by Rosanna Carlucci

Bright lights, big noise. The curtain pulls back to reveal a bevy of showgirls. They seem to pulsate with the kind of energy one would expect from a neon sign. In a womb of dim red lighting, feather boas, and broken hearts, they sashay from one mirror to the next. Like painters and sculptors, they apply and reapply their lotions, powders, lashes and rouge. Covered in sequins and pearls, each girl flounces about in her costume like a bird whose wings have been clipped. The glamour is overwhelming, hitting anyone who walks in like a wave of diamonds.

There is the brunette from Missouri, apologetic and warm. Her diamond eyes fixed upon the photo of her Jack before each show. Then there is the redhead from Chicago, jealous of her own shadow. She sits alone; her reflection seems her only friend. And then there is the blonde from Nevada, living the rhinestone dream. Both her mother and grandmother were showgirls. Her business is show business and the pressure of living a legacy of late nights and broken promises seems to fade when she hits the stage…

For showgirls, or the rest of us who wish we were, feathered accessories provide that instant touch of vintage showgirl glamour for day or night.  For decades, feathers have adorned the costumes and headdresses of countless showgirls and burlesque performers. The beautifully coloured feathers of birds such as peacocks or pheasants arranged on a hat, headpiece or bodice seem to conjure feelings of frailty and seduction.  Much like the birds whose feathers they adorn, there is an exotic frailty associated with the showgirl mystique. 

Today, feathers seem to have worked their way into mainstream fashion. More specifically, hats, headbands, and feather headpieces are now available from retailers such as Urban Outfitters or Holt Renfrew.  In addition, Canadian designer Karyn Gringras, the creative force behind vintage inspired millinery Lilliput hats, has been creating her vintage inspired headpieces for over seventeen years. Many of Karyn’s creations include beautiful and exotic feathers that are perfect for any occasion and can be specially ordered or customized.  

*Trivia: In 1933, burlesque showgirl Sally Rand revealed her now infamous “Fan Dance” at the Chicago World Fair. During her act, she used two seven-foot long pink ostrich feathers to suggestively cover her semi nude body while she danced.

Lilliput hats available at www.lilliputhats.com