Bespoke concert attire for choirs

For many choirs, the search for suitable and practical choir outfits is an issue that surfaces repeatedly:
What suits us as an ensemble? What defines us? How do we wish to be perceived? And how can we reconcile the needs of individual members with the wishes of the choir director or management?

For Marillon Couture, finding answers to these questions means, first and foremost, listening and understanding the dynamic and unique characteristics of each ensemble.

The process that follows is usually a lengthy collaborative journey, beginning with the search for the right fabrics and patterns and culminating in a ‘textile consensus’. Accompanying this development is, each time, an exciting, challenging and highly enriching task for our atelier. It is a path which – when travelled together – ultimately produces a visual result that conveys to the outside world what is intended musically within.

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Konzertkleidung für Chöre, Maxi Lasheras, Marillon Couture Leipzig, Bühnengardarobe Leipzig, Konzertkleidung Leipzig

Chöre, Maxi Lasheras, Marillon Couture Leipzig, Bühnengardarobe Leipzig, Konzertkleidung Leipzig

Solistinnen und Dirigentinnen, Maxi Lasheras, Marillon Couture Leipzig, Bühnengardarobe Leipzig, Konzertkleidung Leipzig

Marillon Couture and the Leipzig Synagogue Choir

In 2018, in collaboration with the singers of the Leipzig Synagogue Choir, Marillon designed three-piece choral attire that can be worn in different ways depending on the type of performance.

Details of the outfits’ design

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The skirt and top are made from an easy-care, softly draping and lightly lustrous black jersey.
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For sacred performances in synagogues or churches, dark green choir robes are added. These are crafted from lustrous, bottle-green satin.
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The cut is modelled on a classic frock coat with fabric buttons at the back.
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At the front, a flowing shawl collar creates an effect of length. It also allows jumpers or thermal base layers in cooler concert venues to remain hidden.
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For secular concerts featuring Yiddish songs, the female singers wear triangular scarves in a variety of colours instead of their choir robes.
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In 2025, we augmented the choir’s outfits with the addition of thin, black tops with loose three-quarter sleeves for particularly warm summer concerts.

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Anführungsstriche als Gestaltungselement für ein Zitat in Gold

“The Leipzig Synagogue Choir would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Marillon Couture – for anyone seeking concert attire, this is the place to go: friendly, creative and competent! The personal service was exceptional. Our ladies are delighted to be wearing their new concert gowns!”

– Franziska Menzel · Chair of the Choir Committee · Leipziger Synagogalchor

Choral attire for the Monteverdi Choir Hamburg

Marillon Couture has designed new concert dress for the Monteverdi Choir Hamburg, which made its first appearance at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg in December 2024.

Following a process lasting almost two years, the choir opted for a completely new colour, combined with a fabric that visually reflects the choir’s predominantly Baroque repertoire.

The ladies’ long robes, tailored from dark blue brocade, are paired with a black top and either a skirt or wide-leg trousers, allowing the singers to adapt their outfits to the temperature of each venue.

Forearm sleeves – also made of blue brocade – provide a finishing touch to the black tops worn by the female members, lending an air of elegance and uniformity. The male members of the choir are catered for with matching bow ties.

Useful information regarding bespoke concert attire for choirs

Here you will find specific details regarding concert wear for choirs. We would be happy to discuss your specific wishes, requirements and all further details during an introductory meeting.

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How does one create a cohesive clothing concept for large choirs?

Developing a concept for new choir outfits begins with a discussion about your musical profile, the desired visual effect on stage, as well as practical and organisational requirements. On this basis, we develop a cohesive look that both reflects the choir’s musical identity and takes all functional aspects into account.

How long would it take to produce a new set of concert outfits?

Designing and manufacturing new choral attire is usually a lengthy project. From the initial discussion, when ideas are maybe still vague, to the first concert in the new outfits would certainly take several months, sometimes even one or two years. How quickly things progress in the end depends on various factors. It is crucial to ensure that communication within the choir is well structured throughout the various stages of the process.

What costs should we expect if we wish to acquire new concert attire?

It is also impossible to make any general statements regarding the budget. As soon as the design has been finalised, we will, of course, issue a quote that will then enable you to plan reliably.

How are different sizes and statures accommodated?

If the aim is to create a uniform choir dress in which all the ladies and all the gentlemen respectively wear the same outfit, it is important to develop a design that works well for all sizes and, above all, caters for larger statures. For this reason, we produce an initial sample, which must be approved either by the entire choir or a selected committee, in a large size – a design that suits larger statures will invariably also suit smaller ones.

When it comes to producing the final choral outfits in various sizes, there are essentially two options:
Choirs that provide their members with concert dress and experience frequent fluctuation in their line-up (usually amateur or semi-professional ensembles) should have standardised ready-to-wear sizes made and then have small alterations made to fit each individual as and when necessary. For professional choirs with a regular membership, it generally makes more sense to have the garments made to measure.

What should we, as a choir, bear in mind when embarking on a ‘New choir attire’ project?

Whether such an undertaking is successfully completed within a reasonable period of time depends not only on creative design ideas and good fabrics. Above all, it is important that the choir internally establishes exactly what is desired and what is required. Once we set out on this journey together, good and trusting communication within the choir is essential to be able to reach decisions on designs or fabrics. In order to implement the ‘New choir attire’ project efficiently, it is advisable to establish clear lines of responsibility in advance.

Would our concert dress be tax deductible?

The various regional tax authorities provide quite differing answers to this question, so we recommend that you consultant an accountant or the relevant tax authority directly in advance.

Is it possible to make subsequent additions to the outfits or place further orders in the future?

Right from the development stage of your bespoke clothing concept, we ensure that any subsequent augmentation or orders can be implemented as smoothly as possible.

Consultation and getting to know each other personally

We would be happy to offer you a personal consultation either by telephone or, by prior appointment, in person at our atelier in Leipzig’s Waldstraßenviertel district, close to the city centre. We look forward to hearing from you!

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