With The Right Song and Dance, You Can Get Away With Murder

Inspired by the surge in Chicago virality with Whitney Leavitt taking the stage as Roxie Hart on Broadway, I stepped into the mindset of costume designer for an afternoon, designing a 5 look collection — a re-imagination of Roxie Hart's iconic wardrobe.

Chicago: The Musical

From ballet to occasional broadway jazz routines, my years growing up dancing introduced me to the electric allure of a 1920s cabaret performer. So naturally my mum made me watch Chicago and since the age of 10, Chicago has consistently ranked amongst my favourite films.

More than simply a performance of jazz and crime, Chicago is a true story. Based off of real life murderesses, Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, Chicago transforms a tragedy of murder, injustice, and corruption into entertainment. The theme of the musical, that as long as you "razzle-dazzle" the audience, the truth is of little consequence — a theme still prevalent in todays society.

Chicago designed by Innasya

Since the first jazz shoe hit the stage in 1975, Roxie's wardrobe has showcased sequins, velvet, and sparkles. The glamour remaining consistent through silver screen adaptations, and live performances.

I'm gonna be a celebrity, that means somebody everyone knows ... naturally, I couldn’t resist reinventing Chicago’s ensembles in my signature Innasya style.

The Looks

Designed by Innasya.

Funny Honey

Beginning with the baby pink slip Roxie dons in 'Funny Honey'.

Adopting a contemporary perspective, while still keeping the themes of the original looks, I designed a dainty pink, silk mini dress. Embellished with jewels lining the cups of the dress, and hem. I additionally created an elegant off-the-shoulder look, this design the perfect dress to sing a song of love and devotion in.

Roxie

Why simply tell people you're going to be a star when you can sing it? Saying fashion is not an art is impossible with Innasya's re-imagination of Roxie's 'Roxie' dress.

This silver, embellished halter neck dress, paired with matching gloves is the epitome of jazz, glamour, and show biz — if i do say so myself.

Nowadays (Roxie)

It's good? Isn't it grand? And, i'm sure if Roxie was wearing this number in her post prison audition, she would have, without a doubt, landed the gig.

A black silk mini dress alongside a black chiffon shawl is an elevated alternative to the LBD she wore in the film. While still remaining true to the glitz and glam of her stage ready wardrobe, this refined version is still suitable for everyday while upholding her reputation of making show stopping statements.

Nowadays (Roxie)

You can like the life you're living, you can live the life you like. Miss Roxie Hart was the queen of aspirations and making every effort to turn those dreams into her reality.

The scene where Roxie sings 'Nowadays' in her audition, cuts between her aspiration and the real world. Adorning a sparkly, black gown Roxie performs the song she will soon sing accompanied by the woman she hates, Velma Kelly.

Nowadays

Show business — the one industry where hating each other is "no problem at all".

In the final act of Chicago, not only one little lady, but two, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly take the stage to perform Nowadays as a double act — as, it's swell with two people.

Designed by Innasya.