Costume Details:

reconstructed white vintage dress (but any white maxi dress could do!)

Sarah Flint shoes (more metallic shoes here)

I remember the first time I read about the Ziegfeld Follies, back when I was a little girl. I found them fascinating, glamorous, and wondered why elaborate costumes weren’t a part of our everyday attire. I’d eventually love to do an entire photo series inspired by the iconic Ziegfeld Follies, but for this one, I was specifically inspired by Hedy Lamarr’s portrayal of Sandra in the 1941 film Ziegfeld Girl. I’ve always been obsessed with this particular costume, with the stars surrounding her perfectly coiffed hair and gorgeous face. Just watch her in action in this clip. Or don’t, because I’d rather not invite the comparison;) She’s stunning.

I’ve been wanting to recreate this costume for ages, and with a few helping hands, I finally made it happen. My sister and Erin made the headdress with wire and pre-cut stars, I reconstructed the dress (basically just removed the sleeves and made new ones, then covered it in stars), and my very talented friend Erica gave me the hairstyle to complete the look. As usual, it’s a self portrait — and I regret not taking any closer shots but we were several shoots in and my brain was getting foggy. But still, I’ll always remember that brief moment in time where I got to live out my Ziegfeld Follies costume dream.

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