The Look Book: Fashion as Performance at the Opening Night of Cabaret

Willkommen, bienvenue to the Kit Kat Club, where fashion and performance go hand-in-hand. The opening night of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club was a high-art affair, with a bevy of unique pieces on display, from modern takes on clowns and dolls to a chandelier headpiece.

Read our in-depth coverage of the April 20 opening night here and see fashion highlights from the blue carpet below.

Jordan Roth

Why swing from the chandelier when you can be the chandelier? Guest (and Jujamcyn Theaters President) Jordan Roth was ready to be the party in this custom ensemble from Dilara Findikoglu, with a head-turning headpiece from Stephen Jones Millinery. The look was styled by Michael Philouze. As Roth explained on Instagram, the outfit was "constructed of antique gold lame and an antique chandelier, both from the 20’s/30’s when the show takes place, because fashion dramaturgy."

Ayla Ciccone-Burton

Cast member Ayla Ciccone-Burton was all dolled up in this custom hot pink look by Megan O'Cain. With ribbons and bows from head to toe, this outfit is a clever take on the stage costumes seen at the Kit Kat Club, with the bustier top and silk pantaloons. Ciccone-Burton's playful energy on the red carpet reminded us that in here, life is beautiful.

Maeve Stier

Cast member Maeve Stier's babydoll dress looks like it's straight out of the "Don't Tell Mama" number—but with a 21st century spin, with the silky fabric and strappy black heels. The olive green color matches the gothic Victorian style of the dress and its coordinating choker. Stier's hair styled loosely in flawlessly messy curls, and makeup—peep the dark cupid's bow—bring this look to the next level.

Marty Lauter

Cast member Marty Lauter's self-designed ensemble is a work of art in and of itself, matching the dark—but also disturbingly upbeat—energy of the musical. Filling in the tattered holes of the sweater with bows is a fitting nod to the notion of performing in spite of the world caving in around you. Lauter even created a party hat to top it all off (a reference to the party hats the Kit Kat Club denizens wear in the show). Their white lace socks, white loafers, and cream silk skirt are a stylish blank canvas to complement the beautiful customized piece on top.

Julian Ramos

Cast member Julian Ramos looks fabulous in this custom outfit by Megan O'Cain. The pastel lavender is the perfect shade for spring, but the black bows and accents bring some darkness to this doll-like look, which delivers on ruffles and lace from top to bottom. The cropped top and airy linen of the pants gives an undergarment-type of feel that fits right into the Kit Kat Club's costume closet, while Ramos' sunglasses add a modern edge.

Eddie Redmayne

Cast member Redmayne is as stylish as an Emcee should be in this sophisticated Steve O. Smith set. While at first glance, it looks like a clean-cut minimalist look, upon closer inspection, the unraveling threads give the suit a more jagged feeling. It's a cleverly parallel to the Emcee's own mental unraveling throughout the musical.

Peppermint

Guest Peppermint did not disappoint in this head-turning original piece by Angel Ayala Couture. The fluidity of the sleeves lets the shimmering fabric glitter and gleam around her, framing her flawlessly curled hair and stunning makeup (all done by Peppermint herself!). Life is a cabaret, and Peppermint is always up for the performance!

See more looks from the Cabaret red carpet below.