italian composer giuseppe verdi's ninth opera 'atilla'

while collaborations between the fashion, art and architecture disciplines are not new,
the connection has been strengthened by the stage design of swiss architects jacques herzog
and pierre de meuron for verdi's ninth opera 'atilla'. miuccia prada has also lent her talent to
the costumes designs for this production.





the opera explores the collapse of the the roman empire under the barbarian invasion of
attila, the hun's hordes. the production touches on very contemporary themes, ranging from
political instability and freedom to the contrasts between the old and new world and the clash
of religion, as indicated by the encounter between verdi's anti-hero attila and the pope.
the post-apocalytic costume and stage design are a direct reflection of this chaos.



the unfortunate fate of attila and other main characters is visually communicated
by the rubble and destruction of the set, the juxtaposition of the forest to the ruins
and the artificially green military lights that shine on the stage.



prada's costume designs consists of long distressed leather coast in a rusty brown
and black palette reminiscent of the prada autumn/winter collection of 2009.
tribal feathered cycling helmets and dresses in dusty sack-like fabrics are similar in color
to the surrounding ruins.







with the promise of high, intense drama, this production will not easily overlooked
by opera fans. meanwhile, the modern feel thanks to the costume and set designs
by prada and herzog & de meuron will offer a point of interest for new and younger audiences.

performance dates for 'attila' run until march 12 at the metropolitan opera, new york.

via archpaper
via dazeddigital