A new Smurf costume was unveiled for the Manneken Pis on Saturday morning to celebrate the global premiere of the fourth film in the Smurfs’ cinematic adventures later in the day at the Square, in the heart of Brussels.
Manneken Pis was dressed as “No-Name” Smurf, a character from the movie, in a traditional folklore ceremony organised by the Order of Friends of the Manneken Pis. Present at the event were Véronique Culliford, daughter of the Smurfs’ creator Peyo, and the Mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close.
Philippe Close expressed his happiness in reminding everyone that the home of the Smurfs is Brussels before handing over to Véronique Culliford. She, visibly moved by receiving an honorary diploma from the Order, shared a story with the audience: in 1988, her mother, who was a costume designer, crafted a costume for Manneken Pis for the Smurfs’ 30th anniversary.
The new costume, revealed on Saturday, was created by Sophie Wéry, a costume designer for this iconic statue for the past 10 years. “I was informed on May 5th that the costume had passed commission. With my intern, I procured three official plush toys exhibited at the Smurf Experience in Heysel to source materials,” explained Wéry.
These plush toys provided the fabric for the “No-Name” Smurf outfit, with Wéry noting that “ten hours of deconstruction and over 30 hours of construction” were required. Wéry joined the Order of Friends of the Manneken Pis last year.
“The Smurfs, the movie” is anticipated in cinemas from 16 July. In this film directed by Chris Miller, Papa Smurf is mysteriously kidnapped by Razamel and Gargamel, prompting Smurfette and her friend No-Name Smurf to embark on a mission to rescue him.
