Come To The Cabaret!
September 7, 2010 by Alison
Passion Very Willkommen!
Seldom is passion so exceptionally demonstrated than in Cabaret. Bob Fosse’s direction and choreography is one of a kind – full of life, mind blowing and ridiculously difficult! Recently I thought back to when my passion for lingerie came about: it probably started when my great aunt (born in 1900) allowed us children access to the contents of her incredible wardrobe – 30s shapewear and undergarments, stockings, wigs, and fabulous fur coats in all their politically incorrect glory. Who knew that not far off 30 years later I would still be passionate about all those treasures I found (minus the fur of course)!
Cabaret Inspired
I have a background in theatre and dance and adore the musical, Cabaret (and bored my singing teacher rigid every week, asking to sing ‘Mein Herr’); my choreographical knowledge certainly extends to being able to appreciate Fosse’s precise moves (believe me, dancing on a chair ain’t easy). My appreciation or rather adoration for the 1972 film however is in no way restricted to the dance: if you’ve never seen the film, I urge you to take a peek. The costumes worn by Helga, Christina, Inge and Mausi in ‘Wilkommen’ are some of the most fantastically designed pieces. Check out their seemingly tarty and dishevelled outfits: notice the embellished tops? The utterly sexy knicker and suspender combos? The all-in-ones? Bebaroque, Lascivious, Velda Lauder and Chanteuse are just a few that spring to mind!
Live The Dream!
Naturally the starring character, Liza Minnelli, is dressed in equally fabulous (and more obviously glam) costumes – just take a look at her costume in ‘Life is a Cabaret’ and ‘Mein Herr’ – remind you of anything? I’m thinking Zinke’s gorgeous playsuits, bodysuits by Lascivious and Andrea Billard’s must-have Paris Playsuit.
Who knows if some of our favourite designers were influenced or inspired by Cabaret? I do know that the film’s German born costume designer, Charlotte Flemming, certainly worked her magic on me and I can still lose myself in a dreamy world of cabaret designs. Luckily I know that with the fabulous designers out there I can fulfil my dream of dressing up the way I want to, even if my great aunt is no longer here.
All I need now is the Minnelli voice!
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Filed Under Basques and Corsets, Bodysuits, Bras, Costumes, Retro, U.K., U.S., Vixen
Tagged: Andrea Billard, asos, Bebaroque, Chanteuse, Fifi Chachnil, Velda Lauder
I absolutely love that movie and the costumes from start to finish are F'ing Fabulous!
I feel like watching the movie again now!! x
So pleased it's inspired you Liya! Hope you enjoyed it, if you did watch it! x
They are fabulous and i remember seeing an amateur production of Cabaret and they had got the costumes just right – which is no mean feat and rare to see!
I love to watch Cabaret just for the song/dance sequences – absolutely superb. The dancers deserve a ton of credit, every move is spot on. 'Wilkommen' and 'Mein Herr' are my faves, so creative.