DIVA - a sublime look at Divas through the ages

Ingrid Bergman"s costume forJoan of Arc 

1948. Very short, considered daring at the time

 In the 19th century the word Diva was used to describe hugely gifted female opera singers.  The word Diva comes from the Latin for goddess and that was how many saw outstanding opera singers back then.  They were powerful, creative women at a time when women were striving for equality, however, they also had their detractors, those who thought they were becoming too powerful, too big for their boots and not sticking to the acceptable social mores of the time.  Gradually the term came to include actresses like Sarah Bernhardt who was one of the first stars to cultivate the idea of "celebrity". The word Diva has evolved through time to include both genders, and all types of performers such as rock stars and dancers, particularly those who have pushed the boundaries and have used their status to comment on societal issues like equality and inclusion. 

Vivien Leigh's costume from
 the play Duel of Angels 1958

It was really with the development of talking movies that actresses who
were still considered inferior to men took on the battle for equality. Unfortunately they then became labeled as difficult or demanding and the term Diva took on a negative conotation.  Today that negativity can still be associated with a difficult or demanding star but it has also become a term of admiration for stars who are able to cross boundaries, reinvent themselves and use technology, skill and talent to create spectacular shows. 

Quote from Bette Davis.  Thankfully those days are long gone.

The latest exhibition, DIVA, at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, follows this evolution from its earliest days until the present, it showcases an amazing collection of costumes (courtesy of the V & A Museum, London) combined with plenty of written information to accompany them.  Each visitor is supplied with a headset which plays the appropriate music at each display.  

Elton' John's flamboyant 50th birthday outfit inspired by the court fashions of Louis XIV. The galleon on his wig was mechanised and sent out puffs of smoke. The costume was so large and heavy John had to be transported to his party on a furniture truck.

Lady Gaga's Valentino gown from the Golden Globe awards 2019
Bjork's 2021 gown and mask in the background

Tina Turner's Flame Dress designed by Bob Mackie 1977

One of Prince's stage costumes

A few of Cher's spectacular, flamboyant costumes, real Diva attire.

It is a sublimely curated, educational and exciting exhibition.  The mind boggles when looking at Elton John's 50th birthday outfit or Cher's enormous head dress. You ask yourself "How on earth did they move in them", they are certainly outfits befitting Divas. I have only shown a few of the outfits here, there are many, many more. If you get the chance and certainly if you live in Auckland this is a "must see" exhbition.  It's fabulous.