If Netflix’s Bridgerton wasn’t enough indication of Regencycore’s influence on fashion, the trend has now found its way to Broadway. Since the release of British musical comedy Six, which is based in 15th-century England, the show has become a global sensation in its own right — and we assume the elaborate costumes have something to do with the widespread appreciation for the show. A modern retelling of the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives in the form of a pop concert, the play focuses on each queen, who sings her story wearing a unique look.
Costume designer Gabriella Slade married the worlds of pop and Tudor to create the costumes for Six. Slade, who’s a master of opulent costumes, sourced inspiration from the Victoria and Albert Museum and Hampton Court Palace in London, plus Met Gala-highlighted designs from Alexander McQueen.
The queens channel some of the world’s biggest names in pop culture. For Catherine of Aragon, who was a more traditional queen, Slade started with a Tudor-cut piece with a bodice and square neckline that fell in line with the era. “There are a lot of Spanish influences in her dress, too,” Slade told Variety. “If you look at the aesthetic of Beyoncé, you’ll see there are a lot of black and gold fashion pieces,” she added, referencing the queen’s celebrity style connection.
Meanwhile, Katherine Howard’s pink-and-purple look channels a modern-day Ariana Grande, who memorably wears a pink miniskirt in her “No Tears Left to Cry” video.
Catherine Parr’s mature, modest look is heavily influenced by R&B singer Alicia Keys. “She had leggings, but we also gave her big shoulders, which, for me, made it a powerful silhouette for her,” Slade said.
As if influence from pop culture’s biggest stars wasn’t grand enough, Slade opted to have each character’s shoes custom-made with Swarovski crystals. Judging by her breakthrough work for “Six,” Slade is clearly a costumer to watch for, and we anticipate she’ll take the industry by storm following her Broadway recognition.
Ahead, find some of the behind-the-scenes details she shared on Instagram.
