A Day at the Opera – An Opera Exhibit and treats from Bouchon Bakery in Beverly Hills

Well, not really the actual opera with all the singing and divas and such. Instead, it’s an exhibit of opera costumes. But it’s just as enjoyable. Really, no sarcasm intended as I do love opera. And much cheaper. Whereas the opera can cost you a pretty penny to attend, this exhibit is much cheaper. And in the heart of Beverly Hills no less.

So here’s the scoop. Currently under construction in Beverly Hills is the Wallis Annenberg Center For the Performing Arts. What a mouthful! Anyway…the center won’t be open until 2013, but to get the public excited they are currently hosting an exhibit of opera costumes in a temporary space down the road. And these aren’t just any costumes; they are all designed by Italy’s top designers – Armani, Valentino, Versace, etc. No wonder this exhibit is in Beverly Hills.

Since I like opera and costumes and Italy and a little bit of fashion…well, clearly it was a must see for me. So last Wednesday, when admission was free (normally $10), I headed on over to see Il Teatro alla Moda – Theater in Fashion. Sheesh! Another mouthful!

All I have to say is “wow!” If you are an opera singer who gets to wear a costume by a famous designer you are in luck! Sure the costumes are outlandish but what quality! I’ve been to costume exhibits before and it’s always amazing to see how cheaply made they are. But not here. These costumes were made of the finest materials and had excellent craftsmanship. I was impressed.

See some for yourself (I did not take these as photos were not allowed) –

Capucci

hmm…not quite sure who the designer is

Versace

That last dress was insane in person! It was ginormous! I have no idea how the singer wore it.

So, all in all I was pretty impressed by the exhibit. And since it was free I was able to grab myself a little treat whilst in the Hills.

Y
es! The world famous Bouchon Bakery now has a location in Southern California! If you’re a foodie like myself then you’ve almost certainly heard of Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame. He is a superstar in the culinary world and his restaurants are very much out of my budget. But, now he has a bakery that, although a bit pricey, is perfect for a little treat. I shared the above with my sis and we both agreed – DELICIOUS!

Il Teatro all Moda (Theater in Fashion) runs through November 13th
253 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Wed-Fri 12-7, Sat & Sun 11-6
admission $10, Wednesdays free!

Bouchon Bakery
235 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
open daily 7am-7pm