Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Designer Todd Thomas Talks About What’s Behind Those Sexy Costumes

In Their Words: Todd Thomas helps you get your sexy on! Every day is the real deal, not the dress rehearsal. Step it up. Full speed ahead.

Gorgeous & sexy models. Skimpy costumes. Over-the top theatrics. More fun than a week in Las Vegas. Flirty & frothy glam fun.

Did any one say, lingerie fashion show?

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of year again. Todd Thomas is the creative genius and head designer behind the larger-than-life lingerie inspired costumes at the 2010 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. I was able to have Todd answer a few questions about his inspiration behind those wildly sexy costumes and how YOU can bring some of that crazy glam sexiness into YOUR life.

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From your bio, it seems that we came from the same club scene in NY. You arrived in 1983, right at the end of the party, when you say the East Village looked like London after the Blitz with an atmosphere of boundless possibility. AIDS hadn’t yet taken its real toll and a wild art and music scene flourished around the Pyramid Club and Danceteria— you dove into it like a mosh pit.

Todd Thomas, Creative Genius and Head Designer of Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

 

It was fabulous time alright, and exploring the bounderies of self-expression left an indelible mark in either one’s own personal style or observing the visual performance art around you.

Alessandra Ambrosio models at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

 

SH: How do you see that downtown 80’s glam/performance art aesthetic as inspiration for the Victoria’s Secret costumes?

 

TT: Oh I love my 80’s glam/ club roots. Come on, we’re talking about Grace Jones, Blondie, Studio 54, Danceteria, Uptown/Downtown all things mixed and cohabitating. It was a fun time and everybody served you a dramatic, authentic look every second. There was a little bit of a Chic-Glamazon-Super Hero in everybody. To have those images floating around in my subconscious while working on The Victoria’s Secret Show certainly doesn’t hurt.

Katy perry performs in a Todd Thomas costume at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2010

 

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SH: What are your references for the fantastical Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show costumes?

 

TT: Inspiration comes from so many places. We try to incorporate relevant fashion inspiration as well as fashion history and photography. There are cinematic and theatrical undertones, music and lifestyle influence our moves and there are all sorts of nods to strong female historical figures, from Cleopatra to Bardot.

Karolina Kurkova in a Todd Thomas creation

 

 

SH: What are your suggestions for the everyday woman to bring some of that over-the-top theatrical fabulousness into her world?

 

TT: Woman OR Manů. Be authentic. Embrace your personal identity; bring forth your own powerful character. Every day is the real deal, not the dress rehearsal. Step it up. Full speed ahead.

Candice Swanepoel at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

 

SH: Did you have a favorite look from this year’s show? Is there one look from all the shows you’ve worked on that stands out above the rest?

 

TT: This year I just adored the Country Girls section and the crochet and gingham outfit Candice Swanepoel wore was a cutie because it was just so sweet, romantic and perfectly set the tone of the entire section. I also liked the Race Car leather, color-blocked outfit on Karolina Kurkova for melding the perfect amounts of whimsy and sex appeal. A monumental, stand out moment of past years, was the ôHighland Romanceö section, which was just sweeping and epic, perhaps one of the best themes.

I’m prone to like some of the less obvious looks for sentimental reasons though, for example the abbreviated sexy stewardess pieces in ôCome Fly With Meö for the restraint and efficiencey in conveying an adorable tongue in cheek theme.

Erin Heatherton in a Todd Thomas creation

 

Sometimes, on television, it’s difficult to take in the artistic beauty in the smaller details. If you looked, up close, in person, you would be amazed at how precisely and beautifully, and with an eye for detail, the looks are made.

Katy Perry & Victoria's Secret models

 

Show time:The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will air on Tuesday, November 30 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBS.

Photos: Victoria’s Secret

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