Life is a Cabaret

Liza as Sally Bowles

"Start by admitting, from cradle to tomb, it isn't that long a stay...."

I happened to come across the 1972 film  adaptation of Cabaret the other night.  Cabaret is one of my favourite musicals.  It's the early 30s  story of 19 year old Sally Bowles who has escaped her British upbringing to work at Berlin's Kit Kat Klub, eventually falling for a young, aspiring author from America - all this among the growing presence of the Nazi party in pre-war Germany.  It's sultry, seductive, humorous and heart-wrenching.

The Flapper Style

Unfortunately, the film version, starring a young Liza Minnelli, comes nowhere near to living up to the stage production.  Nonetheless, it reminded me of how much I love the show and how inspiring some the fashion is that came out of the 1930s and 40s.  

The Bias Cut

Although the flapper style of the 1920s brought on a new fashion era for women, it was in the 1930s that women's bodies began to be reacquainted with curve-hugging, form-accentuating attire.  While the flapper style tended to be loose-fitting, with sac dresses and wide-leg slacks, 1930s fashion began to create pieces that accentuated the waist and shoulders.  The bias cut was introduced - a deep v in the back of a long dress - as well as  new and easily produced materials such as rayon.  Women's day dresses were often just below knee-length, taken in at the waist and topped off with shoulder detailing such as gathers or ruffles. I really love this style, but they just don't seem to make 'em like they used to!


Long gloves, fur-collared coats and hats were all in vogue for outer-wear and women kept their hair short.  It was certainly a simple yet glamorous  era in fashion history.


Here are a few pieces of Cabaret-inspired and 1930s vintage that I think are just the bees knees:

Cafe Au Lait Gloves
Recently featured in my etsy shop

Long and lovely for the demure 30s lady.

Bowler Hat by All Down But Nine

Simple, yet stylish. The hint of colour with that pink feather is just the perfect touch to make this a sexy cabaret accessory.

Black Crystal Choker by Little Women Vintage

The perfect match to your little bowler hat.  Like Liza demonstrates in the photo above, chokers were must-have for the sultry seductress.

WWII Swing Style Heels by Frocks n Frills Vintage

This peep-toe style has recently come back in vogue, but these are true vintage!  Even the lovely, earthy tones make me think of war-brides waving white handkerchiefs at rushing trains.

Columbia Cabaret Bustier by btb Vintage

So fun and flirty, this colourful bustier is a variation on a theme.  Not quite what Sally Bowles would have worn on stage, but certainly a piece worthy of a Cabaret somewhere in the world.

1930s Technicolor Dress by fabgabs

Quite possibly, no definitely,  my favourite in this collection.  This dress demonstrates the distinctive style of the 30s era dress.  And look at that pattern! Oh, to have a time-machine and travel back to the days when the shops were filled with these.

In conclusion:

Put down the knitting, the book and the broom,

Come hear the music play.

Life is a Cabaret old chum,

It's only a Cabaret old chum,

Life is a Cabaret old chum

And I love the Cabaret.