Feathers, sequins, razzle dazzle: the showgirl has long been a symbol of performance-driven glamour. With Taylor Swift's new album The Life of a Showgirl bringing the archetype to the masses, we wanted to turn the spotlight to some real-life style icons who have helped define the look.
As Kylie Minogue put it, "Showgirl life is 'a thing', multi-dimensional and so much more than feathers and dazzle."
From Bob Mackie's glittering creations for Cher and Miley Cyrus to modern-day high-voltage spectacle from drag culture and on the runway, these moments show that the showgirl's enduring allure is as much about artistry as it is about sparkle. As Mackie told Vogue, showgirls are a testament "to the timeless appeal of opulence in performance".
Showgirl icon Cher at the 1986 Oscars, in an iconic Bob Mackie gothic interpretation of the showgirl look.
Musician Slayyyter on set for her new music video, Cannibalism, wearing a hand-beaded and bedazzled two-piece she made herself. She also made the swan headpiece; DIY queen.
Burlesque star Dita von Teese embodies the modern showgirl, with her penchant for feathers, sparkle and skin as performance.
Josephine Baker in 1930.
Gina Gershon and Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls (1995). Glitter and rhinestones mandatory.
Louise Brooks as part of the Ziegfeld Follies, 1925.
The exhibition Diva runs at Auckland Museum until October 19, featuring 280+ objects and costumes from iconic performances - including Bob Mackie pieces worn by Cher.
Pamela Anderson's 'comeback' role in The Last Showgirl (2024) saw her play 57-year-old Las Vegas showgirl Shelly facing the closure of Le Razzle Dazzle revue, and the end of her career.
Kylie Minogue in 2005, ahead of her Showgirl: The Greatest Hits Tour. She was diagnosed with breast cancer during the tour, and returned to the stage, with the Showgirl: Homecoming Tour, in 2006.
French performer Zizi Jeanmaire in a famous showgirl look - which has inspired many modern performers, including Lady Gaga at the Olympics.
In 2024 Lady Gaga performed Mon Truc en Plumes (My Things with Feathers) for the Olympics opening ceremony, channeling showgirl icon Zizi Jeanmaire who originally performed the song.
Photographers Briannal Capozzi and Haley Wollens captured this image at Fantasy Fest for Myth magazine.
Drag performer Bosco bought burlesque, showgirl style with a twist to the runway of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 10.
Brazilian bombshell Carmen Miranda in 1946.
Theirry Mugler often favoured over-the-top, theatrical showgirl inspired looks, like this futuristic, very 90s take for fall 1991.
Showgirl style, 2001-style, for the Lady Marmalade music video with Lil' Kim, Pink, Mýa and Christina Aguilera.
Modern day showgirl Addison Rae performing in bejewelled bra and panties, fresh off the Versace runway.
Taylor Swift's new 'The Life of a Showgirl 'era includes plenty of sparkly, mirrorball imagery - including this look, where she's wearing a look originally designed by Bob Mackie for the finale of the show Jubilee!, inspired by the Ziegfeld Follies.
