The costumes Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei made for the upcoming opera 'Tosca' were unveiled to the public recently.
Based on Victorien Sardou's drama, La Tosca, Puccini tells a mournful and touching tragic story of the famous opera actress Tosca in this three-act play.
Various versions of this world renowned classic have been made following its world premiere in Rome in 1900. The Chinese remake has been thrust into the spotlight as it gathers together a powerful production team led by famous CCTV director Lang Kun and some top stage and lighting designers who worked on the grand opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics.
The opera will also feature the talents of young soprano Natalia Ushakova and tenor performer Dai Yuqiang.
Guo Pei is the production's costume designer.
This leading fashion designer, who designed the ensemble for movie star Zhang Ziyi during the Olympic flame lighting ceremony in Athens and dresses worn by Beijing Olympic medal presenters last year, once again dazzled the public when costumes she made for the opera were recently unveiled.
Instead of sticking to its stereotypically classic style, Guo Pei is going beyond the limits set by the story as she tries to reach the ultimate fashion design chic.
The white full-length chiffon dress for Tosca in the first act features very exaggerated flowing sleeves, each about 1.5 meters long and using up to 50 meters of material.
"I want to emphasize Tosca's image as an angel lifted above the cloud while she is being intoxicated in love and art," said Guo Pei, "that creates a sharp contrast to the aftermath and hereby magnifies the tragic events that follow."
Singer Zhang Yalun, who plays the policeman Scarpia, came to try the costume in Guo's studio.
The black wool outfit he will wear sports shoulder pads twice as bulkier as that of an ordinary one's while a big cross made of sequins in the front also sends a metaphorical message in the play.
Guo Pei says luxury and romance is still the essence of the first act but as the story moves on the designs grow to become more fashion-orientated.
Guo has carried on her high-end fashion style in creating these costumes. And each was made by hand.
Tosca will mark the opening of the first World Opera Festival in Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts which will run from April 15 to July 2.
