The Centre National du Costume de Scène (National Theatrical Costume Center) in Moulins, France is paying homage to the Diva -- that prima donna endowed with a magnetic aura and exercising fascination over her audience, via an exhibition entitled "Vestiaires de divas" (The Divas' dressing room), from June 5 - December 31, 2010.

For Romans, then for Italians, the "Diva" was originally a "goddess". At the dawn of the 20th century, she became mortal in the form of an opera singer whose talent, virtuosity and personality combine to form a truly explosive blend, nurturing unparalleled success and popularity. Her audience stretched well beyond amateur circles, vowing to her its fervent worship. And it is not purely by chance that the "Diva ex machina" arrived on the lyrical scene simultaneously to the decline of her masculine counterpart, also referred to as "Divo", and hitherto revered by all European aristocratic courts.

Driven by the intense fervor and the delirious devotion of their public, Divas made their ever-increasing impact. On stage, they imposed their artistic choices: roles, rhythm and tempo, partners, stagecraft and, of course, costumes. Of a fiery and scintillating nature, they shone and set the boardwalk ablaze in their luxurious robes, richly adorned with jewels.

The "Vestiaires de Divas" exhibition will present at least a hundred costumes and accessories worn by the most illustrious stars of the French and international scene, from the late 19th century to the present day: opera singers, actresses, chorus girls, stars of French song…

In alphabetical order:

- Sarah Bernhardt, immensely successful late 19th century tragedienne, genuine « giant » of the French theatrical scene

- Emma Calvé, renowned for her majestic interpretation of Carmen in the early 20th century, one of if not the most famous female opera role in the history of opera

- Maria Callas, the 20th century Diva, world famous and archetype in the genre, regularly at the top of the hit parade, even when the theatre stalls that had applauded her in the roles of Norma, Tosca and Traviata, became vacant day after day

- Régine Crespin, the French Diva whose clothes, jewelry and personal costumes are preserved by the CNCS

- Montserrat Caballé, kind hearted and with great technical prowess

- Natalie Dessay, Renée Fleming, Angela Gheorghiu, Jessye Norman, all great lyrical performers whose appearances in today's theatres and concert halls arouse great enthusiasm

- Hortense Schneider, Offenbach's muse and performer, creator of the role of the "Grand Duchess of Gerolstein", and who dazzled royal visitors to the 1867 World Fair

- Edwige Feuillère, the unforgettable empress of the dramatic scene

- Edith Piaf and Dalida, legendary Divas so cherished in the hearts of their fans and whose melodies have travelled the globe

Not forgetting many more who are sure to emerge from our deepest memories to take to the stage once more for the duration of this exhibition. Sumptuous fabrics, rich embroideries, pearls and sequins, fur, feathers and precious gems rival in the great race to sparkle. Costumes are an excellent pretext for extravagant adornments to magnify the splendor of the Divas. The role they play is of little importance, be it on stage or off. When a Diva appears, at the door of a limousine, on the deck of a yacht, the gangway of a plane or the balcony of a luxurious hotel, she is always in the spotlight, constantly on stage. Nothing is ever too extravagant to dazzle and charm.

However, history is also a matter of legends. One does not choose to be a Diva! It requires talent, hard work, will, generosity and that indefinable quality that magnifies an artist, making her set the boardwalk ablaze and offering her audience a little taste of paradise. Far from common clichés, one of the most remarkable characteristics of our modern Divas is often the great modesty with which they perfect their art and regard their collaborators: conductors, producers, costumiers, and partners.

The exhibition will be presenting today's finest designer creations for these modern Divas, including costumes created by Christian Lacroix for Renée Fleming at the Metropolitan Opera in New York; by Maurizio Galante, including those worn by June Anderson, for last January's Haute Couture fashion show; or those created by Frank Sorbier for "La Traviata", in Henry-Jean Servat's production for "Opéras en plein air." The exhibition will also display accessories, jewels, headdresses, shoes, make-up and travel trunks (some of them specially created by the house of Vuitton)… and many other personal effects and indispensible objects to sustain the Divas' great aura, and evocative of their dazzling legends.

Moulins is about two and a half hour train ride from Paris Gare de Lyon station.