves with shoes for giants. I really wish I had photographed those. It was definitely overwhelming in the best sort of way. Apparently, when the room gets too full, they have a sale. That sounds so wonderful. I hope they put me on the mailing list.
The Stock Room was quite fantastic and my organizer brain loved they way everything was arranged and separated into sections. I especially liked some garment bags that were created from scrap fabric that housed everything for a specific costume, including accessories and shoes.
The most delightful thing I came away from this experience with, was the realization of the scope this form of art encompasses. And it really is a work of art on so many levels - the performers, orchestra, set designers, set builders, costume designers, costume makers, drapers, tailors and so much crew to make it all come together. What a special experience. I can’t wait to go!
I hope you enjoyed this post and are encouraged to go to the opera. Use discount code ARTDECO30 for 30% off up to 4 tickets on June 14, 20, and 22. The code can be redeemed at https://bit.ly/TMFOffer2024
Fine print below:
Offer is subject to availability. Offer is available through this special offer web page only, not by phone or in person. Offer expires Friday, June 21 at 11:59pm or as long as supply lasts. Offer is valid only for the performances listed above. Discounts are subject to availability and do not apply to Center Box, Box, Balcony 3. Offer cannot be combined with other offers or applied to previously purchased tickets. Limit 4 tickets per performance. All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges on special offers.
And if you are interested in Costume Design, please check out our Summer Fashion Studies program where we are offering a 10 week course from June 7th- August 16th.
Until next time,
xo Jennifer
