Style Tribes of the Night

 

Burlesque   {mosimage}

 

The burlesque cabaret scene is rapidly expanding across the UK. Think exquisite corsets, vintage jewels, seamed stockings, tassels and feathers and you’re on the right track. From the burlesque London hotspot – The Whoopee Club to VaVaVoom down in Brighton, cabaret style performances are now popping up all over the country. Guys dress up in dapper Edwardian and 1940s garb while the girls look like extras from Moulin Rouge.

 

Dita Von Teese

 

The queen of the current burlesque scene has to be Miss Dita Von Teese. Her longtime fascination with 1940s cinema and its stars such as: Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable has made her name and image synonymous with vintage glamour. Not only does she look like a Hollywood siren but her performances borrow from the elegant strip routines of the 1940s. There’s fan dancing, ballet and champagne baths with each performance immaculately styled from the costumes, props, hair and make-up to the surrounding stage sets.

 

                   

 

Dita’s image and shows has already captured the imagination of fashion world. In autumn 2003 she was invited to perform her dazzling show at an exclusive party for Garrard Diamonds. This fashion week she is back in the UK once again for Agent Provocateur’s 10^th Anniversary celebration and to attend the annual Elle Style Awards. And that’s not all, expect to see Dita modelling with her fiancée Marilyn Manson in the spring/summer Vivienne Westwood campaign, as well as appearing in a variety of fashion spreads and editorials.

 

                  

 

Dita’s vintage style has inspired burlesque performers and dress-up fans both in the UK and the States. The scene is decadent, glamorous and a little naughty, it also appeals to a variety of age ranges looking for a fun intimate night out. Many source their outfits from second-hand and vintage shops along with brand new pieces that have a retro feel. Check out Miss Katie www.misskatie.com Hussy www.hussy.org.uk and Melanie Wilson www.prangsta.com for their creative versions of the theme.

 

Dress-Up Themes

 

Over at this seasons London Edge burlesque style was in evidence with plenty of corsets, flirty skirts, suspenders and underwear shapes as seen at the Edge fashion show, Alchemy Masque and Jungbluth Design stands. Other dress-up themes on show include the likes of: the fifties & sixties, Western, Biker, fantasy, historical/film re-enactments, fetish and gothic.

 

   

 

Dress-up club nights are on the rise and the preparation of a new outfit for each event is all part of the appeal. Burlesque, meanwhile continues to grow and inspire – you can even find Burlesque Academy’s teaching everything from – seductive methods for removing gloves to creating your very own burlesque outfit. Stateside the burlesque-cabaret scene is as strong as ever and it looks like it’s about to get that way over here.

 

Burlesque Club Nights: {mosimage}

 

 

www.thewhoopeeclub.com 

 

www.ladyluckclub.co.uk

 

www.pixipink.com

 

 

 

 

By JoJo Iles