Just before the highly anticipated Friday release of Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’ the global superstar unveiled stunning new visuals. These images feature Swift transformed, adorned with dazzling jewels, luxurious feathers, and an impressive towering headdress – a dramatic shift perfectly in line with the distinct aesthetic ‘eras’ her fans have come to anticipate with each new musical venture.
Swift’s latest look, embracing a world of rhinestones and sequins, pays homage to the iconic showgirl aesthetic. This flamboyant performance style originated in 19th-century European cabarets before reaching its dazzling peak in 1950s Las Vegas. To truly embody this glamorous transformation, Swift donned an exquisite ensemble from none other than Bob Mackie, the legendary designer who has adorned showgirls and performers across generations, from the Silent Generation to Gen Z.
Reflecting on Swift’s evolution, the 85-year-old Mackie remarked, “I always thought of her as a little fairy-tale princess. That young, young girl. But she’s a grown-up now.”
Striking photographs by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott showcase the 35-year-old Swift in a shimmering, bejeweled Mackie creation. This stunning design graces the covers of three editions of ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ album: two vinyl records and one CD.
Bob Mackie’s Legendary Clients
Bob Mackie’s incredible artistry has graced numerous stars throughout the decades. A visual tribute includes Cher, Elton John, and Diana Ross captured together in stunning Mackie creations in 1975; Tina Turner striking a pose in one of his iconic winged ensembles in 1977; Dolly Parton performing live in a dazzling Mackie outfit in the 1970s; and Madonna seen in a beautiful, pale, sparkly gown designed by Mackie.
Interestingly, this very ensemble was first conceived for ‘Jubilee!’, the extravagant Las Vegas revue that ran from 1981 to 2016 and holds the record as the city’s longest-running production. The show boasted over 1,000 breathtaking costumes, many of which Mr. Mackie co-designed with Pete Menefee.
Mackie revealed that the intricate gemstone and feather detailing on the costumes were crafted in France, a monumental task that took over a year to complete. The sheer volume of dazzling stones required for the show’s extensive wardrobe reportedly led to a temporary worldwide shortage of Swarovski crystals.
Describing the grand finale, Mackie reminisced, “When they had every showgirl up onstage… you can’t believe your eyes. It was so wild.”
A Glimpse of the Original
An archival photo shows a ‘Jubilee!’ performer radiant in the same iconic costume now featured on some of Taylor Swift’s new album covers.
While Mr. Mackie usually conducts fittings with the stars who wear his creations, he clarified that he no longer owns the original ‘Jubilee!’ costumes and was not involved in providing the ensemble to Ms. Swift. (A representative for Ms. Swift did not respond to inquiries about the costume’s origin.) Her choice to feature it on her album covers came as a pleasant surprise to the designer.
“Well, it was kind of fun to see,” Mackie shared, noting his delight by posting about Swift’s look on Instagram shortly after her album imagery reveal.
For over six decades, the master costume designer has been synonymous with theatrical spectacle, beginning with his first client, actress and singer Mitzi Gaynor. His illustrious client roster grew to include legends such as Cher, Tina Turner, Carol Burnett, Dolly Parton, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Madonna, Beyoncé, Pink, and Elton John.
Modern Stars Embrace Mackie’s Glamour
Contemporary icons continue to be drawn to Bob Mackie’s distinctive style, including Miley Cyrus, dazzling in a fringed silvery ensemble; Sabrina Carpenter, captivating on the red carpet in a sparkly, fringed black dress; Zendaya, exuding glamour in a shimmering gold halter dress; and Pink, performing in a vibrant gold-and-black fringed creation.
With Ms. Swift leading the charge, alongside contemporary superstars like Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, and Sabrina Carpenter (who recently graced an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in a dazzling, fringed Bob Mackie creation), the designer’s iconic work is now reaching entirely new generations of fans.
Mackie observed, “They all want to look like that showgirl.”
But why this resurgence?
He admitted to being surprised: “It shocked me because it was kind of, like, an old-fashioned thing that has had its day. But now, all of a sudden, the stylists and the stars are just kind of fascinated with those outfits, and they love getting into them, and it’s like a whole other world for them.”