2023 – The Gardener of Versailles

Since 1999, I have been traveling to Venice almost every year for Carnival. But a few years ago, I also discovered a wonderful festival at the Palace of Versailles near Paris.

“Fêtes Galantes” is always celebrated at the end of May or beginning of June in the Hall of Mirrors of the impressive palace. Here I show you my costumes for the occasion. Here, too, I choose themes and combine them with the style of the 18th century. Simply recreating historical costumes is too boring for me, so here, too, I push the boundaries of kitsch and fantasy. But I believe that’s what they would have done at court back then if the couturiers had had our materials and possibilities. Enjoy my ideas.

“The Gardener of Versailles”

This film by Alan Rickman, starring him and Kate Winslet, inspired me to recreate the fountain from the park of Versailles featured in the film, the “ballroom” with its fountain and water cascades. Although my water consisted of transparent hot glue and LED lighting, it looked no less interesting. In the rear view under the fountain, I incorporated a paper diorama from the castle museum shop, which I had previously hand-colored and illuminated. At the top, perched on a golden arch with a small glass chandelier swinging back and forth, was, of course, my signature animal, the peacock.

In an elegant dress made of emerald green brocade with lavish gold embroidery, the site plan of the park was mounted in the middle section, on which I had carved out the hedges in three dimensions with dried moss.

My companion was my then 16-year-old daughter. She wanted a costume that wasn’t so ladylike, so I made her a cheeky, modern frock coat with a corset.