Taylor Swift is no stranger to reinvention, dazzling fans yet again with her elaborate costume for the cover of her highly anticipated 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. Turns out, her look has an iconic backstory.
Legendary designer Bob Mackie spoke out about the eye-catching ensemble he created in a new Instagram post shared on Tuesday, August 19, revealing that it was originally put together for the “Jewel Finale” of the Las Vegas show, Jubilee.
“Produced by Don Arden; the show featured over 1,000 costumes based on Florenz Ziegfeld stage shows with elaborate couture costumes worn by the showgirls. It was the longest running showgirl spectacular in history and ran from 1981 to 2016,” he shared in his caption.
The costume worn by Swift is accessorized with a crown-like headpiece, luxurious feather accents and cascading beading chains, all contributing to the regal and extravagant vibe.
Mackie revealed that no detail was spared while creating the dramatic, rhinestone-encrusted look, which was designed to awe. “The bra, undergarments, and armbands are all French wirework and backed with a blush fabric for a nude illusion,” he wrote. “The bra and underwear have set stones and drops at the under-bust of the bra and the waistline of the underwear.”
Stylist and Sin City native Jose Rodrigo told Page Six that authentic showgirl ensembles can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds due to the heavy embellishments.
As Us Weekly previously reported, Swift sent fans into a frenzy when she revealed on boyfriend Travis Kelce’s podcast that her upcoming album would be released on October 3.
As part of her appearance on the “New Heights” podcast, Swift also released the track list, revealing her collaboration with fellow pop star Sabrina Carpenter and other songs, including “Elizabeth Taylor,” “Ruin the Friendship,” “Opalite” and “The Fate of Ophelia” — just to name a few.
She later revealed an alternate cover for The Life of a Showgirl: The Shiny Bug Vinyl Collection, offering fans the limited-edition wintergreen and onyx marbled vinyl or the violet shimmer marbled vinyl options.
In the artwork, she posed in a beaded bodysuit paired with fishnet tights and opera gloves.
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