Sex, lust, betrayal, death and a hefty dose of supernatural revenge at the end: these are the ingredients that make Mozart’s 18th century opera, Don Giovanni one of the most celebrated. AnOther catches up with collaborators Rodarte...
Sex, lust, betrayal, death and a hefty dose of supernatural revenge at the end: these are the ingredients that make Mozart’s 18th century opera, Don Giovanni one of the most celebrated. And which go some way to explaining the appeal for the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte, who continue to explore their fascination with clothing in different art forms: whether it be film, stage and even museums. It’s a journey that started with their darkly beautiful ballet outfits for Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 movie, Black Swan (and their recent collaboration with that film’s choreographer, Benjamin Millepied for the premiere of his new work at the New York City Ballet), extending to the LACMA exhibiting a series of dresses inspired by the frescos of Fra Angelico and the production of their first book – a collaboration with the artists, Catherine Opie and Alec Soth.
Undoubtedly their most prestigious undertaking yet, they have created the costumes for the LA Philharmonic’s production of Don Giovanni conducted by Gustavo Dudamel at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Like everything with the Mulleavys, the project carried its own personal connotations, saying, “The Opera has always been near to our hearts – our maternal grandmother was an opera singer. To be a part of the legacy of Don Giovanni is an amazing opportunity.”
“The Opera has always been near to our hearts - our maternal grandmother was an opera singer..."
With Anna Wintour acting as matchmaker, Kate and Laura got the opportunity to work with the legendary architect Frank Gehry who designed the set in a minimalistic, modern light. They enthused, “Working with Frank Gehry in the concert hall that he designed, alongside Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic was a dream.” Accordingly their costumes, sensitively realised in silk, taffeta, burnt fabrics and Swarovski crystals gives a new visceral jolt to Mozart’s timeless opera. “(When designing) it took us a while to understand the characters, their motivations and, ultimately, how they would visually develop. We spoke often with Frank about working to showcase the music which is the most important element – the visceral heartbeat that moves the whole piece. The costumes are the kind of thing that you want to lift the music – you don't want to overwhelm it.”
Don Giovanni is showing at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles on Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 May.
Text by Kin Woo
