#But I do like Claire's dress a lot more than Elissa's

[operafantomet]

Hi! I want to ask what's your thoughts on Kaley's new world tour costumes? The elissa and the dressing gown look almost the same as the ones worn by Claire earlier this year...(also considering Kaley sort of joined the company half way to cover her) Could some of their costumes possibly be the same? Thanks for your answer and your awesome blog!

Apart from the title song and Masquerade, we haven’t really been flooded with promo photo so far (hello! You always used to do AIAOY for the press?!). So I don’t have a full overview of her Christine wardrobe in Taipei. But some general thoughts and observations:

First and foremost, the wig. Yes, still brown and curly. But for me a BIG change to see her with those huge, soft locks rather than the smaller ringlets. I like her in both looks. I also think her World Tour makeup is a lot bolder. Though have in mind they play in a huge arena, where some only see the show through giant screens, and offering viible mimick is vital... so that might also have pushed the boldness of the makeup.

The Hannibal Slavegirl costume. Whereas I was sure she would don the US style - as that’s what all ballerinas wear - I wasn’t sure if she brought along her already fitted Broadway bodice. Turns out she did not. Her Broadway one always lacked the middle green gem between the angels, which her Taipei costume has. The shape of the middle metal piece is also different, as is the use of beads over the bust. Even the tiara (not depicted here) is different in Taipei. But still a US style.

The Elissa gala costume: Yeah, the trouble costume. The US skirt has a small opening in front, between a “belt” matching the bodice and the rich beaded brooch belt. This makes skirt and bodice blend. No such attempt in the new World Tour skirt, made in a UK style but with a certain lack of attention to the waist area. Still, there’s much I like about the skirt, and the TOM clip floating around is lovely. And yeah, new UK shawl as well. Seems a bunch of new ones were made overlapping for the new World Tour and the new UK Tour. 

The dressing gown: She wears a UK style in Taipei, as opposed to the US style on Broadway. Biggest difference is in the “bagginess” of the waist, the decorations, and the belt. The latter is identical to the one Claire Lyon wore, as is the use of fabrics. So I assume it’s the same one. I love the World Tour look on Kaley in this scene, I gotta say. Looks very christine-y.

Il Muto: Judging by the UK costume makers, SOMEONE is getting a new Rooftop costume in the World Tour. I’ve suspected Kaley Ann Voorhees from the start, but no photos has emerged yet... grumble. As for the Serafimo blouse/shirt, it looks identical to her Broadway one in materials. But the mobcap is different in both shape and materials. This too looks identical to Claire Lyon’s 2019-2020 cap, so probably another borrowed piece there.

Star Princess: This one is interesting... Kaley Ann Voorhees is clearly using US styles in both photos. But... Her Broadway one was more worn, and paler. Her World Tour one looks way fresher, and brighter colours. But also stronger ombre effect in the skirt. Comparing photos of her and Meghan Picerno, I actually think she’s donned Picerno’s dress? Both colours and shape is very similar. Interesting. But then with a UK tiara. Hum.

Wishing dress: Haven’t seen a single photo yet. Intrigued to see what she’s wearing in Taipei!

Aminta: Ditto!!

Wedding dress: Only super blurry photos has emerged so far. Judging from the silhouette and the lace used it looks like a US dress. Might it even be the same she wore on Broadway? The placement of the lace in the skirt and the curve of the bodice in front is a good match. If so, cool.

So her general wardrobe seems like a mix, as it was for Claire Lyon. Speaking of which, someone suggested it was Australian Covid-19 rules that prevented Claire Lyon from starring in Taipei. And looking at the Australian Government’s websites, that can seem correct: “If you are an Australian citizen or a permanent resident you cannot leave Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions unless you have an exemption”. These include various healthcare services and humanitarian reasons, if you are to stay abroad for three months or more, or your work is important or even “of national interest”. Although this COULD have passed as a work emergency, there would have been lots of fuzz when returning. Being recently married and with Christmas coming up, I can see why not going to Taipei might have been the best option. It’s a short run there, after all.