The more gold and the bolder colours, the better. But they’ve gotten another Greek inspiration in terms of choice of fabrics - that of the Byzantine empire. It’s one of the few historical sources showing long skirts, aprons, 'corseted” bodices with bare chests, pleats and X like decorations on the hem.

But I’ve always believed the design for the Queen of Carthage is more than a nod to the snake goddesses of the ancient Minoan culture of Crete.

Again the red, green and gold shades are kept, and again the design shows how Victorians would envision a historical style rather than showing actual historical style.

This is the role Christine suddenly has to fill in for, and she becomes a singing sensation overnight. In addition they wear flesh coloured tights, velvet panties, gold tiaras, gold wristbands, and pointe shoes.Įlissa, Queen of Carthage, one of the lead roles in the mock opera “Hannibal”. It’s probably a nod to how the at times random ballets in the Parisian operas was meant to be eye candy for the wealthy male patrons. The decorations on the bodice - the gold collar and the “crotch tiara” are strangely sexual, covering the erotic zones of the girls. The skirt is made of ropes (not too unlike Bronze Age Egtvedt Girl), attached to a golden belt. The bodice is corseted, of alternating red and green panels, and with the seams covered with gold trims. Their costumes aren’t true historical costumes rather how the Victorians might have envisioned it. The splendor of Hannibal and Elissa’s court in Carthage is therefore reflected in the splendor of their slave’s clothes. Slaves could be the most beloved girlfriend, the family’s accountant, the head masters of schools, the best chef in town, the most sought after doctor, the superstar gladiator. A wealthy man would pride himself in dressing up his slaves well. In Roman times “ slave“ didn’t automatically imply rags and dirt. When moving, they look a lot more naked, due to the flimsiness of the rope skirt. When the dancers stands still, they look dressed. You get little about seams and a lot about possible historical sources, so read only if you’re really interested… I could give you the short version - and my interpretation of them (which might not be identical to other interpretations of it).

Phantom of the opera costume australia