Burlexe is a unique entertainment company, inspired by burlesque and the performers, past and present, professional and amateur, who’ve created the art form.
We are now bringing our unique Burlexe experiences right to your door. As with everything we do, we are taking inspiration from the worlds of burlesque and cabaret to make your special occasions even more special.
Goodtime Mama Jojo, aka Jo King is the undisputed British Burlesque Legend and her work for other performers and women from all walks of life is about helping them drop their insecurities and access their true selves.
Check out our curated posts on everything Burlesque. From Burlesque basics to glamorous add-ons, we have everything you may need to immerse yourself in this world and indulge your inner showgirl.
Our Burlexe burlesque shop features unique items created, co-created, curated or sourced by us from the worlds of burlesque, showgirls and showmen – as well as the performing arts.
£25.00 – £30.00
£25.00
Share this article
Ziegfeld Follies New York burlesque show was one of the most influential in burlesque history. Find out why and who they made into stars.
New York burlesque show, Ziegfeld Follies was created in 1907 by Florenz Ziegfeld. It was originally inspired by the Folies Bergère in Paris.
It took vaudeville and elevated it to an extravaganza while mixing in the variety show style of Victorian Burlesque. The latter of which was notorious for their relative controversy. Relative because showing a stocking-ed ankle would no longer cause quite the same furrore.
The first Ziegfeld Follies New York burlesque show was held at the Jardin de Paris roof-top theatre. They then went on to attract the crème de la crème of performers.
Three such women were Josephine Baker, Louise Brooks and Gilda Gray. The burlesque shows were also known for their stunning chorus line, known fondly as the Ziegfeld Girls. Plus, the amazing Ziegfeld Follies costumes from the likes of Erté, Lady Duff Gordon and Ben Ali Haggin.
Flo Ziegfeld’s death saw the downturn of the Ziegfeld Follies in the 1930s despite attempts to recreate their magic. Yet, their influence is still felt today. The pageantry, costumes and artistry have never truly been forgotten.
(Image from Pinup and Pastry.)
The spectacle of the Ziegfeld Follies burlesque shows has been immemorialised in movies over the years. This amazing selection are must-sees.
In 1937 The Great Ziegfeld won Best Picture at the 9th Academy Awards starring William Powell. Whilst, Luise Rainer won the Academy Award for Best Actress as Anna Held, Ziegfeld’s first wife.
Then an even more star-studded line-up brought us Ziegfeld Girl (1941). Judy Garland, Lana Turner and Hedy Lamarr re-created the 1920s heyday.
The Cannes Film Festival then saw the Ziegfeld Follies (1946) with the return of Judy Garland and William Powell. They were joined by the likes of Cyd Charisse and Lucille Ball (above) with iconic scenes.
In 1968 there was the film version of Funny Girl (1968) based on the 1964 musical of the same name. Barbra Streisand played the character of Fanny Brice who had success at the Ziegfeld Follies.
(Main image Untapped Cities)
Give Us A Follow
Our first ever track is a banger and sees us reuniting with our hostess with the mostest, garage and r’n’b legend, Kele le Roc.
Why not take 5 minutes out of your day to get your wiggle on. Watch out taster lesson to see what’s in store for our exclusive Burlesque Masterclass.
Sign up to receive newsletters and special offers from Burlexe. We promise, cross our hearts, your details will never be given to anyone else. And you have our word we will not send too many emails.
