Golden samba dress, vaporous rumba bodysuit or even powder pink sheath for a foxtrot, Pierre Annez de Taboada compete in creativity to imagine the outfits for the television competition Dance with the stars, broadcast this Friday March 8 on TF1. Since 2011, the program’s head designer has had fun with materials and glitter to make celebrities and their partners shine brightly on the floor of Studio 217. Nestled in a workshop in the middle of the candidates’ dressing rooms, this former professional dancer and costume designer for the Moulin Rouge looks forward to seeing his plays come to life on stage. Between a few alterations and fittings, Pierre Annez de Taboada agreed to confide in Gala.fr. Encounter.
Gala.fr: How did you get involved in the adventure? Dance with the stars ?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: After doing some research, production came across my CV and contacted me in 2011. At the time, I was working on the project of a new revue at the Moulin Rouge. As I had seen the program on foreign channels, I immediately liked the idea. I told myself it was totally up to me (he’s laughing). The proof, it’s been thirteen years now that I’ve been sure Dance with the stars.
Gala.fr: Where is your workshop located?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: He’s in the studio. Usually we are at 217. This year it is at 228. We have a flying workshop which is set up only during the production period. Every year, we unpack all our stock which is stored in hundreds of boxes. We have a few days to put everything in place.
Gala.fr: What are the creation stages for the outfits?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: I start to get some information eight to ten days before the first broadcast. Then, we have artistic meetings during which we receive instructions for each number. Depending on the music, the dance, the decor and the lighting, I then make a design of the costume. There is also a lot of research into cuts, colors and materials. Everything must be compatible. In addition, we don’t have everything in stock and we have to order materials to make the costumes. It’s always a race against time. People think we’re good fairies (he’s laughing). However, in the workshop, there is no magic wand that falls on the outfits. The rhinestones are placed one by one on the costumes. Everything is sewn by hand or machine. We don’t have Snow White’s little mice. However, the purpose of my work is quite magical and magical. It’s made to entertain and make you dream. But we must not forget that it requires a lot of work.
Gala.fr: How much time do you need to create an outfit?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: It depends. They’ll say I need eight days. I first order the materials, fabrics and all the decorations. Then, I take care of the pattern, the cuts and the assembly. Normally, we do the fittings the day before the prime. However, when it comes to a complicated costume, you can’t do that in 24 hours! We then try to anticipate as much as possible.
“The base price of a suit is estimated at 2,500 euros”
Gala.fr: What are the key words in creating an outfit?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: The suit should be comfortable and sturdy. It must not crack! Performers must be comfortable performing movements and lifts. The difficulty of our job is also to make pretty costumes.
Gala.fr: How many people work with you?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: We are not a big team. There is Sonia, my assistant, with whom I do all the preparation. In the workshop, we have three people for women’s sewing and three other people for men’s sewing. Then Boris takes care of the costume decoration. Two days before the prime, I have reinforcements for the final touches. Finally, on the evening of the show, people take care of dressing and changing outfits for professional dancers and celebrities.
Gala.fr: While some of the outfits are created in your workshops, others are rented from the British show Dance with the stars. How much does a suit cost?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: The base price of a suit is estimated at 2,500 euros. This can sometimes go up to 3,500 or even 4,000 euros. It’s very expensive, which is why we favor rental. This often allowed us to have a rotation and new outfits.
Gala.fr: Who takes care of the shoes?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: We have a partnership with a store specializing in ballroom dance shoes in Paris. They are very special with thin and flexible soles. Afterwards, for sneakers, you can find them in stores.
Gala.fr: Do you have to manage some requests from dancers and celebrities?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: As a general rule, they all have small special requests. Either they don’t want to show a part of their body or they don’t like the color of an outfit. We adapt.
Gala.fr: What is the atmosphere like in the dressing rooms?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: We are in a permanent tense flux. Everyone is running everywhere. It’s not idle. During rehearsal days, it’s very busy. We carry out the fittings and manage the final adjustments.
“I love when outfits come to life on stage”
Gala.fr: Are there any small unforeseen events that need to be handled urgently?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: It happens. During the prime, we always keep a few people in the workshop in case of small problems with the outfit. It is often linked to stress. Celebrities find the suit too tight or not tight enough. So, at the last minute, we sort it out quickly so they can feel comfortable.
Gala.fr: Is there an outfit that gave you the most trouble?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: It was in 2015, for a Disney-themed bonus. We made a huge dress for a Beauty and the Beast painting. This outfit was all pink satin with petticoats. On top, I had the idea of putting a transparent tulle with tiny gold sequins to add a magical side. I must say that everyone ate it! The amount of glitter in the workshop was simply incredible! When I saw that the sequins fell in the workshop, I shook the fabric in the street. The ground was all golden (he’s laughing).
Gala.fr: What happens to the costumes at the end of filming?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: Right after the prime shoot, all the costumes go into the washing machine on Friday evening or the next day. Then, the outfits are carefully stored in boxes. Slightly more delicate dresses are hung in another place.
Gala.fr: You have been the head designer of the program for 13 seasons. What continues to excite you?
Pierre Annez de Taboada: My passion is live performance. I don’t think it will ever leave me. I love when outfits come to life on stage. I love seeing people shine and dance in the costumes. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it!
Photo credits: PIXELINE PHOTOGRAPHIE TF1