Every year, the Festival of Arts' Pageant of the Mastersputs on a delightfully theatrical celebration of art. Through live reenactments and intricate installments—accompanied by live music and storytelling—the event transforms both traditional and contemporary visuals arts into living, breathing works of art. There’s a reason that art lovers travel from across the world to see these elaborate illusions in action.
A dazzling view of a previous edition of the Pageant of the Masters. Courtesy Pageant of the Masters.The theme of this year’s Pageant of the Masters is “À La Mode: The Art of Fashion.” “Modern fashion shows are very theatrical, and designers are always pushing the envelope of outrageousness and showmanship. That appeals to me,” says artistic director Diane Challis Davy, who originally studied costume design for the stage in college. “The 2019 Dolce and Gabbana runway show was an extraordinary spectacle. I’ve also been inspired by the annual Met Gala ball and shows like Project Runway and Fashion Police. But I will never forget to appreciate the craftsmanship and the hard work that goes into fashion: designing, pattern making, stitching, embellishing...it is art.”
James Tissot (1836-1902), Too Early, 1873, oil on canvas, 28 x 40”. Courtesy Pageant of the Masters.
Modern day trendsetters and the fashion of various periods in history provide inspiration for Challis Davy, who adds, “Before the advent of photography, art provided our only visual record of how people chose to dress. In the hands of classic designers like the House of Worth in the 19th century on up to today’s modern masters like Alexander McQueen, fashion has become increasingly more extravagant.”
A backstage glimpse into the process behind recreating Jean H. Fragonard’s The Swing. Photo credit Ron Azevedo.
Pageant of the Masters’ re-creation of The Swing by Jean H. Fragonard. Courtesy Pageant of the Masters.
Among the iconic artists whose paintings will be recreated for the 2024 Pageant of the Masters are John Singer Sargent, French artists Edouard Manet and James Tissot, as well as British painters Thomas Gainsborough and David Hockney. Three-dimensional pieces like brooches and pendants from early 1900s jewelers will be making an appearance as well. In addition, legendary Hollywood designer Edith Head will be honored with sketches and movie posters from her collaboration with director Alfred Hitchcock.
“The clothes will tell their stories, [and] the artworks will provide the bigger picture,” says Challis Davy. “Through the magic of living pictures we’ll take a walk on the red carpet runway of art history.”
Pageant of the Masters' re-creation of Portrait of Madame X by John Singer Sargent. Courtesy Pageant of the Masters.
The 2024 Pageant of the Masters will be held nightly from July 6 to August 30. For the latest details, visit www.foapom.com. —
Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach’s Pageant of the Masters
July 6-August 30, 2024
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(800) 487-3378, www.foapom.com
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