‘CARIOCA’ SILK TAFFETA SKIRT, ARM BANDS, LYCRA LEOTARD, SCARF, AND SHOES

1975-79, Designer: Jean Louis​, Gift of Roberta Olden

Inspired by her ruffled “Carioca” gown and performance in Flying Down to Rio (1933), her first film with Fred Astaire, as well as the ruffled gown worn by Dolores del Rio in the same film, Rogers and Jean Louis designed this bejeweled ruffled ensemble for the finale performance in Roger’s nightclub revue, The Ginger Rogers Show from 1975 to 1979. Not only are the ruffled sleeves designed with elastic to keep them in place on the upper arms, but the flamenco-style skirt is fully ruffled on both the exterior and interior layers, creating an ensemble of significant weight which required skill and agility to masterfully maneuver with ease.  ​

Watch Ginger dance “The Carioca” number in her nightclub revue!