OPINION: Glitz and Glamour: The Rise of the Modern Showgirl

By Li Li Schoenfelder

In an era where fashion trends focus on a “clean girl” aesthetic, a familiar figure has entered center stage: the showgirl. Dripping in rhinestones and draped in feathers, showgirls captivate the fashion industry with extravagance that channels Old Hollywood glamour.  

History of the Sparkle:   

Original showgirls weren’t just performers – they were living works of art, redefining glamour on their own terms. The roots of showgirls trace back to the cabarets of Paris at Moulin Rouge, where glittering costumes and theatrical sets turned performance into high fashion. Moulin Rouge wasn’t just a venue – it was a revolution, with women commanding attention through extravagance, artistry, and allure. 

Take standout showgirls Josephine Baker who shimmied across the Paris stages in her iconic rhinestone banana skirt—who was more than a performer. Baker pushed boundaries of race, sexuality, and performance protest. 

In the 1970s and ‘80s, Lola Falana carried the torch of showgirl glamour. Known as the “Queen of Las Vegas”, her electrifying performances lit up stages from Las Vegas to Broadway. Adorned in sequins, feathers, and bold, shimmering costumes, Lola remains a timeless symbol of unapologetic extravagance 

Of course, Marilyn Monroe perfected the showgirl spirit in classic films like, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Prince and the Showgirl, and Some Like It Hot, forever tying her name to the image of Old Hollywood. 

More Than a Look: 

A showgirl’s life was never just about costumes or applause. It was a statement of feminism, women’s rights, and sexuality. Behind the sparkles were real women, claiming agency over their bodies and careers in an era that tried to confine them to domestic roles. Showgirls challenged the idea that femininity had to be quiet or modest. This era represented a time when dressing up was not just a fantasy but an act of rebellion. 

Iconic African American showgirl Josephine Baker rose to fame in Europe. There she transformed the colonial gaze into an act of power and artistry. Offstage, she was a spy for the French Resistance during World War II and a civil rights activist who refused to perform for segregated audiences. For Baker, being a showgirl was a platform for protest, defiance, and revolution.  

Bring the Sparkle Back: 

Enter Taylor Swift: the modern-day ringleader of a showgirl. Her album, The Life of a Showgirl, trades cottagecore cardigans for bejeweled bodysuits and feathered capes, capturing the theatrical showgirl sparkle. Fan or not, her performances are a pop party spectacle that mirrors a 2025 showgirl.  

Pop culture influence is everywhere. Designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino, and Dior Couture have all featured feathered models, oversized headpieces, and rhinestone catsuits on their runways. Beyond haute couture, millions are embracing the look on social media, making the showgirl a popular choice for Halloween costumes.  

Curtain Call: 

Amid the focus on beige minimalism and being demure, the showgirls remind us that the point of fashion is being seen. Being feminine does not mean fragility, its big bold rhinestones, tulle, and feathers too.