The uncontested contemporary burlesque queen, Dita Von Teese, inaugurated her new residency, A Jubilant Revue, last Thursday. The 75-minute spectacle, which is being presented at the famed Jubilee Theater at the Horseshoe Las Vegas, is a chic tribute to Jubilee!, one of the most well-known revue shows on the Strip in Vegas and the final showgirl production of its sort, which ran from 1981 to 2016. Von Teese exclaims, “I was a huge fan of the Jubilee!” When I used to travel to Vegas, I would frequently visit it. I adored the diamonds and feathers, the luxury and extravagance. The $12 million costume budget was all by itself!

Von Teese has completely new choreography, numbers, and designs in her performance but also uses parts of the original Jubilee! Show’s showgirl costumes and set pieces are a nod to the original production. Original costumes by Pete Menefee and Bob Mackie are included. According to Von Teese, “They were just locked up downstairs [in the Jubilee Theater], and I was like, ‘Can I use them?'” It was an excellent opportunity to showcase them once more. But instead of giving them a showgirl vibe, Von Teese added intimate touches like Swarovski crystal pasties to make them feel more like her. Von Teese declares, “I don’t fit into the showgirl [archetype].” “I’m excited about breaking free from the many constraints that have surrounded showgirls for the past ten years and showcasing the costumes—which were typically worn by extremely tall, thin women—in a new light.”

Bob Mackie’s original Jubilee costume

A novel group composed by Catherine D’Lish Captured by Fiestaban Photography

The new, glitzy clothing was a collaboration between von Teese and her closest pals. One particular piece of clothing that stands out is Catherine D’Lish’s bodysuit for Von Teese, constructed of Swarovski fancy-cut crystals. “She’s been working with me for the past 23 years, and she creates the most incredible looks with Swarovski crystals,” Von Teese adds. The actress also dons two completely beaded Jenny Packham outfits, one in the color of a pink cowgirl and the other in white, tamed tigers. Von Teese claims that “she always turns it out for me.” However, All the shoes are custom-made Christian Louboutin heels; Von Teese is good pals with the renowned designer of red-soled footwear. Von Teese says, “We always enjoy coming up with ideas.” “They build a unique Dita heel just for me. He constructed the shoe’s rear, which curved inward sharply toward the ball of my foot. It has a very curved heel.

Pedro Zalba and Albert Sanchez depict Bob Mackie’s original Jubilee costume.

Even though Von Teese is well-known for her lavish clothing, the residence fully immersed her in her outfits. Von Teese explains, “Normally, I’m building a show that travels around the world, and everything has to be made to travel.” “Staying in one place is amazing—we don’t have to pack up and head to the next city every night.” You would assume that she would require easily changed clothes, but Von Teese acknowledges that she never considers functionality while choosing clothes. She chuckles, “I don’t think practically at all.” Most of the time, I think, ‘How can we make this even more unrealistic? How can we complicate this further? I’ve always been fascinated with creating beautiful objects that are rarely seen in everyday life.

A fresh group led by Alexis Mabille Captured by Fiestaban Photography

Pedro Zalba and Albert Sanchez depict Bob Mackie’s original Jubilee costume.

The burlesque performer hopes that audiences will feel happy and imaginative after watching the performance, which runs until spring 2024. Von Teese claims that “there isn’t a show like this in Las Vegas.” I can’t wait for others to see it. I want them to experience inspiration and joy. She also intends to alter people’s perceptions of what showgirl and burlesque fashion should be. “I’ve always wanted to change people’s perceptions because striptease has such a bad reputation,” Von Teese explains. “I adore striptease; I’m not trying to sterilize it. I think it’s fantastic that a performance with a lot of sensuality and frivolity can still inspire people, especially when they see a variety of complexions and body kinds. It celebrates sexiness, sensuality, and eroticism without feeling guilty about it.

Conclusion

• Dita Von Teese’s new residency, “A Jubilant Revue,” at the Jubilee Theater in Horseshoe Las Vegas pays tribute to the iconic Jubilee! show, incorporating original costumes and set pieces from the 1981-2016 production.
• Von Teese collaborates with costume designers like Catherine D’Lish and Jenny Packham, incorporating Swarovski crystals and beaded outfits into her opulent wardrobe, showcasing a departure from traditional showgirl aesthetics.
• The burlesque queen aims to break free from conventional showgirl stereotypes, adding intimate touches to the original costumes, and customizing Christian Louboutin heels to create a unique and personalized style.
• With a residency lasting until spring 2024, Von Teese hopes to bring joy, inspiration, and a fresh perspective to Las Vegas entertainment, challenging stereotypes associated with striptease and celebrating diversity in body types and expressions of sensuality.