The costume department at Glyndebourne has specially created a dress for soprano Louise Alder to be worn for her performance at the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms on Saturday 13 September 2025. The bespoke gown will be designed by internationally renowned British Set and Costume designer and long-time Glyndebourne collaborator, Nicky Shaw. Glyndebourne’s Senior Cutter Beryl Waldron has interpreted the designer’s vision and led her team in the creation of the dress this summer.
Taking inspiration from the theatricality of the Last Night, the dress will be revealed at the world-renowned celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, which draws to a close over eight weeks and more than 80 concerts.
Louise recently took on the role of the Countess in Glyndebourne’s Festival 2025 production of Le nozze di Figaro, which also appeared in a concert-staged performance at the BBC Proms on 27 August. Alder has a long-standing connection with Glyndebourne and was awarded the 2014 John Christie Award in recognition of outstanding upcoming talent.
Nicky has a long history of working at Glyndebourne in various design roles, and is the Set and Costume Designer for its upcoming new production of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s The Railway Children (30 October – 1 November, Glyndebourne, and 8 November, Southbank Centre).
The Last Night of the Proms is live on BBC Radio 3 from 7pm, BBC Two from 6.55pm, and BBC One from 8.30pm on Saturday 13 September.
Louise Alder says: ‘What an absolute joy it has been to collaborate with designer Nicky Shaw, head cutter Beryl Waldon and the wonderful team in the costume department at Glyndebourne. I couldn’t have asked for a more talented and enthusiastic group of women to surround me with confidence and love for this mammoth occasion. I am so very grateful to Glyndebourne for their support and generosity.’
Nicky Shaw says: ‘I was delighted and honoured to be asked by Louise to design her Last Night dress: a truly iconic evening. We have had a hugely enjoyable time collaborating on the dress design; from initial ideas, through my drawing process, to fabric selection and then to the several fittings we have had at Glyndebourne together with their highly talented and skilled costume team of cutters and makers. Having seen how glorious Louise looks in the dress, I can’t wait to see it revealed at the Royal Albert Hall stage this weekend.
