What does it mean to be a “diva”? The exhibition was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (located on Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL, 5 minutes from the South Kensington stop) tries to provide an answer to visitors Kaleidoscope of colours, gaudy costumes, paintings, lithographs, posters, photographs and tunes (from Maria Callas’ “Norma” to Rihanna’s “Umbrella” at the Teatro alla Scala in 1954) which translates well to curator Kate Bailey’s idea. “Divas” are “an expression of femininity, splendor and power”. Charismatic, creative and talented, the protagonists of the exhibition walk like goddesses in the folds of history.
days of the opera
The first part of the itinerary is dedicated to 19th century opera singers, the first “Divas”, is “worshipped” as the unattainable goddess. the road is open from Julia GrisiHis famous “Norma” which debuted in Milan in 1831, E Maria Malibran, immortalized in the role of Desdemona (in Bellini’s “Othello”) by Henri Decassene (we are in 1830). then they came jenny lind (1820 – 1887), known as the Swedish Nightingale, achieved eternal fame in the role of Amina in Bellini’s “La Sonnambula”. On display is a lithograph from 1847 depicting him in stage costume. Therefore, the journey takes us further adelina strip (1843 – 1919), soprano born in Madrid and then of British origin, immortalized in a brilliant picture for the staging of Fabio Campana’s “Esmeralda” at the Covent Garden Theatre. There’s also a Della Patti on display Precious white dress designed by the historic French tailor Morin-Blossier, Obviously, there is also a place dedicated to the divinity of God, Maria CallasA true style icon, in private as well as on stage.
here comes the cinema
The advent of the cinema, a wonderful art form that took its first steps in the late 1800s and then conquered audiences in the early 20th century, brought with it the great silent stars, led by The first “femme fatale” in history: Theda BaraTheodosia Burr Goodman was born. Born in Cincinnati in 1885, after a not exactly pleasant professional life in the Big Apple, the actress was noticed in 1915 by director Frank Powell, who cast her in the film “A Fool There Was (The Vampire)”. The brighter the start of his career, the less time it took Also in the role of Cleopatra (we are in 1917) wearing an iconic dress with a bodice made of pearlsTo make it a reality, the actress also consulted the Met.
Edith Head’s cocktail dress and Josephine Baker’s bikini
Fashion, in all its aspects, makes room for divas. What is the focus of the exhibition? cocktail dress she edith head (A true legend among costume designers, won 35 Oscar nominations and 8 statuettes) made for bette davis Cast as Margo Channing in “All About Eve” (1950 film). But with performance there is also room for a “scandal”. Josephine Baker DressEven today, eighty years after its debut in Paris, sensational “risky”: A crystal bikini with cups hanging from delicate straps, cherry red pearls on nipples to give the illusion of nudity, and a super fluffy panty.
Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Dolly Parton
The second part of the exhibition takes us to the present day. Nina Simone, Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin A champion not only of his genius, but also of the struggle for civil rights, Franklin’s “Honor” is an anthem. since the sixties, The Story of the Disabled Opens Up to a Conscious PlayfulnessWhether it’s the exaggerated “blonde bombshell” stereotype dolly parton or the irony of punk blondiePerceived with incredible clarity in acid yellow dress Stephen Sprouse draws for Debbie Harry,
Tribute to Tina Turner
Tina Turner, who died May 24 at 83, created her own look One of the highlights of his artistic career. We have to admit it, as far as the fashion front is concerned, tina literally tried everything, The tribute is more than expected and certainly complete, the exhibition dedicated to the Queen of Rock matters 60 costumes and 250 props, One of the highlights of the entire exhibition is undoubtedly The famous “Dress of Flames” designed for her by Bob Mackie. (renowned and talented designer and disciple of Edith Head) in 1977,
Not Just the Ladies: Freddie Mercury, Prince and Sir. Elton John
curator of the exhibition Kate Bailey has declared that anyone can be a “diva” regardless of gender, And he wanted to live up to his word. Freddie Mercury, who once said she had more in common with Liza Minnelli than Led Zeppelin, is depicted shirtless in skinny white jeans and an ermine sash. there is also room for black satin high heel ankle boots worn by the Prince and custom made with padded soles for dancing. However, among the most “divine” costumes, the one designed by Sandy Powell for Elton John’s 50th birthday stands out., The pop star once told her aides “more feathers, more sequins, brighter colors, bigger plateaus” and Sandy obeyed her by packing a long white feathered cape with silver edging and a glittery jacket. In full Louis XIV style Because of whose “modest” size, the singer had to be trucked to his party! “The theatricality of that costume is off the charts – Bailey enthuses – there’s a cannon with talcum powder smoke on the cap!”.
The present day
Rihanna, Pink, Adele and Beyoncé Dive has joined the club, but the new curriculum, which also pays great attention to ever-evolving technologies and social media, opens up unprecedented vistas beyond feathers and sequins. Beyond the magic of costumes in the “real world”, The show also examines the impossible changes brought about by the digital sphere, For example, The exhibition also includes the stunning masks that James Marie has created for Björk over the years, Optimized for recent Instagram filters. “There is a desire and expectation to innovate – comments Kate Bailey – will divas always wear clothes or will they start adopting avatars?” The pace of change is fascinating.”