STRIKE A POSE!
Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street. Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.
— Coco Chanel
Returning to the beautiful outdoor Irvine Bowl in style, Pageant of the Masters is honoring all things that can be worn, adorned, and used to make a statement on the human form. Yes, we are talking about fashion. Coming out, once again, from the everlasting well that is director Diane Challis Davy‘s brilliant intellect, centuries of art are coming alive on stage with panache and chic. After a bit of a rut due to COVID, this tradition of bringing famous works of art to life comes with many more vivacious elements this year, making À La Mode: The Art of Fashion, running nightly through August, more than a show — it’s a work of art unto itself.
And one of the best Pageant of the Masters’ productions in decades.
George Hayter's painting Queen Victoria and the preparation of its re-creation
Between Davy’s background in studying costume design to Costume Director Reagan Foy‘s adventurous foray in building functional costume pieces, the fashion walkway that literally begins onstage with a crowd of purchasing agents watching models dressed to the nines is an absolutely delightful surprise. Playing iconic fashion icons — such as Edith Head — whose styles set standards across cultures and eras, these actor/models will take you on a nuanced journey through The Art of Fashion that you will never forget.
A model as Gaston Lafitte's Butterfly Brooch backstage and onstage
You must do yourself a favor and attend this year. In the past, the Pageant of the Masters shows were strictly centered on recreating masterpieces, paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts in stillness, aka tableau vivant. To witness the contrast of stillness and knowing there is a living, breathing human being holding dramatic and flowing poses may be, perhaps, a passive amusement, but the mental counterpoint is delightful and awe-inspiring. And, of course, there are always original compositions with a full live orchestra performing as pieces are presented to stunningly well-written narration. Every year, there have been interludes of action that help break the experience’s monotony. At my last attendance — The Time Machine in 2019 — the famous British television Timelord Dr. Who made a surprising appearance. However, the attempt to liven up that event felt somehow vapid.
James Tissot's 1873 oil Too Early and its re-creation
This year, however, is distinctly different. Because the actors’ costumes — double the number of previous years — and the art are one. Not only do we see the recreation of the paintings of people across ages and cultures in their garb, but we also see actors walking while wearing the pieces, alive and breathing. Now, we are able to see how the fabric drapes and moves on a body, bringing the whole event into another dimension. During the Met Gala portion of Act I, actors came past the audience in their various haute couture and walked onto the stage right’s platform to hold a tableau of incredible scale. And I think that particular moment was impactful for me as this is arguably a form of “creating new” for the Pageant. The amalgamation of the costumes is one thing, but the placement of the bodies coming together forms not a painting, poster, or photograph; instead, what we have is an entirely fresh staged creation.
re-creation of Alexander McQueen’s Angel Shoe with a cast member posed as the sculptural angel in the iconic high heel
Another idea blossoming in this year’s presentation is the play on framing. While paintings often have distinct and clear framing, this year’s elaborate staging involves recreating museums and the aforementioned Met Gala. While, due to the nature of stadium seating, this will never be considered an immersive show, this play on framing the framing of the artwork by giving them an environment is ingenious. The family pointing at a painting feels a bit cheesy, but the artistic intention is clear and compelling.
Side view of Royal Parisian Wedding (Unknown), a 14th-century Manuscript Illumination
I want to leave you all with this. This year’s Pageant of the Masters doesn’t just bring famous works of art to life, it offers a truly spectacular piece of theater, and I highly recommend it for anyone. The jewel brooches created by Henri Vever, Edmond Henri Becker, and Gaston Laffitte — brought to the stage significantly more than life — genuinely tugged at my heartstrings. I also found Alexander McQueen’s Angel Shoe a show-stopper. I still can’t get the image out of my mind.
Bravo to the incredible designers, volunteers, and performers. They have all genuinely ignited the shopaholic in me.
re-creation of the Edmond Henri Becker brooch, Belle du Nuit
photos by Christopher Allwine
re-creation of Jean H. Fragonard's oil, The Swing (1767)
À La Mode: The Art of Fashion
Pageant of the Masters
presented by the Festival of Arts
Irvine Bowl, 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach
staged nightly at 8:30
ends on August 30, 2024
for tickets, call 800.487.3378 or visit Pageant Tickets
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I have been going to the pageant for years. I lived in Laguna for 30 years and went every year. We have moved away and go every 2 or 3 years.
All the pageants were great, some I like more then others but never disappointed. This one on Fashion was terrible. I didn’t pay to see a fashion show.
Please bring back the old style of famous painting and statues.