Behind the Seams:
Designing Edgar in Concert
Every production has a starting point, and for Edgar in Concert, it begins in New York City’s Garment District. As Minnesota Opera prepares this rare concert presentation of an early work by Giacomo Puccini, Costume Designer Brandi Mans worked closely with Costume Director Corinna Bakken to find the perfect fabrics that will shape its visual world.
Follow along as they explore New York City in search of the perfect fabrics that bring us one step closer to realizing Edgar on stage.
Brandi Mans
Edgar Costume Designer
Corinna Bakken
MN Opera Costume Director
.
Minneapolis During Takeoff
Subway Platform in Harlem
Mood Fabrics
Brocade aisle at Mood
The Search Begins
For Fidelia Brandi was looking for the perfect fabric that was airy, pink, and floral. Designers often have in their mind exactly what fabric they want, but it is not always available. Part of what I love about working with designers is watching how they adjust when what they had in mind isn’t in existence. It can lead to some beautiful discoveries.
Layers and Structure
Working through possible Edgar doublet materials at New York Elegant.
Building Edgar
Doublet and pants options for our title character.
Fidelia’s Gown
Gown choices for Fidelia.
Gualtiero Doublet
Doublet choices for Gualtiero.
Coffee Break
Catching my breath with a quick coffee break in the afternoon. There is a tiny button store across the street. I love that there are still these spots to be found. It is more common that shops sell multiple categories of things. In NYC’s Garment District you can still find gems like this place. There are stores that only sell feathers, silk flowers, leather, etc.
Entrances
Almost all of the stores we shop at are off the street level. This means entering some beautiful lobbies. This arch is the front of the building where B&J Fabrics is.
Shadows and Light
Morning sunlight on the walk into Midtown.
Final Choices
Choices have been made! Commence purchasing. This step can be really stressful. Sometimes the perfect fabric isn’t available in the amounts we need. If a key fabric has to change it can have a major domino effect. Thankfully all of the Edgar first choices were available.
What’s Next?
With fabrics selected, the next step is transforming these materials into finished costumes in the Minnesota Opera Costume Shop, ready for their debut in Edgar in Concert.
