Broadway is a timeless fashion runway, with productions celebrating different eras, blending past, present, and future, from reality to fantasy. The costumes on stage convey character, set the mood, and invite audiences into each show’s world. Let’s explore how Broadway’s fashion not only has evolved but also shapes our view of history and culture.
[The Great Gatsby]
Reviving the Jazz Age in The Great Gatsby
A recent Broadway hit, The Great Gatsby, is an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel that transports us back to the opulence and glamour of the 1920’s; this era set the stage for remarkable fashion trends that are still recognized and celebrated today.
The team that recreated this era in fashion was led by Tony Award®-winning costume designer Linda Cho. The affluent setting of the Roaring Twenties provided a rich canvas for Cho’s creativity. Her costumes for the show are not just reproductions of Jazz Age fashion; they are interpretations that add depth to the characters and to the storyline.
[Samantha Pauly (center) & cast in The Great Gatsby; Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman photo]
Daisy Buchanan, the novel’s enigmatic and ethereal female lead, is seen in flapper dresses that embody her charm and the era’s carefree spirit. The heavily beaded dresses, sequined headbands, and long pearl necklaces signify not only Daisy’s wealth but also her fragility and the era’s fleeting glamour.
[Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada in The Great Gatsby; Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman photo]
Cho’s mastery is also evident in the sharp, three-piece suits worn by Jay Gatsby. The polished look, complete with a flat cap and a pocket square, speaks volumes about Gatsby’s meticulously crafted persona of wealth and sophistication. However, the flamboyance of the suits also subtly hints at Gatsby’s status, setting him apart from the old-money crowd he desperately wants to fit into.
Through Cho’s expert hand, The Great Gatsby successfully revives Jazz Age fashion, showcasing once again that Broadway is not only a stage for compelling performances but also a runway for timeless fashion statements.
[Capturing the vibe in Hell’s Kitchen; photo by Marc J. Franklin]
The Broadway show Hell’s Kitchen is a tribute to the iconic New York district, capturing the spirit of the neighbourhood through energetic performances, dynamic choreography, and costumes. Hell’s Kitchen is set in the 1990’s, a decade known for distinct fashion trends.
The show’s costumes are a colourful display of 90’s aesthetics, filled with bold colours. The show’s costume designer, Dede Ayite, drew inspiration from the street fashion of the time to give the characters an authentic and relatable look.
[Hell’s Kitchen; photo by Marc J. Franklin]
A diverse mix of high-waisted jeans, overalls, plaid shirts, colourful crop tops, and oversized t-shirts are a nod to the 90’s popular grunge style.
The characters also sport accessories like bandanas, chunky sneakers, and hoop earrings, adding to the show’s nostalgic vibe. The costumes are designed to be comfortable and flexible, enabling the actors to comfortably perform their energetic dance numbers.
The show serves as a perfect example of how Broadway uses fashion not just as a decorative element but as an integral part of storytelling, character development, and choreography.
[SIX: A Modern twist to historical fashion]
The dazzling musical SIX gives a powerful voice to the six wives of Henry VIII, transforming them from historical footnotes to fierce, independent women with their own narratives. The music is catchy, and the lyrics are clever, but the costumes are the real standout.
The fashion of SIX strikes a perfect balance between the historical reality of the six queens and the modern reinterpretations of their stories.
Costume designer Gabriella Slade has broken free from the shackles of historical accuracy, opting instead for a more colourful, futuristic aesthetic. Yet, each costume subtly reflects the queen’s historical story and unique personality, making them not just fashion statements but also character portraits.
The costumes of SIX brilliantly intertwine historical references and modern designs, offering a fresh take on the six queens of Henry VIII. Catherine of Aragon’s regal attire is bathed in gold, representing power and prestige, reflecting her high status in Tudor times.
Anne Boleyn dons a green checkered top and skirt to pay homage to the poem “Greensleeves,” rumoured to be about Boleyn and penned by Henry himself. Her choker, adorned with a “B,” hauntingly symbolizes her decapitation.
Jane Seymour, the traditionalist, is seen in a black-rimmed dress influenced by Tudor architecture, signifying her modesty. Anne of Cleves, outfitted in red, embodies strength, power, and determination.
Katherine Howard, the young queen, is dressed in pink, her outfit accentuating her figure, capturing the male gaze that objectified her. Lastly, Catherine Parr stands out in a royal blue jumpsuit, its puffed sleeves reminiscent of Henry’s attire, while her trousers symbolize her survival beyond Henry’s reign.
[Six]
SIX uses fashion as a tool to rewrite history from a fresh perspective. Each costume, while unapologetically modern and futuristic, still carries echoes of the past, serving as a subtle nod to the historical legacy of the queens.
There’s a world of fashion waiting on the Broadway stage, a world that transports audiences across eras and cultures and promotes fashion as more than just clothing. Experience Broadway and embark on a timeless fashion journey that promises to be as inspiring as the performances themselves.
This post produced in partnership with The Broadway Collection.
