2 minute read
Fairytale in fashion
from SOUTH March 2020
by Times Media
FAIRYTALE
IN FASHION!
Mirror, mirror on the wall whose are the most beautiful fashions of all – for the ballet, Snow White, that is?
Why, those designed by Jean Paul Gaultier of course! Or that’s how SOUTH thinks the dialogue could play out if Angelin Preljocaj’s, dark retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale, was a play and not a ballet.
But, no words will surely be needed to appreciate, the French choreographer’s interpretation of a well loved tale or the legendary French fashion designer’s skill and imagination in creating a visual spectacle to feature at the upcoming Auckland Arts Festival this month.
Boldly seductive, this fresh and sexy take on the timeless conflict between young Snow White and her jealous stepmother, the Queen, is both strikingly sensual and blazingly contemporary – and, courtesy of the Gaultier-designed costumes, breathtakingly beautiful of dress.
Combined with towering sets and the symphonies of Gustav Mahler, Snow White is said to be a dance on a visionary scale. Gaultier has said he was intrigued by Preljocaj’s vision for the ballet and immediately wanted to come on board with costume design.
“Angelin gave me all the freedom … [in this case] rather than tutus and tiaras, the queen wears leather, vinyl boots and latex.”
Throughout his career, which started with Pierre Cardin in 1970, Gaultier has worked in dance, music and the cinema. His costumes for Madonna’s Blond Ambition tour have left an indelible imprint on the popular culture.
His first collaboration in the cinema was with Peter Greeneway for The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover and he has designed costumes for many other show.
In 2018 he also presented the Fashion Freak Show at the Folies Bergere in Paris, a revue which tells the story of his life and the 50 years of popular culture through song and dance and fashion. Snow White will be performed nightly, March 11-15, at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre.
