Life is a Cabaret With Annmarie O'Connor
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Looking to bring some 'razzle dazzle' into you wardrobe? Why not try this season's most colourful and daring look - Cabaret chic!
This is the10th in a series of pieces highlighting the latest in Autumn/Winter style. We look at how the high street is reflecting catwalk trends and how to take inspiration from the best. We've already looked at Soft Goth, Boho Folk, Power dressing, "Purple Haze", Tartan, Statement coats, Waistcoats and the latest in accessories; today we jazz it up a little with cabaret chic.
Annmarie O'Connor is a freelance fashion writer, blogger and personal stylist. Her credits include The Irish Examiner, Elle, Dazed and Confused, Image, Trace, IF, The Irish Independent, Chictoday.com and iVenus.com
Over the past 8 years she has interviewed the likes of Terry de Havilland, Zandra Rhodes and Ben de Lisi, and has gained a cult following with her blog: I Blog Fashion which is being made into a book. She is also the organiser of the monthly Fashion Bloggers' Brunch events in Dublin.
The Look
Pop on your dancing shoes and grab your top hat. Cabaret is all about performance so prepare to dazzle with sparkling sequins and shapely silhouettes. The fashion is undeniably show-stopping but surprisingly versatile. Ruffles and bows add a whimsical feels to structured tux suits; while pearls and feathered headbands add a retro flourish to elegant eveningwear. Only your imagination (and bravery!) will determine whether you go the full 'vaudeville'.
We've divided the trend into three main style cues to help you create your cabaret look!
Masculine Tailoring
Back in the Day: Liza Minelli (Cabaret), Marlene Dietrich
Today: Sienna Miller, Rachel Bilson
Feminine tux separates are abundant on the high street at the moment which makes this look one of the easiest to pull off. Pair a waistcoat, jacket and trousers with high or low-heeled brogues. Finish off the look with a white shirt and tie; ruffled blouse or if you're feeling racy...a fabulous corset! Don't forget those accessories. A bowler hat may be too much for some; so why not try some fitted gloves, art deco jewellery and a flash of fishnet tights?!
Feminine Glamour
Back in the Day: Mae West
Today: Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge), Dita Von Teese
The 30's Depression era was ironically a booming time for fashion trends. Women clamored to embrace their curves with evening gowns cut on the bias. To prefect your screen siren look, opt for embellishment in the form of sequins and beads, along with marabou stoles, satin elbow gloves and t-bar shoes. Let's not forget that coiff ladies! If you want your tresses to stand out, get yourself a must-have feather fascinator. A dab hand at DIY? Why not add some veiling, extra feathers or a headband from your local haberdashery for your own unique spin.
Boyish Femme
Back in the Day: Greta Garbo
Today: Katy Perry, Daisy Lowe,
Show your cheeky side by combining masculine tailoring with some va va voom vamp! Shortsuits have made a comeback, so try teaming one with a short tux jacket or a ruffle blouse and bow tie and cutesy Mary Janes or shoe boots. If it all appears too theatrical, substitute a short suit for trousers and add a sequin beret and must have gloves!
Where to Buy It
On the Catwalk: John Galliano, Balmain, Miu Miu, Chanel
On the Highstreet: Topshop, Oasis, Warehouse, Debenhams
Key pieces
bowler or top hat
three piece slim-fitting tux
white shirt
brouges - flat or heeled
fishnet tights or seamed stockings
elbow or short gloves
marabou stole
corset
bow tie
Top Tip
Don't be afraid to mix references. Bow ties on blouses; corsets with waistcoats, tux trousers with high heels. Cabaret is all about fun; so be sure you do!
Outfit 1:
Black waistcoat, Oasis €28
Black skinny trousers, River Island €51
Corset, Warehouse €85
Brogues, Office €83
Outfit 2:
Mini top hat, Tootsie Royale Millinery from €150
Black cropped tux jacket, Oasis €105
Pink sequin shortsuit, Topshop €91
High heeled brogues, Office €110
Outfit 3:
Black and cream beaded dress, Oasis €165
Beaded clutch, Accessorize €68
Elbow gloves, Accessorize €13.50
Diamante sandals, River Island €73
Outfit 4:
Purple flapper dress, Oasis €72
Purple and black pill box feather fascinator, Accessorize €51
Purple stole, Accessorize €25.50
Embellished shoes, Fran and Jane €189
Outfit 5:
Black tux shortsuit, Topshop €76
Ruffle blouse, Vero Moda €39.95
Red t-bar shoes, Office €90
Gloves, Warehouse €35
Outfit 6:
Sequin gown, Debenhams €581
Black marabou stole, M&S €76
Jewel and diamante necklace, Accessorize €42
Silver jewel sandals, Fran and Jane €349