PHANTOM FEAT. ABERCROMBIE

This past month, after hearing that the Phantom of the Opera is closing on Broadway, my parents jumped at the chance to get Sean and I tickets as a birthday gift [THANK YOU!]. Fun fact: I’ve never actually seen Phantom before — I’ve only listened to the music since my middle school obsession with everything broadway (needless to say, the quintessential ballads of the show, Angel of Music and Music of the Night are drilled into my head). After seeing it, I’m happy to say that my expectations were met: it certainly did not disappoint — the set design, costumes and orchestra were, without a doubt, stunning, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it has a revival after the ‘23 close. I will say, though, that despite Andrew Lloyd Webber’s heavy instrumentals, the plot of the story is a little bombastic in itself. It toys with the damsel in distress trope, which isn’t my favorite, and the entire ending is a bit convoluted and inconclusive. With that being said, it kind of reminded me of the fact that not all stories have to have a great plot — sometimes stories shine because of the way they are told. This one is told excellently, viscerally, and beautifully — and honestly, that’s ok that that’s the most appealing thing about it.

As a little nod to the grandiose show, I put together this look for the evening of my birthday — Sean and I had a killer dinner at The Nines. I started with this fabulous toile corset I picked up at Cider — this very pattern feels just like the show: baroque, theatrical, vintage. I paired it with these amazing hem split vegan leather pants from Abercrombie & Fitch (which by the way are on a crazy sale right now!) to elevate the top and give the whole look a little more drama. I added this amazing gold-crystal Cult Gaia bag dupe from Amazon to finish off the look, plus sky-high rhinestone platforms and crystal hoops.

“ An honest tale speeds best being plainly told”

[Richard III.IV.IV]

Cheers, xx - A. Martine