Bravo!, we say to this stunning new American debut of Il Teatro alla Moda, which translates to “Theater in Fashion.” It’s the first such exhibition of an amazing collection of costumes from opera, dance and theater designed by Italy’s top haute couture designers.
About 80 costumes – along with sketches and drawings – are on display at a temporary gallery location in Beverly Hills, presented by the Wallis Annenberg Centerfor the Performing Arts in a limited run that goes through November 13, 2011.
The creations of vaunted designers–including the late Gianni Versace, who made some of the most magnificent pieces–are on life-size mannequins spread throughout the ground floor of the new MGM Place at 253 N. Beverly Dr.
Some of the other designers represented are Giorgio Armani, Roberto Capucci, Romeo Gigli, Alberta Ferrettii, Emanuel Ungaro, Valentino, Fendi and Missoni, who contributed their creations to productions including “Carmen,” “Salome,” “The Magic Flute” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Upon viewing them, you will a) wish you were on Madison Avenue to browse through their current collections and/or b) kick yourself for not getting on board the Missoni Target bandwagon and grabbing a piece of the line’s low-priced collection.
But mainly, you’ll just be thrilled to be at this beautiful showcase, brought to the states after Annenberg executive director Lou Moore saw the exhibit in Italy and wanted to bring it to American audiences.
“The designers’ passion for the arts resonated with me on a personal level. For many of them, the arts are their first love. It’s that passion for theater, dance and pera that we plan to bring to the Annenberg when we open,” said Moore, referring to the Italian Renaissance Beverly Hills Post Office that is currently being transformed into a performing arts venue scheduled to open in the fall of 2013.
Il Teatro alla Moda premiered with a glitzy opening and afterparty down the street at the Beverly Canon Gardens, with the outdoor reception catered by Scott Conant’s restaurant, Scarpetta, located in the adjacent Montage Hotel.
To accompany the Italian-inspired cuisine, Nic’s Beverly Hills rose to the occasion by creating two specialty drinks including the “Mandarino Italiano” and “La Dolce Vita,” and guests could also enjoy vino from Chalone and Beaulieu Vineyards or naturally, San Pellegrino.
The curator of the exhibit, Massimiliano Capella of Brescia’s Musei Mazzuccheli and Valeria Mangani, the fashion representative for the Rome Mayor’s office flew to Southern California for the occasion.
“The relationship between theater and fashion has allowed the designers to leave their own unique mark on theatrical events,” said Capella. “These designers brought their signature styles and their love of the arts to the stage to capture the essence of the characters in the productions. The distinctive look of each house is apparent in these works for the stage.”
The show has previously been exhibited inRome, Brescia and will be traveling to the Villa Marin outside Venice beginning in July 2012.
Don’t miss your chance to see it here. The exhibit is open Wednesdays through Sundays and tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 per person. Admission is free for all on Wednesdays. A limited edition catalog with photographs of the costumes is also available on site.
Il Teatro alla Moda, 253 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, Wednesday through Friday, noon until 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM through 6 PM
