A Chance to Shop the Paris Opera’s Jewel-Encrusted Closet
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Paris Opera held a three-day public sale featuring approximately 5,000 costumes and 2,000 accessories from productions dating from the 1960s to the present, with prices ranging from 2 to 800 euros.
- Costumes on display included a variety of styles such as ball gowns, military uniforms, folk tale dresses, and elaborate robes, each labeled with detailed production information and sometimes the original wearer's name.
- Ticket holders paid 10 euros for a two-hour opening slot, allowing them early access to browse and purchase items, attracting enthusiasts like Sophie Boissel who expressed emotional connections to the costumes.
- The sale took place in the Opera Bastille, where costumes were arranged like a silent corps de ballet, while attendees waited outside in the 93-degree heat before the doors opened.