Emmanuelle Youchnovski's role in The Phantom of the Opera
Emmanuelle Youchnovski, a renowned costume designer in French cinema, has worked on the new adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Alexandre Castagnetti. Her designs aim to blend historical accuracy with contemporary influences, reflecting the modern dancers at the Palais Garnier.Modernizing historical costumes
Youchnovski emphasizes a modern approach to historical settings, avoiding strict reconstruction. She focuses on adapting traditional elements to resonate with today’s audience while maintaining the essence of the original story.Design for the Phantom's character
For the role of the Phantom, played by Ernest, Youchnovski chose a modern tailcoat in duck blue. The color was selected for its ability to reflect light under the film's dark lighting, creating a dramatic effect on screen.Symbolism in Anastasia's costumes
Anastasia's initial appearance in a red cardigan symbolizes her status as an outsider. In contrast, the final ballet scene features a custom dress inspired by Iris van Herpen, designed to be both majestic and light, with a gradient fabric and violet halos created by Youchnovski herself.Costume adjustments for different characters
The nightclub scene's red dress worn by Deva Cassel was originally intended for Georgina but was modified to fit Deva's personal style. The choreographer, played by Romain Duris, wears Japanese-inspired outfits, including wide pants and a bracelet from Mad Lords.Upcoming biopic of Joséphine Baker
Youchnovski is also working on a biopic of Joséphine Baker, starring FKA Twigs. She highlights the importance of custom-made costumes to reflect the subject's life across multiple decades, preferring to work on the 1950s and 1960s periods. She often uses custom-made costumes for main characters and rental services for secondary roles.
