Bode Aujla lent her design talents to Little Island’s production of The Marriage of Figaro in late 18th century Spain. Drawing inspiration from personal narratives and muses in her life, she approached creating the opera costumes with the same imagination and memory-driven focus that defines her collections. Viewing the fashion show as akin to a stage performance, Aujla was well-prepared for the world of live theater. Little Island’s producing artistic director, Zack Winokur, thought of Aujla for the costuming role due to her emphasis on storytelling and historical informed design.
Aujla’s collections are largely inspired by the people in her life, serving as muses for her designs. This personal connection to her work shines through in her creations, whether it be a beaded flapper dress or a clown suit costume. For Aujla, the process of designing the Figaro costumes was not far removed from her usual creative endeavors; it still revolved around the idea of memory and thinking about things. Aujla’s approach to fashion design as a way to evoke memories and stories translated seamlessly into the world of costume design for the opera.
Through her work with Little Island’s production, Aujla was able to bring her Americana flair and storytelling expertise to the classic opera setting. Winokur praised Aujla’s ability to put her own mark on historical style and bring a fresh perspective to the project. Aujla’s unique approach to design, rooted in personal narratives and muses, resonated well with the opera costumes and helped create a memorable and visually striking production. Her experience in creating an entire memory-evoking concept through fashion shows added depth and richness to the stage performance.
Aujla’s view of the fashion show as a cousin of stage performance allowed her to seamlessly transition into the realm of live theater. Her focus on creating a complete experience for the audience, incorporating elements like scent and music, enhanced the production of The Marriage of Figaro. Aujla’s ability to weave storytelling into her designs and her historical knowledge made her a natural fit for the costuming role. Her attention to detail and dedication to creating a cohesive and visually striking aesthetic contributed to the success of the opera costumes and added depth to the overall production.
Overall, Aujla’s collaboration with Little Island on The Marriage of Figaro showcased her unique approach to design and her ability to bring personal narratives and muses to life through fashion. Her experience in creating memory-evoking concepts through fashion shows translated seamlessly into the realm of live theater, enhancing the audience’s experience and bringing a fresh perspective to the classic opera. Aujla’s emphasis on storytelling and historical informed design made her a valuable asset to the production, and her ability to put her own mark on historical style added depth and richness to the costumes. This collaboration exemplifies Aujla’s talent for creating visually striking and emotionally resonant designs that capture the essence of a narrative or character.
