Monday, September 08, 2008

GERARD VICAIRE: Costumes

Photos and comments courtesy of Raffaele de Ritis



From Raffaele...
Gerard Vicaire opened his shop in Paris in 1931, closing it in the early 90s. All the European white clowns of the time had costumes made by him.

Few years ago, the historian Genis Matabosch from Spain designed in Barcelona a wonderful exhibition in collaboration with Mr.Vicaire himself. The exhibition is still displayed sometimes.

It was put together recently at the Albacete festival last Spring.

A wonderful catalogue is available, with all the designs, sketchs and photographs of the Vicaire costumes and clowns.






Two pictures of Alberto "Grisou" Caroli Jr. at Cirque d'Hiver
wearing his uncle Francesco's marvelous costumes.


The new show there is expected to open in October, running thru March.


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fellini's THE CLOWNS, had the best Clown runway fashion show. All the white faces got to strut their stuff.

How about a 'Clown Project Runway' gag for the reunion at Baraboo? Just give the participants a map to the nearest thrift shop and a $10 limit to pull together the best outfit and then they have to model it at the show? Could be fun!

On second thought naaa! Clowns wouldn NEVER want to camp it up... (Maybe the best drag-nurse fashion sow?)

Anonymous said...

How does one get a copy of this catalog?

Bam(Bouk)

Raffaele De Ritis said...

For the Vicaire catalog, you can try to contact the author-publisher in Barcelona, Mr. Genis Matabosch: info@show-books.com