The Chicest Show On Earth

Editorial: The Chicest Show On Earth

Models: Jessica Stam and Gabriel Aubrey

Photographer: Laspata DeCaro

You can see even more of this amazing shoot at stam-fan.org

The Ringmaster

I've always loved Ringmasters. Who doesn't want to wear a top hat and run a three ring circus? But I never really thought about the origins of the ringmaster's outfit. I've always thought it looked like a cross between a riding outfit and something a bandleader would wear. A quick Wikipedia search and some cross-referencing proves I'm somewhat correct:

The ringmaster's outfit was designed to resemble a gentlemen's 18th century riding habit. It is said that ringleader George Claude Lockhart first adopted the look on the orders of British circus owner Bertram Mills, when Lockhart worked for Mills' circus at Olympia, London in 1924. His outfit included "pink" (scarlet) huntsmen tails, a black hat, white shirt and gloves, which has now become the look for the stereotypical ringmaster. A whip is still a standard part of the uniform, leftover from when ringmaster's would lead equestrian acts.

Below are some images of 18th century riding habits, as well as the ringmaster outfit in various forms. I tried to find some images of a man wearing a riding habit, but they are extraordinarily hard to find!

18th century riding habits


Ringmaster George Claude Lockhart and his signature cigar


Ringmaster Charlie Baxter from TV show "7's Circus"


A ringleader costume


Artist's take on the Ringmaster

Bandleader outfits as worn by band My Chemical Romance

Circus on the Runway

I love runway fashion, and these circus inspired outfits are no exception.

Dior Fall 07 Couture Collection

Gareth Pugh Fall 06 Ready To Wear

I have no idea how the Gareth Pugh outfit could be Ready To Wear, but there you have it.

Goldfrapp

Goldfrapp [Official Website] [Amazon]


Goldfrapp's fourth studio album, 'Seventh Tree' was released on February 26th 2008. It's quite different from their last album, 'Supernature' which was a disco-dance album with a good heaping of glitter. 'Seventh Tree' is a return to their roots (somewhat like 'Felt Mountain'), with a slower feel to it but keeping the cool electronic sound they are known for.

There are two tracks in particular that are circus tinged - the first being "Clowns" [Lyrics], a sad, melodic song, with lush strings, and the second being "Caravan Girl" [Lyrics], a fun, piano-driven song about running away to the circus.

If you like these songs the rest of the album is definetly worth a listen.

Top 10 Carni Music Videos

As I was channel-hopping last night I came to MuchMusic's Top 10 show. They were doing the Top 10 Carni Videos- although most (if not all) of the songs don't have any circus or carnival themes, the videos themselves are full of crazy characters and colourful costumes (alliteration, anyone?) Here's the Top 10.



TEN



Outkast - "The Whole World"




NINE



Marilyn Manson - "Mobscene"





EIGHT



Christina Aguilera, Mya, Lil' Kim and Pink - "Lady Marmalade"




SEVEN



Billy Talent - "Fallen Leaves"





SIX



Coldplay - "The Hardest Part"




FIVE



System of a Down - "Aerials"





FOUR



Nine Inch Nails - "Starfuckers" (or as it's known on TV, "Starsuckers")




THREE


Sweatshop Union - "The Truth We Speak"




TWO



Panic! At The Disco - "I Write Sins Not Tradgedies"





ONE



Christina Aguilera - "Hurt"




One video they left out was One Ton's "Supersexworld" which a remember from a few years back. And I'm sure there are many more!

Ladies and Gentlemen!

I went to see a movie the other day and saw the new Playstation commercial, which just so happened to use a circus-type of song! It's called Ladies and Gentlemen by Saliva, from their new album "Blood Stained Love Story". It's a song similar to Christina Aguilera's "Welcome", with a showman or ringmaster hyping the audience for the upcoming show- and it rocks pretty hard!



Ladies and Gentlemen by Saliva [Official Site] [Lyrics] [Music Video]

Ladies and gentlemen please
Would you bring your attention to me?
For a feast for your eyes to see
An explosion of catastrophe

Like nothing you've ever seen before
Watch closely as I open this door
Your jaws will be on the floor
After this you'll be begging for more

Welcome to the show
Please come inside
Ladies and gentlemen