Glitter, feathers and passion – the fascinating story of the showgirls 

MFRadio.de | Culture & Entertainment | October 22, 2025 

When names like Dita Von Teese, Pamela Anderson or Taylor Swift are associated with sparkling stage outfits today, it has a tradition that goes back over a hundred years. The glamorous world of showgirls didn't start in Las Vegas – but in Paris during the First World War. 

In 1917, the French singer and actress Gaby Deslys amazed the capital with a breathtaking revue. "Laissez-les tombe!" was more than just a show – it was a symbol of hope, pride and female independence. Huge ostrich feathers, glittering costumes and extravagant stage sets became the hallmark of a new era. 

Deslys was not only a celebrated artist, but also a businesswoman with attitude. She earned her own money, supported relief efforts during the war and paid for the elaborate costumes of her show out of her own pocket. In doing so, she laid the foundation for what later became global showgirl culture. 

In the 1920s, the trend spilled over the Atlantic. In New York, Florence Ziegfeld transformed Broadway into a paradise of glitz and glamour. His "Ziegfeld Follies" turned dancers into stars - especially Dolores, who came from a humble background and became the best-paid showgirl icon of her time. The famous Dolly Sisters also embodied beauty, ambition and success – with fees that would be worth millions today. 

With the advent of cinema in the 1930s, the showgirl aesthetic migrated to Hollywood. Films such as The Great Ziegfeld (1936) or The Dolly Sisters (1945) brought feathers, rhinestones and glamour to the screen – and made the showgirl a symbol of elegance, discipline and hard work. 

After the Second World War, the showgirl experienced its second heyday in Las Vegas. Every big stage on the Strip relied on magnificent costumes, endless feathers and choreographic perfection. Shows like "Jubilee!", which premiered at the MGM Grand in 1981, stood for pure opulence – so much so that there was supposedly a shortage of Swarovski crystals worldwide because the costumes devoured vast quantities of them. 

For 35 years, "Jubilee!" was the heart of Las Vegas entertainment before its last performance in 2016. But the myth lives on: the original costumes are now used by artists who interpret the showgirl legacy in a modern way. 

Dita Von Teese, for example, integrates original parts from Jubilee! into her performances, while Pamela Anderson shines a light on the life of a woman who risks everything for her dream in the film The Last Showgirl (2024). 

continues this tradition – with a homage that combines history and pop culture. In photos for her new album, she wears original Jubilee!costumes by designer Bob Mackie, including the iconic "Diamond" and "Disco" outfits. In doing so, she shows that the showgirl has long since ceased to stand only for glamour, but for self-determination, hard work and the price of success. 

Source: cyprusmail.com

Author: MF-Redaktion

MFRadio.de | Culture & Music Editorial Board | 22. October 2025