Mall visitors have the rare opportunity to see up close the intricacy and craftsmanship of the costumes designed for Ballet Philippines’ celebrated Firebird and other ballets in an exhibit at SM’s premier malls.
A project of Ballet Philippines, the country’s flagship classical and contemporary dance company, and the SM’s premier malls, the exhibit showcases how Georgian born choreographer George Birkadze re-imagined the Russian folk tale by bringing it into the pre-Hispanic Philippine setting.
Birkaze’s Firebird is from an Asian perspective, taking inspiration from the Philippine Sarimanok and Ibong Adarna, the Chinese phoenix, and Indian peacock. Mark Lewis Higgins, co-director of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, brought to life Birkadze’s vision of Firebird through his exquisite costume designs for the ballet.
Although primarily a painter, Mark’s diverse interest have included textile and costume design. An inherent respect for rich color, texture and drama is apparent in all his work, as his interest is both Eastern and Western history, culture and religion.
The ballet costumes by Mark take inspiration from historical documents such as the Boxer Codex, and highlight elements such gold, spices and porcelain. Students of Slim’s Fashion and Art School executed the opulent costumes made from rich fabrics like silk, velvet and brocade with embellishments like 24-carat gold leaf, pearls and semi-precious stones.
“Working with Mark Lewis Higgins was an incredible experience,” says Birkadze in his Choreographer’s Notes. “He added historical depth to the work, and I would very much like to work with him again on future projects.”
Firebird costumes on exhibit include those of the Princess from the Land of Spices, the Pearl Merchant from the Silk Road, the Porcelain Doll Princesses, the Golden Monster Princes and the Firebird headpiece. The exhibit also includes Higgins’ Art Prints and Mark Nicdao’s photographs of the cast.
The Firebird costume exhibit road show began at SM Aura Premier and then made a stop at S Maison at the Conrad and at SM North Edsa. The costumes are currently on display at The Podium today until Oct. 2.