Excessively Elaborate Showpieces: The Art of Costume Exhibit Offers an Overdose of Liberace Glamour

When THE BRUNETTES travel, they always like to try to take in some kind of cultural experience related to the destination's fashion scene, history, and heritage. On his recent vacation to Las Vegas, John spent some time at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas admiring the artistry behind the intricately detailed costumes of one of Vegas's most iconic and revered performers, Liberace.

With a spotlight once again on the pianist's flamboyant wardrobe pieces at the Too Much of a Good Thing Is Wonderful: Liberace and the Art of Costume exhibit, it is easy to see how so many of today's pop stars' stage outfits have been influenced by Liberace's original wears. 

Pearls, rhinestones, beading, ruffles and lace are just some of the painstakingly adorned details of the entertainer's ornate costumes of which one can get an up-close-and-personal look in the intimate gallery space. A tribute to Vegas's past and present obsession with overstated glamour and excess, the Art of Costume exhibition not only offers insight into Liberace's love for resplendent opulence, but Vegas's as well. As Liberace said himself, "I didn't get dressed like this to go unnoticed."

Authored by John Ibbitson 

Images from THE BRUNETTES’ own collection *images from THE BRUNETTES’ collection not to be used without providing a source link to this posting

Haute Hotel Launches: THE BRUNETTES Attend the Official Grand Opening Party of the Beverley Hotel

Fashion is about more than just clothing and personal style; it’s also about where you play … and where you stay. The trendsetters at the Beverley Hotel are fully aware of the fact that stylish people like to come together in equally stylish surroundings. So when the hotel had its official opening soirée earlier this month to showcase its lofty, new space, THE BRUNETTES couldn’t pass up the invite to be among the first to mingle in the Beverley’s chic lounge.

The event drew in a crowd of local celebrities, artists, fashion personalities, and other Toronto tastemakers who embody the culture and attitude of the Queen West lifestyle. Signature cocktails and wine were served to guests alongside gastro goodies (think watermelon-fried quail or bite-sized steak served on a homemade potato chip), while a DJ set the tone with a smooth playlist.

Later THE BRUNETTES took the European-style lift up to the Beverley’s rooftop bar—where partygoers could watch a chef prepare tasty satay skewers or have one of the bar’s mixologists concoct a drink of luxury liquors—chatted with former MTV personality Johnny Hockin, and snapped a pic with Project Runway Canada 2 designer Jason Meyers. With such a great first impression, THE BRUNETTES look forward to the opening of the Beverley Hotel's speakeasy to get us through the winter months.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from THE BRUNETTES’ own collection *images from THE BRUNETTES’ collection not to be used without providing a source link to this posting