Not Just for Drag Queens: Opera Coats

One has not experienced New York until a man has exposed himself to you on the subway or until you have gone to see an opera at the Met.  I was lucky enough in 2007 to be able to see Romeo and Juliet and also Madama Butterfly.  Ya'll.  Romeo and Juliet had a floating bed scene.  It was incredible.  Even the old White people were hype that Romeo and Juliet were "having a moment" aka "making baybees" while gliding through the air amidst hundreds of tiny lights.  I may have shed a tear.  Ok ok I did.  The scene was that gorgeous.  Yeah yeah opera makes me emotional.  It didn't hurt that Anna Netrebko as Juliet was absolutely ravishing.  

                                

                                  

An easy gateway to opera is La Traviata (my absolute favorite!  I've seen it twice in person and countless times on youtube!)  HOWEVER.  This is not about opera, it's about my favorite aspect of opera:  dressing up to go to the opera.  

Americans are quite disappointing with the way they dress for the opera.  When I last attended, I saw people in jeans.  I was like, "Are you going to McDonalds after heffalump?  How dare you disrespect Anna like that!"  There was no sparkle!  No life!  No drama!  And honey, me looooove some drama.  Drag queens aren't the only ones who like things that billow and move.  The opera coat is literally the most dramatic thing you could possibly wear.  Notice in the picture below I am not wearing one; however, I have a high slit and the lowest cut blouse imaginable.  And with a sparkling smile, golden tan, and lioness mane I didn't need much else.  

Teatro de Fenice, Venice, Italy June 2006

Opera coats are supposed to scream luxury.  Now, wool is not really considered a luxury item.  Anybody with a sheep in their back yard can weave a wool sweater.  So if you're wearing a floor-length wool coat, you're not wearing a luxurious opera coat.  You're wearing a floor-length wool coat.  Your opera coat should be silk, satin, taffetta, chiffon, brocade, and velvet (even though nobody really wears velvet these days).  They are often jewel-toned, never muted.  I have yet to see a beige opera coat.  It's a theatrical piece for a showy person.  Opera coats can be embellished with glass beads, or be plain with embossed fabric.  I used to own a gorgeous coat but lost it somewhere abroad.  That happens when you have to criss cross the ocean.  I'm sure there is some foreign airport worker traipsing around in my awesome coat.  Heffalump.

Below are some examples of opera coats.  They are somewhat difficult to find in mint condition, but you can try ebay or etsy.

The thing that's great about opera coats is that they are really accessible vintage pieces.  Wear an opera coat, some stilletoes, a pearl necklace, and a little black dress.  And I mean little.  It's a really fun way to modernize it.  I have a short opera-esque emerald gold coat that I like to wear with my trusty American Apparel black spandex dress.  It really classes it up.  And whatever you do, do not forget those elbow-length gloves.  Nobody wants to see you in satin with ashy elbows.  Thanks mkay.

Aren't they fabulous? 

Opera Going

Black Dresses
Necklaces