Stage Inspiration: Fashion Inspired by Phantom of the Opera
Hello again, friends. After many weeks of anticipation, we’ve finally gotten to the most requested musical of this series — the Phantom of the Opera!
I know, I know, this post is way over due — the truth is, it took a bit of thinking for me to translate Phantom’s gorgeous, elaborate costumes into something wearable in everyday life. I mean, I find hoop skirts and corsets to be a bit uncomfortable for trekking across campus or taking a midterm, but that’s just me. However, just because the silhouettes of Phantom costumes are a bit outlandish for everyday life doesn’t mean we can’t take other elements from everyone’s favorite musical–the rich ruby hues, gold jewelry, white lace, and heavy velvet featured in the film and stage productions left me totally inspired!
Just in case you missed past posts in this series, check out the articles on fashion inspired by Rent, Wicked, and Les Miserables, plus a post on everything you need to know before attending a midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Ready to get your inner Prima Donna on? Read on!
Angel of Music
In case you aren’t familiar with Phantom, here’s a brief summary:
Christina, the central character of this tale, becomes the object of infatuation for the Phantom, a disfigured musical genius who lurks in the darkness of a theater. The musical features elaborate costumes and special effects — notably the dungeon canal and giant chandelier. It was written by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1986, during a sort of Broadway Renaissance that popularized rock operas and epic plotlines on the Great White Way.
Let’s just get this little tidbit out there, too — this musical is freakin’ sexy. Andrew Lloyd Webber actually refers to Music of the Night as one of the most sensual songs he’s ever written. Pick up the film starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum if you don’t believe me — or catch David Cook or David Archuleta’s cover versions of songs from Phantom if you need further proof. Raoul’s pure, innocent love for Christine and the Phantom’s tragic, misunderstood persona will make your heart ache!
This story takes place at a theater in France in 1881, and the costumes reflect this. Much of Phantom of the Opera is an opera within a musical, so many of the costumes worn are well, meant to look like costumes. Elaborate embellishments like gold bangles and necklaces, feathers, velvet and lace tops and skirts, and jewel tones are seen in almost every costume. To capture the essence of Phantom‘s look, think the exact opposite of Rent and Les Miserables and dress for luxury instead!
Carlotta
Carlotta, the snooty Prima Donna soprano, annoys the cast with her diva-like commands and is eventually replaced by Christine. She is extremely dramatic, which is reflected both in her actions and the way she dresses.
To snag her look, pair rich fabrics with loads of jewelry and accessories — a gold scarf and a feathered turban will get you the aesthetic without making you look like you’re in costume. Be sure to finish with dramatic makeup and a lot of attitude!
Dress, Turban, Bracelet, Shoes, Scarf
Chorus Girls
Before taking over Carlotta’s spot as the leading soprano, Christine was just a lowly chorus girl. Their richly beaded and detailed costumes for the play-within-a-play are right on trend with what’s popular today!
An easy way to wear a cropped top is to pair it with a maxi skirt — the conservative look of the skirt will contrast nicely with the trendiness of the top. For the Phantom look, pair it with large gold jewelry and bedazzled sandals.
Top, Skirt, Sandals, Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet
Christine
Christine, the heroine of the musical, is torn between her love for Raoul and her allegiance to – and fear of – the Phantom. She is seen wearing soft colors throughout the show, mostly ivory and pink tones with lots of ruffles and lace.
Steal her look by pairing a white lace dress with a gold statement necklace, tights, lace-up heels, ruby earrings, and a signature rose ring. Now work on your vocal scales because not only are Christine’s songs impossible not to sing along to, but they’re also crazy hard to execute — my renditions of Think Of Me are reserved solely for my shower. Bathroom acoustics are forgiving!
Dress, Necklace, Earrings, Tights, Ring, Shoes
Phantom
The mysterious Phantom is both feared and revered in the musical. Played by the smokin’ hot Gerard Butler in the film adaptation, I’d let him whisk me off into his lair anytime he’d like! I’m out of control, I know.
The Phantom pretty much wears a classic tuxedo throughout the entire story. I think it’s so cool when girls wear tuxedos to formal events — think Angelina Jolie on the red carpet of the 2001 Oscars! Girl it up with a ruffled top, metallic shoes, and girly driving gloves.
Jacket, Top, Pants, Gloves, Shoes
Let Your Fantasies Unwind!
Have you seen Phantom? Do you prefer the film or the stage production? What are your favorite songs? What other musicals would you like to see CF cover? How do you seek inspiration from dated costumes? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think!
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Posted on on October 20, 2011 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Emmy Rossum, Inspiration, Movies, Musicals, Stage Inspiration
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L
I feel it should be noted that the musical was based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, which was written in 1909-10.
Awesome interpretations! The costumes didn’t seem like they could translate well into everyday life, but you did a great job. Love Christine’s white dress outfit.
CJ
LOVE! YES! THANK YOU! ! ! ! ! ! !
I usually don’t wear outfits like the ones posted above, (ok, the Christine and Phantom ensembles would be awesome for certain work environments) but I LOVE the outfits you put together and I LOVE your inspiration! Keep it up! :o)
PS: My classes were canceled today, so I think I just might have to make a date with a cup o’ tea and Mr. Oh-So-Gorgeous Phantom. Haha! ! ! ! ;p
Samie
… share each day with me, each night, each morning…
I adore Phantom, thank you SO much for putting it as your next inspiration!
Also, I love the idea of channeling Erik through an androgynous looking tuxedo jacket. Very very awesome.
Great post!
Cortney
I love Phantom of the Opera and I’m so glad you made this post!
I especially love the Phantom’s and Chorus Girls’ outfits. :)
Jenny in Jacquard
Oh this is great! Phantom is such an amazing musical and you were able to translate their costumes into outfits perfectly. I especially love the Chorus Girls outfit. It’s boho-chic and oh so glam! Love it!
Mai
Ooh, I really like the pieces of the chorus girls look.
NB
This is amazing! I’m so glad you didn’t post something like “bumblebee” with a little leotard and tutu. These are great pieces that I’d be happy to have in my closet after Halloween.
Camilla
I LOVE this musical and know it by heart! Thank you for posting this, I was looking forward to it the moment you started the musical inspired series.
Nikky
Though it’s one of my most fave movies, I’ll agree that the book from Gaston Leroux was really interesting, plus you knew another way to call the Phantom except “Phantom” and “Ghost” (Eric) ;)
I adore the outfit inspired by the Chorus Girls and Christine! Especially the Girls outfit is something I’d love to try out! :D
PS: “The Point Of No Return” and “Maskarade” are the best songs!
Grace
Stage > film. Though I do appreciate Gerard Butler. ;)
Eve
YESS! THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR THIS POST!!! I adore phantom-i saw it for the first time a month ago this sunday and i fell in love. after that i saw it again the next saturday (my aunt was stage managing it at a community college in my area) :) loved it!!!! these outfits were amazinggg and i especially loved christines dres :D keep up the good work!!!!!!
Peyton
What great modern interpretations! I would definitely buy some of this stuff for my closet.
What I would REALLY adore to see is a Sweeney Todd Stage-inspired. That would make my year. With the to-die for gothic-esque costumes, beautiful art direction, and amazing makeup, I bet you could convert it really great to the modern day.
C
So Awsome!
cate
Favorite post ever.
Kellan
This is my favorite musical ever! thank you so much for this post! I love the phantom outfit :)
Samantha
I love that you promote wearing turbans in public.
I would not advise, however, that anyone listen to David Archuleta. D:
Estella
totally loved this movie and of course the inspired outfits!!
Lyndsay
Great job! I was hoping you’d do this one haha. Gerard is a very attractive phantom ;]. Unfortunately, I have yet to see the stage play.
Julia
As a huge Phan, I was eagerly awaiting a Phantom of the Opera post, and I just have to say thank you! I love the modern interpretations, and the Christine look is definitely my style, sans the purple tights. I especially love the red earrings as a throwback to the peek of the decadent “Think of Me” costume through the dressing gown in the stage version, as well as the red rose ring! I think the way you channeled Erik was very clever, and though my style is much more classic-feminine for night, I could see myself wearing something like the androgynous tuxedo look.
Overall: brava, brava, bravissima! ;)
Rose
I was recently a chorus girl in my high school’s production of phantom, and this whole post absolutely made my day! I LOVE the chorus girls’ outfit, phantom’s outfit, and carlotta’s outfit.
PLEASE continue making stage-inspired blog posts! I love them!!
Sofia
I prefer the theater production rather than the movie because the cast is more talented and the chandelier falls over you. Emmy Rossum is a great actress and singer, but she couldn’t really pull off the high notes of Think of Me or Phantom of the Opera, they even had to lower the pitch to an E flat. I would have liked a real opera or Broadway soprano to play Christine. But Emmy does look amazing in the costumes and I love the fact that you adapted Christine’s look for daywear!
Eponine Kim Elphaba Daae
Please excuse me while I go run off to buy the Phantom, Christine, and chorus-girl looks… and mega-props for not mentioning Raoul. Just wondering… in the movie, Emmy Rossum’s ‘Past the Point of No Return’ and ‘All I Ask of You’ dresses were amazing… do you think you could try translating those over as well? (I loved the musical, but i kind of liked the movie’s costumes better.)
(and speaking of Phantom. Who here knows who Ramin Karimloo and Hadley Fraser are???)
*A Little Fall of Rain*
Sierra
Me and my sister both love this movie, but the only stage production I’ve ever seen of it is a highschool one. All I Ask Of You and the Point of No Return are my favorites <3
i love wearing old-timey, girly pieces like ruffled skirts and lace jackets and this gives me alot of good ideas.