It’s the temple of glamour, elegance, and dance. For over 135 years, Moulin Rouge has stood out as one of the greatest cabarets in France and the world, making Paris shine on the international stage. Every evening, 60 dancers take to the sparkling stage of this red jewel, bringing the revue Féerie to life in two performances. A show as grand as it is unique, it continues to amaze the audience through the decades. To ensure the quality of the show, 450 people work each day at Moulin Rouge. Among them, around forty artisans from four Houses of Art work behind the scenes to design and create exceptional costumes and shoes, which are responsible for the magic of Moulin Rouge.
© Sandie Bertrand - Moulin Rouge
A blend of expertise
The Moulin Rouge is known for its prestige, its unique show that has been captivating audiences for nearly 25 years, and its radiant performers, dressed in a thousand and one colors, feathers, and sparkles. Over 1000 costumes are housed in the backstage of this famous cabaret, with each artist changing 10 to 12 times during a performance. These costumes are worthy of being works of art, handmade in the Atelier de Création of the talented Mine Vergès. It is here, right in the heart of the cabaret, that fabrics and other materials are carefully assembled to bring the sketches to life.
Atelier Valentin © Philippe Wojazer - Moulin Rouge
Like a harmonious orchestra, each Art House of the Moulin Rouge plays its part to create these magnificent costumes that leave the audience in awe. The embroideries, sequins, beads, and rhinestones are particularly applied by Atelier Valentin. Founded by Caroline Valentin in 2003, this exceptional workshop is dedicated to preserving French artisanal know-how by blending Lunéville embroidery techniques with needle embroidery. A meticulous work, which makes the dancers shine under the spotlight's glow.
Maison Février ©Moulin Rouge
It would be hard to imagine the revue Féerie without a “feather thing”, as Zizi Jeanmaire sang. Since 1957, feathers have played an essential role at the Moulin Rouge. Every night, nearly 300 feather costumes take the stage. Costumes, but also boas. 3000 meters of boas are made each year for the show. It’s the Maison Février, nestled at the foot of Montmartre, that has made feather craftsmanship its area of expertise. Led by Maxime Leroy, the artisans of this House of Art create these unique pieces by hand.
Well-Dressed French Cancan
A certain scene, and more specifically a dance, is eagerly awaited by everyone at the Moulin Rouge: the French Cancan. Both exciting and vibrant, it captivates the audience each time.
Impressive and particularly technical, this performance requires suitable, comfortable, and especially very durable shoes. Maison Clairvoy, a shoemaker since 1945, has specialized in stage shoes, with the French Cancan boot as its emblematic creation. Integrated into the Moulin Rouge since 2002, the workshop run by Nicolas Maistriaux has created 800 pairs of shoes for the revue Féerie. From heels to boots, no shoe from the Moulin Rouge is a secret for Maison Clairvoy.
Maison Clairvoy © Julie Limont - Moulin Rouge
Sharing and passing on unique know-how
While the Art Houses contribute to the excellence of the Moulin Rouge, they regularly step out from behind the scenes to shine a light on their unique skills for the public to discover. Whether it's during the European Days of Art Trades last April or at the Orsay Museum on May 24 and 25 for the exhibition Art is in the Street, the Art Houses of the Moulin Rouge are working hard to keep the art of stage costumes shining brighter than ever.
Maison Clairvoy © Julie Limont - Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge
82, boulevard de Clichy – 18th
Dinner show every day at 7 PM
Show every day at 9 PM and 11 PM
More info
