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From the resplendent opera virtuosos of the 1800s to the vibrant shooting stars of contemporary pop, the powerful reverberations of Divas are capturing center stage in a magnificent new showcase unfolding in London. An offering from our nation’s diva, Fairuz, will also commemorate our cherished Lebanon.
From this Saturday until the 7th of April next year, the esteemed Victoria & Albert Museum is set to display the triumphant narratives of a myriad of performers who have carved their names in the annals of history as feminist trailblazers, strident anti-racism advocates, and stalwart champions of LGBT rights.
The exhibition, aptly dubbed DIVA, offers an expansive ensemble of over 250 exhibits, showcasing a vivid collection of photographs, vintage posters, eclectic magazines, and evocative film and video clips. A complementary soundtrack enhances the immersive journey through the epochs of pioneering talent.
The true centerpiece of this intensive exploration, however, is an exclusive array of approximately 60 outfits, each symbolizing the unique, image-defining styles of the groundbreaking talents under the spotlight. Visitors will have the privilege to admire the sparkling, early 20th-century costumes of the legendary Josephine Baker and contemporary designs by Stella McCartney, specifically crafted for the gifted young American songstress, Billie Eilish.
A glimpse into the glamour of cinema’s red carpet and award ceremonies is presented through gowns worn by revered celebrities, each piece meticulously crafted by the world’s premier designers. “Starting from the early 19th-century opera divas who dictated their own couture creations, the journey traverses through the contemporary runway spectacles, from the Met Gala to stage performances. The significance of a diva’s self-expression through fashion is truly monumental,” said curator Kate Bailey.
Spanning two riveting centuries, the exhibition illuminates the path of female empowerment, harking back to the inception of the Italian term “diva,” signifying “goddess,” which was initially used to honor the grandeur of opera luminaries like the legendary soprano Adelina Patti.
In the annals of 19th-century Britain, her fame was second only to that of Queen Victoria. The rare designation of “diva” gifted women uncommon independence during that epoch, etching their names as trailblazers in the ceaseless battle for gender equality.
This revolutionary concept eventually transitioned to the stage, exemplified by eminent dancers like America’s Isadora Duncan, and legendary actresses including France’s Sarah Bernhardt. Bernhardt, famous for her daring 1800s portrayals of male roles such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet, once professed: “My life has been a struggle to have my own way where I felt I was in the right.”
With technological progress came a new platform for the divas: from silent films to talkies. The exhibition dedicates a significant section of iconic figures such as Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe, whose visage was immortalized in Andy Warhol’s iconic pop art.
Cinematic memorabilia, such as Taylor’s costume from Cleopatra (1963) and Monroe’s from Some Like It Hot (1959), are prominently showcased. Diva intricately maps the relentless struggle of these formidable artists in a male-dominated world, accompanied by a timeline depicting the concurrent evolution of feminism and the creative industries.
“Diva is synonymous with power, creativity… It’s about possessing a voice, leveraging that platform to catalyze change, to innovate, to metamorphose, to inspire,” Bailey stated eloquently.
Honoring those who shattered racial boundaries in the United States, the exhibition pays tribute to the pioneering jazz singers Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald, juxtaposed with compelling imagery from the recent Black Lives Matter movement.
Present-day divas, including Tina Turner and Cher, feature in the exhibition, their signature outfits crafted by American designer Bob Mackie taking center stage. Counter-culture icons also get their due recognition, with punk priestess Siouxsie Sioux’s nonconformist attire designed by Pam Hogg.
The exhibition also highlights transformative figures like Madonna, Bjork, and Lady Gaga, renowned for their chameleon-like ability to continuously reinvent themselves. The likes of Annie Lennox, who blurred the lines between femininity and masculinity, also get a nod.
This expansive representation allows for a spotlight on divas such as Freddie Mercury, Elton John, and Prince. Their glamorous ensembles not only redefined fashion norms but also significantly contributed to the LGBT struggle.
A glimpse from our national diva Fairuz will honor our beloved Lebanon…
With AFP
