The collaboration between Benetton and Luca Galasso for the Teatro alla Scala children's choir at Vogue World: Milan achieved a remarkable fusion of operatic formality and vibrant youthful performance. This partnership, led by Galasso as the Special Performers and Extended Cast Fashion Director, focused on dressing 103 choristers aged nine to twenty. The garments were meticulously designed to support dynamic stage presence while upholding a sense of classic elegance, ensuring the costumes enhanced rather than overshadowed the singers' contribution to the five-act event, which included opera segments from 'La Traviata'. The innovative approach, blending traditional aesthetics with modern functionality, ultimately resulted in a wardrobe that will become the choir's permanent uniform, gifted by both brands to the young performers.
The meticulous design process for the La Scala choristers' attire involved extensive visual research into historical theatrical costume, culminating in sketches that captured both emotional essence and practical movement. These initial concepts were then translated into patterns, prototypes, and finished garments through a series of fittings and adjustments to ensure optimal proportions for diverse body types. The core ensemble features a pristine white cotton shirt with tailored details, paired with black stretch poly-viscose trousers designed for both elegance and unrestricted movement. A black satin cummerbund defines the waist, and a unique Bordeaux Pantone Cabernet silk bow tie adds a sophisticated touch of color, deliberately breaking from traditional black while maintaining formal integrity. This thoughtful construction ensures the costumes are integral to the spectacle, embodying both tradition and a fresh perspective on formalwear.
Harmonizing Tradition and Modernity in Performance Attire
The costume design for the young choristers of Teatro alla Scala for Vogue World: Milan represented a delicate balance between the venerable institution's rich traditions and the dynamic energy of a contemporary fashion event. The objective was to create an aesthetic that resonated with the gravitas of opera while allowing for the expressive movements of the youth choir. This involved a careful selection of materials and cuts that offered both sophisticated appearance and practical comfort, ensuring the garments would be an extension of the performance itself, rather than a distraction.
Benetton's collaboration with Luca Galasso centered on developing a wardrobe that would be both timeless and functional for the 103 choristers. The creative journey began with a deep dive into theatrical tailoring history, leading to conceptual sketches that envisioned the garments' movement and stage presence. The ensemble features a pure white cotton shirt with a bib front, its precise tailoring and concealed placket creating a luminous silhouette. Complementing this, black trousers made from a stretch poly-viscose blend were chosen for their capacity to combine refined elegance with complete freedom of movement. These elements, combined with an adjustable black satin cummerbund, underscored the dual focus on formal precision and unhindered performance, making the costumes a seamless part of the grand spectacle.
The Subtle Art of Color and Craft in Theatrical Garb
Beyond the fundamental white shirt and black trousers, the design introduced nuanced elements that elevated the choristers' appearance while nodding to a more contemporary sensibility. The choice of a black satin cummerbund served not only to define the waistline but also to subtly transition between the upper and lower garments, reflecting a meticulous attention to sartorial detail. The most distinctive alteration, however, was the departure from the conventional black bow tie in favor of a specific hue, a decision that infused a modern twist into a classic look.
The introduction of a Bordeaux Pantone Cabernet silk bow tie was a deliberate and impactful choice, made in close consultation with Galasso's team. This deep, rich shade provided a sophisticated yet gentle break from the traditional severity of black, adding a touch of distinctiveness without compromising the overall elegance. Crafted from 100% silk twill, the bow tie contributed a unique tactile and luminous quality, becoming a signature detail of the entire outfit. This thoughtful incorporation of color and luxurious material highlighted the project's respect for established traditions while embracing an evolved interpretation of formalwear, ensuring the costumes were both visually striking and perfectly attuned to the performance demands.
