Benetton Designs New Uniform for La Scala Choir
Benetton partnered with La Scala’s choir director to design a clean, elegant uniform for 103 young choristers that debuted at Vogue World Milano. The garments combine classic tailoring with modern comfort, featuring subtle Bordeaux accents and will become the choir’s official attire.
By Felo News Desk · Published
When the curtains lift at Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the spotlight is on more than just the performers. On the first day of Milan Fashion Week, the Teatro alla Scala chorus stepped onto the stage in a fresh, understated wardrobe that blended opera tradition with contemporary style. The look, a joint effort between Benetton and Luca Galasso, the Special Performers and Extended Cast Fashion Director for Vogue World Milano, was unveiled during the event’s five‑act program and will soon become the choir’s permanent uniform.
From Opera House to Runway: The Genesis of the Collaboration
The idea emerged when Galasso, who has long championed the integration of fashion and performance, approached Benetton to create a wardrobe for the chorus. “They are children between the ages of nine and 20—103 of them in total,” Galasso explained. “When I was thinking about which brand to choose, I immediately thought of Benetton, a brand I also wore as a child.” The partnership promised a blend of heritage and innovation, suitable for the rigorous demands of opera while resonating with the energy of a fashion week audience.
Designing for Movement and Elegance
The creative process began with visual research into theatrical tailoring, focusing on the codes that define formal opera attire. From these studies, the team produced emotive sketches that imagined how the garments would move onstage. Once approved, the sketches were translated into patterns, prototypes, and finally finished pieces, each step refined through fittings and adjustments to accommodate diverse body types.
The core of the look is a crisp white shirt with a bib front, crafted from 100% cotton. Its regular fit, classic cuffs, and concealed button placket create a luminous silhouette that blends seamlessly with the stage’s set design. Pairing the shirt are black trousers made from a stretch poly‑viscose blend, offering structure and freedom of movement. A sharp center crease, tailored waistband, and clean pocket detailing keep the ensemble sharp and functional.
At the waist, a black satin cummerbund adds a subtle touch of sophistication. Its adjustable fastening ensures comfort for choristers of varying sizes and allows for growth over time. The most striking visual cue comes from the Bordeaux Pantone Cabernet bow tie, a departure from the traditional black. Made from 100% silk twill, the tie introduces a quiet pop of color that complements the Vibi Venezia shoes, also in a matching velvet shade.
Performance‑Ready Wardrobe for a High‑Profile Event
During the five acts, opera singers emerged from the Galleria’s central octagon to perform selections from La Traviata, while the chorus delivered their own repertoire. The garments had to support this dynamic performance without drawing attention away from the music. The result is a uniform that feels almost invisible, allowing the focus to remain on the voices and choreography.
Benetton’s choice of materials—soft cotton, stretch poly‑viscose, satin, and silk—ensures durability and comfort for the choristers, who are onstage throughout the event. The design’s understated elegance also aligns with La Scala’s reputation for refined artistry, while the subtle color accents provide a contemporary twist that fits the fashion week atmosphere.
A Legacy of Tradition, A Future of Innovation
Both Benetton and La Scala have decided to gift the garments to the choristers, making the uniform a lasting symbol of the collaboration. The design respects opera’s formalwear traditions without replicating them outright; instead, it offers a less rigid interpretation that keeps clothing from overpowering performance. As the chorus continues to perform, the uniform will evolve, adapting to the needs of its young members while maintaining the timeless aesthetic established at Vogue World Milano.
For La Scala, the partnership underscores a commitment to nurturing talent and preserving the opera house’s storied heritage. For Benetton, it reaffirms the brand’s role in merging fashion with cultural expression, showcasing how clothing can enhance, rather than distract from, artistic performance.
Looking ahead, the uniform will become a staple of the choir’s wardrobe, symbolizing a new chapter where tradition meets modernity. The collaboration demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate both the visual and auditory experience of opera, ensuring that every element—from the lights to the attire—contributes to a cohesive, unforgettable spectacle.
What’s Next for the Chorus?
The chorus will continue to perform at La Scala with the new uniform, and the design may inspire future collaborations between opera houses and fashion houses. As the world of performance art evolves, the partnership between Benetton and La Scala sets a precedent for how clothing can support and enhance live music, ensuring that tradition and innovation walk hand in hand.
Key facts
- Benetton and La Scala designed a new uniform for 103 young choristers.
- The design balances classic opera tailoring with modern comfort and subtle color accents.
- The garments debuted at Vogue World Milano and will become the choir’s permanent attire.
- Materials chosen prioritize durability, movement, and a seamless look onstage.
- The collaboration reflects a broader trend of integrating fashion with cultural performance.
Why it matters
The collaboration highlights how fashion can support and enhance live performance, ensuring that traditional opera attire evolves to meet the needs of young performers while maintaining artistic integrity.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the new uniform for the La Scala chorus?
Benetton collaborated with Luca Galasso, the Special Performers and Extended Cast Fashion Director for Vogue World Milano.
What materials were used in the uniform?
The uniform features 100% cotton shirts, stretch poly‑viscose trousers, black satin cummerbunds, and 100% silk twill bow ties.
Will the choristers keep the uniforms?
Yes, Benetton and La Scala have decided to gift the garments to the choristers, making them the choir’s official attire.
Sources
- [1] vogue.com — originally reported as “With Help From Benetton, the Teatro alla Scala Chorus Brought Old-World Romance to Vogue World 2026: Milano”
