Helen en Rose

New costumes had been commissioned on 20 February 1952 for the revival of Lakmé by Léo Delibes. The sets for the opera, on the other hand, had been re-used for many years. Lakmé was a particularly well-loved opera and was part of the annual repertoire.

The fund has preserved thirty-one costume designs relating to this production. All of the designs make reference to Indian culture, except for those created for the characters of Helen and Rose, who are young British girls. The classic end of the 19th century dresses shown here are of particular interest because they provide details for the backs of the costumes or accessories to help the costume makers. Suzanne Fabry’s drawings are freer than those of Edmond Delescluze and are closer to the costumes that resulted. Handwritten notes complete the drawings, giving the names of the roles (Helen, Rose) and of the cast members (Mme Jacobs, Mme Auber), as well as details about the fabrics or sewing.

Bibliography:
Jacqueline Guisset, Une vie à l’opéra, La Renaissance du Livre, Crédit Communal, 2000, p.107-108