James Lavoie is the mastermind behind BAZZAR Costume Design, “Circus arts attract diverse, dynamic people. Let’s be inspired by them!” James embraced the energy, natural look, and raw talent of each artist to amplify their true spirit through costume design.

With a band of thirty crazy eclectic characters, the main challenge was to create individual looks that visually unify in the troupe-spirit of Cirque du Soleil. Much like the show itself, the creation process was intuitive and organic, not fixed to any one point in time. BAZZAR presented an invitation to design by instinct, to be inspired by everyday life, and to trust your gut! Beyond instinct however, James sought inspiration in the works of contemporary 20th century artists, conceptual architectural clothing, and street style, as the history of Cirque du Soleil is rooted in street performance.

Throughout the process, the set design came to be a heavy influence. Study the troupe’s looks and notice black lines running through each. Obvious and subtle. Thick and thin. A nod to the performance lab’s architecture, and connectivity in the chaos. This visual connection between costume and space wasn’t the initial intention. James tends to draw with a Sharpie and heavy hand on paper.

BAZZAR creators, Susan and Marie-Hélène saw his first sketches and fell inspired. Steps of the creative process, like James’ first Sharpie sketches, are directly expressed through the costume design. For example, the chaotic energy of the After-Effect tableau is captured by scribbly patterns or “pen marks on paper”, says James. “We are trying to express the chaos at the beginning of creation. The first stroke on canvas.” The themes of Construction-Deconstruction and Time are expressed through various garments too. A skirt that seems incomplete. Pants with cut outs. A shirt with bands of fabric that begs the question: ‘Is this garment finished, or in the process of making?’. There’s a strong sense of building and breaking apart. Creating or disassembling. Much like the creative process itself.

The Maestro’s hat is one costume item worth mentioning, not onlybec ause it is part of the storyline, but because of the function worked into its design. Custom molded and laser cut plastics come together to create a scale model of the set, worn on the Maestros head with integrated lighting and a small plastic ball that scurries down a slide and through a trapdoor.

Digital printing techniques and silkscreening with various foils or silicones add an element of experimentation. Vibrant colours, shiny golds, patent leather, crisp blacks and whites, eye-catching prints, delightful textures, innovative materials, and avant-garde silhouettes collide in celebration and visual cohesion. Nothing is shy about BAZZAR including it's characters...

Maestro The Maestro is the elder leader or ‘wise sage’. As the protagonist with a physically large presence, he commands control - or comically tries to - within the creative process. In his humorous pursuit to keep the troupe on track, as proven by a hilariously fun clown act, the Maestro grabs you by the heart. Floating Woman In contrast to the Maestro, the Floating Woman is a young trickster who thrives for freedom and embraces chaos. She’s a pure of heart, clumsy character, inspired by childlike naiveté. The Floating Woman has zero fear and full trust in all. She’s unfiltered, wildly curious, and innocently optimistic. Troupe Twenty-seven eclectic artists unite as one talented troupe that show ferocious teamwork. “We pushed their individuality and raw performance itself – strength, flexibility, whatever makes them amazing – to the forefront” says Marie-Hélène, Creative Director. Explosive teeterboard artists amp energy to the max. Acro bike performer bring lyrical poeticism reminiscent of a Renaissance time. Dancers shine in a spectrum of genres. Unique in sizes, acts, personalities, and cultures, the troupe represents the beauty of our world. Grande Âme Soul of the space. Singer of the show. Steadily calming force. The Grande Âme unites the troupe when things get too wacky. A true diplomat, she takes no sides and reminds everyone of their main purpose as one creative team. Mothering in nature, she represents an empowered, modern woman of strength. Mini Maestro A maestro-in-training. This total ‘protagonist wannabe’ has a not-so-secret secret: He is madly in love with the Floating Woman (even though she’s a real thorn-in-the-side of his control-needing nature). Opposites attract as they say. His innocent boy crush is adorably heartful. The Performance Lab “The performance lab has to be one of the characters!” insists Susan. Constantly shifting and changing with colour, light, and music as an emotional force, the scenography deeply connects to the tempo, rhythm, and overall mood of the creative performance lab. It’s totally alive!

{The Maestro} {Performance Lab} {The Maestros} {Mini Maestro}