Performing arts - «Stage costumes», exhibition at the Palais Royal

Starting September 3, you can admire in the windows of the Royal Palace various pieces from the exhibition of the National Centre for Stage Costume (CNCS) inaugurated in December 2008 and entitled «Au fil des fleurs, Scènes de jardins».
The exhibition at the Palais Royal will be an invitation to discover the different techniques of creation and realization of the textile decoration, put at the service of the stage costume. The emphasis is particularly on gesture, thanks to a presentation of the practices and techniques of decoration on costumes: embroidery, artificial flowers, lace, sequins, braids, applications, painting or any other decoration.
Inaugurated on 1 July 2006, Moulins' national centre for stage costume is the first structure, both in France and abroad, entirely dedicated to the material heritage of theatres. Its mission is the preservation, study and enhancement of theatre, opera and ballet costumes, as well as paintings of painted scenery and machinery from its three founding institutions, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Comédie-Française and the Paris Opera
In the windows:
Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky and Marius Petitpa Ballet, 1892
New production, directed by Georges-François Hirsch, choreographed by Rosella Hightower and André Presser, costumes by Philippe Binot. Paris Opera, 1982. Costumes directed by Denise Fougerolle.
CNCS Collection/ Opéra National de Paris
The Udders of Tirésias
Francis Poulenc opera-bouffe, 1947
New production, directed by Jean Le Poulain, costumes by Bernard Daydé. Opéra-Comique, 1981. Costumes directed by Colette de Roy-Victor.
CNCS Collection/ Opéra National de Paris
The Fantastic Wedding
Ballet by Marcel Delannoy and Serge Lifar, 1955
Choreography by Serge Lifar, costumes by André Levasseur. Paris Opera, 1955
CNCS Collection/ Opéra National de Paris
Boris Godunov
Modest Moussorgski Opera, 1874
Directed by Petrika Ionesco, costumes by Florica Malureanu. New production at the Paris Opera, 1984. Costumes made in the sewing workshop of the Opera.
CNCS Collection/ Opéra National de Paris

Isoline
André Messager’s comic opera, 1958
Directed by Paul Maquaire, choreographed by George Skibine, costumes by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle. Opéra-Comique, 1958.
CNCS Collection/ Opéra National de Paris
The gallant Indies
Rameau Opera Ballet, 1735
Directed by Maurice Lehmann, costumes by Georges Wakhévitch for the entrance of the Fleurs. Premiere at the Palais Garnier, 1952. Costumes made by the sewing workshop of the Opera.
CNCS Collection/ Opéra National de Paris
Heartache of an English pussy
Opera by Claude Debussy, 1902
Directed by Albert Carré, costumes after Charles Bianchini. Opéra-Comique, 1952.
CNCS Collection/ Opéra National de Paris
Platée
Comedy ballet by Rameau, 1745
Directed by Henri Ronse, costumes by Beni Montrésor. Premiere at the Opéra-Comique, 1977. Costumes made by the Opéra’s sewing studio.
CNCS Collection/ Opéra National de Paris

Costume for an unidentified production, late 19th century
Dress in 18th century style in red satin edging with beehive pattern. Buttons in trimmings. Large lapels.
Costume for an unidentified show.
Costume probably for a production of «Romeo and Juliet» of 1888.
Renaissance style dress in striking velvet (the pattern appears in relief by crushing the hairs by place), green with floral pattern, opened on a skirt in almond green taffeta. Flat sleeves. Square neckline. Velvet gives a warm and stiff look to the costume, which characterizes this era.
CNCS Collection/ Opéra National de Paris

Costume for an unidentified show. Early 20th century.
Renaissance style purple in jacquard cotton, silk and metallic yarn from the late 19th century; sleeves and collar in purple struck silk velvet with pomegranate motif, characteristic of the Renaissance period. Wooden buttons covered with purple silk threads.
CNCS Collection/ Opéra National de Paris

Performing Crafts – “Stage Costumes”
from 3 to 24 September
Showcases of the Royal Palace, Ministry of Culture and Communication
Galerie de Valois
access line 1, Metro Royal Palace - Louvre Museum
Garden opening hours: from 7 am to 10 pm