French architect and designer Pierre Yovanovitch has unveiled his striking set and costume designs for Le Nozze di Figaro, staged by the Korea National Opera in Seoul. Running from March 28th to March 31st, 2025, this production marks Yovanovitch’s debut in costume design, adding to his previous work in set design for Rigoletto at Theater Basel.
A lifelong opera enthusiast, Yovanovitch sought to capture the opera’s intricate dynamics through architecture and fashion. His rotating stage shifts between the Countess’s atelier and the Count’s house, drawing inspiration from modernist architecture, including the geometric forms of Villa Noailles. A spiral tower and minimalist structures evoke both classical grandeur and contemporary refinement, reinforcing the opera’s themes of deception and power.
For the costumes, Yovanovitch combined 1920s and 1930s silhouettes with elements of traditional Korean dress, incorporating hanbok influences and intricate knotwork. Having previously designed menswear for Pierre Cardin, he approached the 53 costumes with a meticulous eye for tailoring and historical reference. “Everything in Le Nozze di Figaro appears simple, but beneath the surface, the characters are full of contradictions,” he notes.
Working closely with director Vincent Huguet, Yovanovitch ensured that both the set and costumes reflected the opera’s humor and emotional depth. His designs enhance the production’s immersive quality, reinforcing the timeless appeal of Mozart’s masterpiece. Following this project, he and Huguet will reunite for Wagner’s The Valkyrie at the Rome Opera House later this year.
With its bold visual language and dynamic staging, this Le Nozze di Figaro offers a contemporary interpretation that resonates with both opera aficionados and new audiences alike.
Photography by PILJOO HWANG