Burlesque research and history, 1920's - 1960's.

As the interpretation of 'Orpheus' that we're working on has a burlesque theme running through it, I decided to look through the history of this fashion, as the current era is undecided. The decade of choice is important to our transposal of 'Orpheus' as it will affect the decisions of both set and costume. Currently, the Performing Art's students refer to the era they want as 50's burlesque, however this may not apply to the fashion they really have in mind, hence the research into the separate decades. The examples they brought in consisted more of modern day lingerie than recognisably burlesque or traditional cabaret styled outfits, so putting this time-line together and giving them the option to pick out which style and era they prefer would be beneficial.

1920s: Big fans, intricate jewelry, play on an innocent look, feathers, head-dresses, feather bowers.
1930s: Androgynous, stockings, floaty unfitted clothing, use of props.
1940s: Long flowing robes and night wear, elegance, femininity, more fitted than previous.
1950s: Corsets properly introduced into art of burlesque, fitted, suspenders.
1960s: Corsets, robes, playboy bunnies debuted adding to the skimpier, tighter corseted look.