Description
Theoni Vachlioti Aldredge (Greek/American, 1922-2011)
Costume design for La Cage aux Folles, Broadway, 1983
Mixed media on paper, 45.5 x 38 cm.
Signed lower right and inscribed “Cage aux folles”
Executed for the original Broadway production of La Cage aux Folles, which premiered in 1983, this elaborate costume design exemplifies Aldredge’s flair for theatrical spectacle and refined craftsmanship. The composition depicts a highly stylised figure adorned with an ornate, feathered ensemble embellished with cascading pearl-like ornamentation, reflecting the exuberant aesthetic of the production. For her work on La Cage aux Folles, Aldredge was awarded the Tony Award for Best Costume Design in 1984, marking one of the defining achievements of her career.
Provenance
Acquired directly from the niece of the artist by the present owner; accompanied by video-recorded documentation supporting the provenance.
Catalogue Notes
Theoni Vachlioti Aldredge was one of the most influential costume designers in theatre and film, with an international career spanning over four decades. She won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for The Great Gatsby (1974) and received multiple Tony Awards for her work on Broadway. Collaborating with leading directors, she played a key role in shaping the visual identity of major productions, while her Greek heritage remained a subtle yet enduring influence in her work.