Taylor Swift's appearance this week marks her transition into a showgirl phase for her performances.
In the world of pop music, glamour and spectacle often take centre stage. This is particularly true for artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry, who have been drawn to the iconic and theatrical aesthetic of Las Vegas showgirls.
Taylor Swift's latest album, "The Life of a Showgirl," is a testament to this fascination. Inspired by the dazzling spirit of a Las Vegas dancer, the album marks a departure from Swift's previous styles, such as the woolen overcoats and broderie-anglais dresses of "Folklore" (2020) and the copper baker boy hats of "Red" (2012).
The album's cover art, featuring Swift in a crystal embellished demi-bra and jeweled trails, submerged in what appears to be a bathtub, is a striking example of this new direction. It's a bold statement that finds Swift in excellent company, as she joins the ranks of pop stars like Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, and Addison Rae, who have all referenced showgirl style in their careers.
Swift's decision to embrace this style is not just aesthetic. The glittering facade, feminine styling, makeup, intricate costuming, and the hard-working dedication of showgirls might have attracted her. After all, both Swift and Vegas showgirls understand the importance of maintaining the show despite personal circumstances.
Taylor Swift wrote the album during the European leg of her "Era's Tour," which in 2024 became the highest-grossing tour of all time, spanning 51 cities across 5 continents. Swift performed for stadiums of people in high-octane outfits, drawing on a seemingly bottomless reserve of energy, a schedule that could be compared to that of a Vegas showgirl.
The sexed-up, glamorous costumes are juxtaposed with empty theatres and cold, green light, possibly symbolizing quiet, lonelier moments after performances. In another image, Swift poses with her arms wide in another showgirl-inspired outfit covered in sparkling gems.
The album's theme also shares a connection with the image of showgirls dating back to Parisian music halls. Taylor Swift's boyfriend, Travis Kelce, mentioned on their podcast "New Heights" that Swift said she was "literally living the life of a showgirl" during the tour.
While Swift is the most recent artist to embrace the Las Vegas showgirl style, she is not alone. Christina Aguilera is also an executive producer on the theater show "Burlesque: The Musical" currently on show in London's West End. Aguilera's involvement further underscores the enduring appeal of this style, which connects current performers to icons like Tina Turner and Cher, who originally popularized these looks in pop culture.
In using the Las Vegas showgirl style, pop stars like Swift tap into a rich tradition of visual opulence and theatricality, while making a bold statement of their artistic identity and the spectacle of their performances. This style, characterized by glittering costumes, feathers, and burlesque elements, evokes a sense of extravagance, allure, and showmanship that complements the larger-than-life personas these artists embody on stage.
[1] Smith, J. (2023). "The Glamorous Allure of the Las Vegas Showgirl: A Perspective on Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl'." Billboard. Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9617856/taylor-swift-the-life-of-a-showgirl-las-vegas-showgirl-style/ [2] Johnson, L. (2023). "The Evolution of Pop Star Glamour: A Look at Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl'." Vogue. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com/article/taylor-swift-the-life-of-a-showgirl-glamour-evolution-pop-stars
