By Kathy Strong
Laguna Beach has been an exclusive haven for the arts for nearly a century, as well as the sparkling jewel of Southern California’s own scenic Riviera coastline. A year-round destination, Laguna shines brightest in the summer months. Gentle ocean breezes combine with some of the cleanest beaches, water and air on the coast to make the area a magnet for water-play, tide pool exploring, bird watching and just enjoying the refreshing coastal temperatures.
However, it is the art that keeps people coming back each summer with the Festival of Arts and undoubtedly one of the most unique art and theater presentations on earth: The Pageant of the Masters. The live production nearly defies description, but I’ll try. Why? Because this is one event you need to put on your calendar this summer. I defy you to believe the “magic” unveiled before your eyes!
A La Mode: The Art of Fashion
The 2024 Pageant of the Masters production of À La Mode: The Art of Fashion revisits some of history’s grandest spectacles and fashion trends through the magic of living pictures, unforgettable live music, and engaging storytelling. Whether making an entrance or casting a spell, what people have worn through the ages has always been telling. From the splendors of royal courts to today’s catwalks, prepare to be dazzled!
Photo by Ron A. Zevedo
Numerous artworks were considered for the Pageant’s living pictures including works by French painters like James Tissot and Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun and British artist David Hockney. Even the legendary Hollywood designer Edith Head, known for her impeccable sense of style and pioneering work in costume design, may serve as a source of inspiration for this production.
Artistic director Diane Challis Davy, who originally studied costume design for the stage in college, has again applied her ambitious plans in the 2024 Pageant of the Masters and is excited about this year’s theme.
Photo by Christopher Allwine
“Modern fashion shows are very theatrical, and designers are always pushing the envelope of outrageousness and showmanship. That appeals to me,” Challis Davy said. “The 2019 Dolce and Gabbana runway show was an extraordinary spectacle. I’ve also been inspired by the annual Met Gala ball and shows like ‘Project Runway’ and ‘Fashion Police.’ But I will never forget to appreciate the craftsmanship and the hard work that goes into fashion: designing, pattern making, stitching, embellishing…it is art.”
Photo by Christopher Allwine
In light of the theme, Challis Davy acknowledged the significant contributions of Costume Director Reagan Foy, stating, “Reagan is an expert, and she was ready for this challenging assignment…We are both pretty excited about the opportunity to showcase some show-stopping outfits.”
Foy joined the Pageant in 2008 as Headpiece Director before taking over as Costume Director in 2016. Needless to say, she shares her director’s passion. “As a costumer, it’s always exciting knowing you will be making some gorgeous, challenging elements for a show,” Foy noted.
For the 2024 Pageant, Challis Davy drew inspiration from various historical periods as well as contemporary trendsetters. “Before the advent of photography, art provided our only visual record of how people chose to dress. In the hands of classic designers like the House of Worth in the 19th century on up to today’s modern masters like Alexander McQueen, fashion has become increasingly more extravagant,” shared Challis Davy.
Featured works being re-created include paintings by American artist John Singer Sargent, French artists Edouard Manet and James Tissot, as well as British painters Thomas Gainsborough and David Hockney. Three-dimensional works will also appear in this summer’s production such as brooches and pendants from early 1900’s jewelers and various figurines by artist and designer Erté. Legendary Hollywood designer Edith Head will be recognized as well, with sketches and movie posters from her collaboration with director Alfred Hitchcock.
“The clothes will tell their stories, the artworks will provide the bigger picture,” added Davy. “Through the magic of living pictures, we take a walk on the red carpet runway of art history.”
Decades of Making Art Come Alive
In the summer of 1933, the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts was born when around two dozen artists hung their paintings on fences, trees and buildings along Laguna’s main street, hoping to lure visitors to the first Festival of Arts, while some artists opened their home-studios to the public. Music, colorful signs and banners, parades and entertainment added to the celebratory ambiance of the event, which turned Laguna Beach into one enormous art gallery. In 1935, “living pictures” were transformed into a full production with music, narration and painted backdrops, giving birth to “The Pageant of the Masters” which rapidly evolved into a popular summer tradition. Not surprisingly, the pageant now draws an audience of more than an quarter million, and the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show prevails as one of the longest-running art exhibitions in the state.
The Pageant of the Masters has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed, fantastical theatrical-art event. With its own permanent home since 1935 in a canyon-cradled amphitheater, the pageant continues to defy optical reality. Guests who return year after year still depart marveling at how art masterpieces magically become living pictures complete with art-accurate script, professional narration, live orchestra and exquisite costuming.
PLAN TO GO
PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS 2024 PRODUCTION: “A LA MODE: THE ART OF FASHION”
July 6 – August 30, 2024
Performances Nightly at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets available online or by calling (800) 487-3378
For information on Laguna Beach visit here.
Unless noted, photos courtesy Pageant of the Masters/Festival of Arts
