From edgy headgear to vibrant outfits ufffd the stage is where the stars bring out all their guns (Lady Gaga wore a gun-topped bra). However, few have heard of the names behind the looks. As Beyonc ufffd makes headlines with her multi-designer stage outfits for her current tour, Dhara Vora & Ruchika Kher get a behind-the-scenes peek into these creators of chutzpah
Artiste: Madonna
The queen of Pop is considered one of the biggest risk takers on stage as far as outfits go. Her current tour received a lot of flak because of her various diva antics that included peeling off her bra.
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But her concerts remained sold out. One of her iconic costumes remains the conical bra, which was recreated in a different style by Jean Paul Gaultier (she has worked with him on several tours) for her 2012 MDNA tour. Other designers who have created risqué outfits for her include Jeremy Scott, Arianne Phillips, Yves Saint Laurent and Givency.
Artiste: Will.i.am
While Will.i.am, who is the former member of Hip Hop band The Black Eyes Peas, believes in experimentation and tries out different designers, American fashion designer Asher Levine often becomes his choice when it comes to custom garments for stage performances. This red and blue jacket that the singer wore for the Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace was also designed by Levine.
Artiste: Rihanna
Adam Selman is Rihanna’s favourite man. Before you jump the gun, we want to clarify that Selman is the designer responsible for the singer’s looks during her stage performances and other appearances for the past two years. The Texas-bred designer has also created few costumes for Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour, which is currently underway. Apart from him, Italian fashion designer Riccardo Tisci has also designed a couple of outfits for her current tour.u00a0
Artiste: Katy Perry
American artiste Katy Perry, is known for sporting over-the-top costumes during her concerts — whether it was her cupcake bra or fake sushi supporting leotard, Perry believes in variety, which results in her opting for different brands. In the recent past, the singer has worn outfits by costume designer Marco Morante, young designer duo Claire and Shawn Buitendorp and American fashion designer Michelle Laine.u00a0
Artiste: Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez’s stage costumes ooze sex appeal. Tassels, fringes and crystals are her favourites. Red carpet specialist Zuhair Murad created several outfits for her Dance Again tour. In the past, Falguni and Shane Peacock have worked with her too.
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Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga and Rihanna are some of the artistes on Falguni and Shane Peacock’s list. “Artistes demand outfits that allow them to move freely as their concerts include rigourous dances. We create flexible costumes; bodices and catsuits work best. One also has to keep in mind the effect of stage lights, so crystals and colours don’t result looking tacky,” says Falguni. Fergie was one of the first global artistes to choose them, wearing their designs at FIFA 2010’s kick off. Falguni loves designing for JLo. Lady Gaga seated atop a piano for one of her concerts wearing their outfit was one of their best design moments.