This costume is inspired by the last opera that Oliver Messel (1904-1978) designed for Glyndebourne Opera House, Der Rosenkavalier (1959). It includes elements which reference the dramatic ornamentation of 18th-century Rococo: the colour palette, trims and satin fabric. It also draws inspiration from 1950s fashions: the corset and the silhouette of the dress.

The design in the centre of the skirt was made by hand using embroidery techniques, including appliqué and couching. This flower is a replica of a design found on a fan that Messel made for his mum when he was a teenager, at Nymans. The intention of the design was to honour and bid “Farewell” to Messel’s work at Glyndebourne.

Sometimes goodbyes are hard, and we do not realise that everything we had was precious in ways we never imagined...

Farewell, Messel.