Costume-making starts under the supervision of the Head
of the Costume Department and Workshop, on the top floor of the Salle Richelieu, the "Rachel" Floor. Eight people make
costumes for women, and eight others make costumes for men. The team
also includes seven hairdressers, two milliners and three
linenkeepers.
Because of the principle of alternating performance,
there are double or even triple quantities of lingerie.
Shoes and certain hairpieces are contracted out. The work
of costume-makers is comparable to that of "haute
couture": single, custom-made models. Three fittings
are enough. Eighteen dressers and ironers ensure the
upkeep of costumes, and subcontracting is used as
required. One of the five wardrobe supervisors
is appointed to each production to ensure the follow-up
and to establish a detailed list, including all jewellery
and costume props, for the dressers.
After the last performance, all costumes are kept in a
1000-m2 warehouse, away from the Salle Richelieu, where
temperature and humidity levels are kept constant. Close
to 10 000 costumes are stored in closets, labelled
according to production or costume type. 18 months before -
6 months before -
4 months before -
3 months before -
2 months before
2 weeks before -
10 days before - D-Day
Performances
Genesis of a Production
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