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An outfit created and showcased on the red carpet at the Life Ball Vienna
The Ball is an event of charity where 100 young designer are invited to walk the red carpet showing their work and creations. The theme is different every year.
Description:
“Magnum Aurum” (from Latin: “Great Gold”) was inspired by ancient Greek mythology implementing various factors and legends. The look is influenced by “essedarius” armor and the theme combines the tale and myth of King Midas Touch
“essedarius” – a type of gladiator fighting from a chariot
“chariot” – a type of carriage using animals (horses) to provide motive power
King Midas was the ruler of Phrygia, a sovereign of great fortune and wealth. Obsessed with luxury, money and gold he lived a rich and affluent life in abundance with his daughter Marygold. His greatest happiness was provided by gold and profusion.
The myth of The King and the Golden Touch begins when Dionyssus, the god of wine and prosperity passed through the kingdom of Midas. One of his companions, a satyr named Silenus got delayed and decided to take rest in Midas rose gardens. Silenus was found by Midas and the King invited him to his palace providing him with great hospitality. Midas then returned the satyr to Dionyssus who was touched by the King’s kindness and decided to reward Midas with one wish. The King’s wish was everything he touched would turn gold. Dionyssus granted the King’s wish yet warned him about the dangerous consequences but Midas did not hesitate. Eager to practice his magic power Midas started touching his possessions taking great enjoyment in the transformation of everything turning to gold. However magic became a curse when food and water also became gold. The starving king became fearful and desperate. But he curse only got worse when he hugged his beloved daughter and she turned into a golden statue. Despaired and frightened he prayed to Dionyssus to take this curse away. The God expressed sympathy and lifted the curse. Midas was asked to bath in the river Pactolus and while washing himself gold was flowing from his hands. On his return home upon touching everything, all things became normal once again. Midas hugged his daughter in great happiness and decided to share his fortune with his people. He became generous, kind and grateful for all things in life. His people led a prosperous life and the king was mourned long after his death.
For the creation of this look the following materials were used:
250 meters of gold decorative ribbon, 200 meters of gold satin ribbon, 18 meters of material, 15 meters of support material, approximately 2000 pieces of gold pearls, 18 meters of gold chain, 110 pieces of stones, 10 ostrich feathers along with other decorative items
The outfit consists of:
Jacket (Sleeves are constructed from 250 individual pieces, Bodice – 20 pieces), Skirt / Kilt (constructed from 30 pieces), Helmet (constructed from 25 pieces), Boots (constructed from 30 pieces), Trousers, Gloves and Clutch
All design, tailoring and production by Zoltan Toth






