On the occasion of the Picasso Year, the iconic figure of the Manneken-Pis in Brussels dresses up as Picasso. The Spanish Embassy in Brussels has carried out, through a competition, the realization of fashion design in reference to the Malaga artist with the creation of "Picasso, harlequin and bather", by the Spanish designer Aroa Chao, who will dress the famous Belgian boy in a tradition that originated in the seventeenth century.
The ceremony of delivery of this Picassian costume takes place on October 25 coinciding with the birth of Picasso and in the presence of the Ambassador of Spain in Brussels, Alberto Antón Cortés.
The Manneken-Pis: Treasure of Brussels:
The Manneken-Pis, one of the most beloved symbols of Brussels, stands as a centuries-old witness to the city. The first mention of this famous fountain dates back to 1451 and depicts a naked boy in the act of urinating in the basin of a fountain. This small statue, about 55 centimeters high, is located in the old part of the Belgian capital, between the streets L'Etuve and Chene, near the Grand Place.
In 1965, the original statue was stolen and, a year later, found in the Brussels-Charleroi canal. Consequently, it was decided to move the original statue to the Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles, in the Grand-Place, while a replica took its place in the fountain.
The tradition of dressing the Manneken-Pis originated in 1616 when the city was presented with a tunic to dress this unique figure. Although historical references prior to that date are scarce, the oldest surviving costume was donated by Louis XV, King of France, in 1747. Today, the Museé de la Ville exhibits an astonishing collection of more than 1,000 regional costumes, each one unique and of singular design, as well as curious outfits such as that of a bullfighter or one that evokes Elvis.
About designer Aroa Chao:
Aroa Chao, the talented designer behind the costume "Picasso, harlequin and bather," is a Spanish costume maker based in Brussels and Madrid. Her focus on recycling and sustainability reflects her commitment to the environment and social responsibility.
In addition to her work as a designer, Aroa is a passionate collector and restorer of vintage textiles, recognizing the importance of history in contemporary apparel. She is also an entrepreneur and manager of a vintage clothing and collectibles store in Madrid. Her arrival in Brussels two years ago has allowed her to further explore the historical and cultural richness of Belgium, focusing on the heritage of the Beguine culture in the country.