Christian Lacroix unleashed

April 26, 2009, 11:53 pm
Filed under: Arts & Culture, Fashion

Mikeller’s enthusiasm for fashion rubbed off my enthusiasm for all dramatic things alike – hence the decision to trot down to the National Museum of Singapore to get our long-delayed culture-vulture fix.

T’was a sight to behold with small-scale stage costumes greeting us at the entrance. Dating from the 18th century operas and progressing to romantic (and dramatic) 19th century hits, one could view a medley of costume designer Lacroix’s sketches and thought processes, and admire his translated works onto fabric.

I marveled at the details in his sketches – reflecting a mastered drawing technique in textured fabric, intricate details and the natural flair to dramatize his characters. As I recall a line from Lacroix, he mentioned how he liked to take on a humble position as “theatre director” of his cast and costumes, simply because it enables him to understand each characters, project their colours onto his costumes, and direct the cast members to present the opera’s story and experience to its maximum potential.

It was easy to pick out my favourites in this exhibition – when Lacroix marries masculinity with the soft touches of femininity (see photo above with tailored suit plus a tutu), and the drama-like quality of the 19th century opera costumes, complete with heavy layers and intricate lace, gold and everything else woven in.

I liked how several aspects of fashion are reflected in today’s clothes, apparel that I am a huge fan of – especially when it boils down to the cut and flouncy skirt. Gathers, frills, bubbles, flare…I’m no fashion journalist, nor am I an expert on fabrics. But Lacroix’s versatility and creativity wowed me to warrant a return visit with another group of enthusiasts – that it, after I have infected them with my enthusiasm for Lacroix.

More photos over at the Flickr section on the right.