The Resurgence of Showgirl Aesthetics in 2025

The showgirl aesthetic, once epitomized by the iconic revue Jubilee! on the Las Vegas Strip, is experiencing a notable revival in 2025. After concluding its 31-year run in 2016 due to declining audiences and critical disapproval, the showgirl style has re-entered popular culture, largely influenced by contemporary artists. Notably, Taylor Swift donned an original Jubilee! costume for the cover of her album *The Life of a Showgirl*, sparking renewed interest in the glitzy, theatrical fashion associated with showgirls. This resurgence has seen other pop stars, including Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, and Sabrina Carpenter, embracing the showgirl look characterized by sequins, feathers, and elaborate costumes.

The GuardianBustle MagazineParis Hilton is the ultimate modern showgirl in glitzy micro mini and fishnets comboW Magazine

Bob Mackie, the designer behind many of the original Jubilee! costumes, remains a pivotal figure in this revival. His designs, which have adorned celebrities from Cher to Beyoncé, are now coveted by younger performers. Mackie notes that the current generation of artists seeks a more glamorous and theatrical approach, contrasting sharply with the simpler styles of the past.

The Guardian

Despite the excitement surrounding this revival, some former showgirls express skepticism. Nancy Hardy, a dancer from the Jubilee! era, finds the term "showgirl" has become overly broad, encompassing various performance styles that dilute its original meaning. She argues that today's performers prioritize theatrical perfection over the traditional showgirl's more statuesque and provocative presentation. Hardy's perspective highlights a shift in the definition of what constitutes a showgirl, suggesting that the modern interpretation may lack the depth of its predecessors.

The Guardian

The showgirl remains an enduring symbol of Las Vegas glamour, even as traditional productions fade. Su Kim Chung, a historian at the University of Nevada, emphasizes that the showgirl aesthetic evokes nostalgia for a bygone era while adapting to contemporary sensibilities. The current iteration of showgirl fashion retains the glamour and sparkle but often avoids nudity, appealing to modern audiences seeking a "safe" sexy aesthetic.

The Guardian

This revival is part of a larger trend towards maximalism in fashion, with figures like Paris Hilton and Kylie Jenner also embodying showgirl-inspired styles. Hilton's recent appearances feature glitzy outfits reminiscent of early 2000s fashion, while Jenner's holiday party ensemble showcased a dramatic pink feathered gown, aligning with the flamboyant showgirl energy that has captured the public's imagination.

Bustle Magazine

• “New stars are pushing toward a glamorous, more theatrical, show-stopping, entrance-making statement.” — Bob Mackie, Fashion Designer

The Guardian

• “Today a showgirl is really someone who walks an illusion because everything is ‘perfection’ in a theatrical sense,” — Nancy Hardy, Former Showgirl

The Guardian

• “The showgirl is still a remaining icon of Las Vegas glamour,” — Su Kim Chung, Historian

The Guardian

The resurgence of the showgirl aesthetic in 2025 reflects a cultural desire for escapism amidst contemporary chaos. As artists and fashion icons embrace this glamorous style, the showgirl continues to symbolize fantasy, perfection, and a world where every performance is a spectacle.

The Guardian