the inside scoop: Daphne Rubin-Vega's look at my cabaret!
Hello blog, it's Daniel!
I am back again for another series, in which I will go in depth on each look from my collection Sustainable Fashion is a Cabaret. To start, I wanted to talk about the look that inspired the whole collection, The Lovebirds worn by Broadway legend Daphne Rubin-Vega!
Daphne Rubin-Vega
When I decided to create a cabaret instead of a traditional runway show, one of the very first names that came to mind was Daphne Rubin-Vega. As a lifelong Broadway enthusiast, I see Daphne as one of the quintessential voices of New York City. Her sound is entirely her own, unmistakable and iconic. Growing up, I was captivated by her performances in various roles on stage, but I’ve likely spent over a week of my life listening to the Rent original cast album. That soundtrack was a driving force behind my creative journey and pursuit of a bohemian lifestyle in NYC.
The Lovebirds
When I asked Daphne if there was anything in particular she was interested in performing, she shared a song she had written called Cielo y Mar, inspired by two birds her late brother had given her. The story behind the song moved me deeply, and as I started to round out the cast of performers and develop their numbers, I noticed some recurring symbolism. Each unique performance seemed to embody its own distinct narrative, and I found myself naturally connecting each one to a different avian motif, weaving a tapestry of meaning throughout the show.
During Daphne's fitting, she showed me her mother's old robe embroidered with pairs of birds flying toward each other in a tender embrace. She explained that this cherished family memento had inspired Mimi’s iconic reveal during Out Tonight when Daphne originated the role in Rent on Broadway. She offered it to me to upcycle for her cabaret look.
Because of the robe’s fragile, threadbare condition, I chose to preserve its integrity and use the bird motif as inspiration for her dress rather than upcycle the robe itself. The final look incorporates intricate bird appliqués reminiscent of those on her mother’s silk robe. It was crafted from Daphne’s legendary Broadway costumes, including pieces from Rent (like those electric blue leggings Mimi is wearing when she opens her kimono), The Rocky Horror Show, Anna in the Tropics and other iconic roles.
The result is a fusion of personal history and sustainability, illustrating how upcycled materials can transcend the limitations of the traditional design process.
For decades, Daphne has been a powerful source of inspiration and support for the queer community through her artistry. When she performed in Sustainable Fashion is a Cabaret, she not only gave her time and immense talent but also entrusted me with these deeply meaningful costumes.
Making this look was such a uniquely special project for a Broadway nerd like me. Thank you Daphne, I will cherish this memory forever!
The Lovebirds Inspired Crewneck
My goal with this entire cabaret collection was to create my own couture visual spectacular and then ready-to-wear pieces inspired by that vision. The Lovebirds sweatshirt is a piece that I can really wear inspired by Daphne's performance. It features a pair of birds modified to fit the sweatshirt that are identical to Daphne's dress. I hand-make them each in my studio to your orders.
Giving Tuesday Raffle
This holiday season, Daphne's legacy of giving comes full circle. She has generously dedicated The Lovebirds dress to raise money for The Ali Forney Center, an incredible organization providing shelter and support for LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness. To support this incredible cause, we’re raffling Daphne's dress with tickets available for just $10.
The raffle runs until Sunday, December 29th, at 12 PM EST. Click the link below to learn how to enter, find more information about The Ali Forney Center, and discover everything included in the prize package from Daphne's dress to one of The Lovebirds sweatshirt!
TAKE ME TO THE RAFFLE!
With love(birds),
Daniel