TSS May 2024
TSS May 2024
Recapping the revamp of Eras 2.0 and the methodology of her "off duty" look in Lake Como
Continuing the monthly recap series is May, the highlight naturally being the seismic shift made to the Eras Tour 2.0 - fully revamped with a newly added set dedicated to The Tortured Poets Department.
With this revamp came a new wardrobe and several makeunders of other sections of the show. Some were successful (Speak Now continuing to make its single song slot work overtime) others … less so (the new 1989 sets will haunt my dreams). We also got Taylor on location between tour dates in Lake Como. This is May 2024.
May 9, 2024 / Eras Tour / Paris, France: As we know by now, Taylor launched Eras Tour 2.0 for the European leg of this monumental live run. And with it she brought *counts on spreadsheet* two dozen new costumes. I “only” say 24 because by my calculations there are 36 possible variations of the 1989 outfits alone so … *sweats*. Are we sure we think we need a new reputation bodysuit?
I recently recapped all of my thoughts on the Tortured Poets set and of course the multiple ways Taylor is bringing diplomacy to the forefront in how she dresses on this particular leg of the tour through her costuming (hint: it’s flags but it’s also more than that!).
But after having had a few weeks now to sit with this new costuming (and also see the possibility of what a matched 1989 set could look like) I think I can confidently say my favourites are the stunning “seashell” Reem Acra gown for the Speak Now set and what I’ve dubbed the “squid ink” Naeem Khan dress for the Fearless set. They’re both well-executed in terms of beautiful nostalgia. I meanwhile continue to find myself not a fan of the 1989 circle skirts, cat emblems, and aggressive pleats. What do you think?
May 22, 2024 / On vacation w Travis Kelce / Lake Como, Italy: As I mentioned in the February recap when Taylor was spotted taking in all the wildlife that Australia has to offer at the Sydney zoo, it’s been so nice to see her playing Tay!Tourist while over in Europe. I often get asked how one is meant to discern just when Taylor is speaking to us through her clothing and when she’s not. And my answer is that context matters! Her studio candids in the summer of 2023 felt like intentional smirks to the pap cameras that followed her movements in and out of a recording studio, building buzz for whatever project she was working on. Those outings were an easy way to platform a burgeoning aesthetic while also centering the narrative that she was hard at work recording new art. With each pass through the Electric Lady doors, she was building her pop star presence while also maintaining her approachable take on fashion. By contrast, these outings are no less intentional - but they serve a different purpose. They’re “off duty” Taylor, enjoying time in between when she’s taking to the stage. In a way, the “off” only works to emphasise when she’s “on”, underlining further the human aspect of her celebrity. While the labels present in this particular ‘fit may be out of reach for many of us, it still feels like an elevated take on what I think many would wear on a romantic European getaway with an S.O. (and trendy to boot thanks to those mary jane flats).
What was your favourite ‘fit from May?