Broadway = Style + Theatricality

Bob Mackie. Susan Hilferty. Ray Aghayan. Many of you probably don’t know those names, from the master of all things glitter and glitz to the creator of the Land of Oz. They are some of the most renowned, artistic and innovative designers of their time. Fluffy and over-the-top frou frou is NOT what makes up Broadway costume design, as surprising as that may seem. Though there is some disagreement as to the stylish and fashionable quality in said costumes, however you cannot deny the creativity in these outfits. The clothing adds to, if not creates, the atmosphere and the context of the performance. They create the character and their personality.

From the sleek and sexy outfits of the dancers in “Chicago” to the eccentric patterns, layers and colors of the “Wicked” cast.  Or the glitz and glamour of “Guys and Dolls” to the childish-with-a-modern-adult twist in “Spring Awakening”.

Another key aspect to costume design on Broadway is the relevance and meaning towards the story. For example, Hilferty’s designs for “Wicked” had the role of creating the world of Oz, influenced by the idea that it would be a land unlike any other. And then there are the outfits in “Rent” creating the atmosphere of the AIDS inhabited, bohemian lower side of New York.

So here are some of my favorite Broadway costumes, from some of my favorite Broadway musicals. And if you haven’t noticed yet I am (just a little bit) obsessed with Broadway musicals and anything and everything there is to do with them.