Get ready, Swifties! Ahead of the much-anticipated Friday release of Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” the pop sensation has given us a sparkling peek into her new era. Teasing fans with stunning imagery, Swift fully embodies the showgirl persona, adorned in exquisite jewels, lavish feathers, and a magnificent headdress. This dramatic transformation is exactly what her dedicated followers have come to expect, as each of her musical ‘eras’ is celebrated for its unique and unforgettable aesthetic.
This dazzling pivot to rhinestones and sequins is a clear homage to the iconic showgirl tradition, a performance art form that captivated European cabarets in the 19th century before exploding onto the Las Vegas stage in the 1950s. To perfectly capture this glamorous spirit, Swift donned a show-stopping ensemble created by none other than Bob Mackie, the legendary designer whose breathtaking costumes have graced performers across generations, from the Silent Generation to Gen Z.
“I’ve always pictured her as a sweet, fairy-tale princess,” shared the 85-year-old Mr. Mackie in a recent interview, speaking of Swift. “She was that young, innocent girl. But now, she’s truly come into her own as a grown-up artist.”
Stunning photographs by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott feature the 35-year-old Ms. Swift in a magnificent silvery, bejeweled Mackie creation. These images grace the covers of three distinct versions of “The Life of a Showgirl” album – gracing two vinyl records and a CD, adding an extra layer of sparkle for collectors.
A Legacy of Glamour: Icons Dressed by Bob Mackie
A visual journey through Bob Mackie’s illustrious career reveals the glittering parade of stars he has dressed. Imagine Cher, Elton John, and Diana Ross in 1975, radiant in his bold designs. Tina Turner, a force of nature, sported one of his winged creations in 1977. The incomparable Dolly Parton shone bright in a Mackie ensemble during the 1970s, while Madonna captivated audiences in one of his pale, sparkly gowns.
The specific showgirl ensemble now gracing Swift’s album covers has a rich history; it was originally created for the iconic “Jubilee!” revue. This spectacular Las Vegas production ran from 1981 to 2016, earning its place as the city’s longest-running show. It boasted over 1,000 breathtaking costumes, many of which Mr. Mackie designed in collaboration with Pete Menefee.
Mr. Mackie revealed that the intricate gemstone and featherwork for these costumes was meticulously crafted in France, with the entire collection taking over a year to complete. Such was the demand for sparkle that the show’s extensive wardrobe was rumored to have caused a temporary shortage of Swarovski crystals!
“When every single showgirl took to the stage for the finale, it was an absolutely unbelievable sight,” Mr. Mackie recalled, emphasizing, “It was just so wild.”
A striking photograph offers a glimpse of a “Jubilee!” performer in the very costume that Taylor Swift now flaunts on her new album covers, a testament to its timeless appeal.
Interestingly, while Mr. Mackie is renowned for personally fitting the stars who wear his designs, he no longer owns the original “Jubilee!” pieces and was not involved in getting the costume to Ms. Swift. (Her spokeswoman did not immediately respond to inquiries about the costume’s acquisition.) In fact, her choice to feature the ensemble on her “The Life of a Showgirl” album covers came as a delightful surprise to the designer himself.
“It was really quite fun to witness,” Mr. Mackie commented, noting that he promptly shared an Instagram post celebrating Ms. Swift’s look shortly after she first unveiled her album imagery.
For over six decades, the master costumer has been synonymous with show-stopping spectacle. His remarkable career began with dressing actress and singer Mitzi Gaynor, and since then, his creations have graced an unparalleled roster of legends: Cher, Tina Turner, Carol Burnett, Dolly Parton, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Madonna, Beyoncé, Pink, and Elton John, to name just a few.
Modern Muses: Bob Mackie’s Enduring Appeal
Even today, contemporary stars continue to embrace Bob Mackie’s iconic flair. From Miley Cyrus shimmering onstage in a fringed silver ensemble, to Sabrina Carpenter dazzling in a black sparkly, fringed confection at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party, and Zendaya making a statement in a shimmery gold halter dress with strategic cutouts, to Pink in a vibrant gold-and-black fringed creation – these artists prove that Mackie’s designs are as relevant and sought-after as ever. His unique vision continues to inspire and adorn the biggest names in entertainment.
Now, Taylor Swift, alongside other modern superstars like Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, and Sabrina Carpenter (who recently lit up an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in a stunning sparkly, fringed Bob Mackie creation), is proudly carrying this legacy forward. Their embrace of his distinctive designs is effectively introducing the iconic costumer and his work to a fresh, global audience.
“They all aspire to embody that showgirl essence,” Mr. Mackie observed, highlighting the timeless allure of the style.
But why this sudden resurgence of a seemingly ‘old-fashioned’ look?
“It genuinely surprised me,” he admitted. “Because it was, in a way, an old-fashioned style that had seemingly run its course. Yet, suddenly, stylists and stars alike are completely captivated by these outfits. They adore stepping into them; it’s like discovering an entirely new world of expression.”