Outfits Inspired by Alexander Calder's Circus
Analyzing the fashion in Alexander Calder's Circus, 100 years later.
On a gray and unassuming New York day, I found myself at The Whitney, face-to-face again with Alexander Calder’s Circus (“Cirque Calder”) and the meticulous, folksy and bizarrely satisfying details of each character’s outfit.
The same work of art once witnessed and appreciated by Joan Miró, Marcel Duchamp, Isamu Noguchi and Piet Mondrian is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2026.
The miniature spectacle was once an interactive performance that captivated audiences for as long as two hours at a time. Calder was reportedly inspired by his brief time as a student working for the National Police Gazette where, in 1925, he was assigned to sketch the action of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The Circus would later go on to serve as inspiration for Calder’s future innovative, kinetic sculptures.
Calder is undoubtedly widely known for his fashion influence, with Gianni Versace, Mila Schön, et al citing his work. He also crafted over 1,800 earrings, bracelets, necklaces and brooches in his lifetime - but that’s a newsletter for another day. The enchanting fabric scraps, wire, wooden corks, bits of string, leather, paper, cut sheet metal, and buttons that make up the fashionable outfits in Calder’s Circus are worthy of a closer look.
Outfits & accessorizing inspired by Alexander Calder’s Circus, 100 years later…
Antique Boas, Striped Scarves, Bowler Hats & Triple Layers
This is my absolute favorite figure from Alexander Calder’s Circus. The details are heavenly and there’s a lot to pull from. He is Calder’s “Clown” and wears patchwork, striped, mismatched pants. The things I’d also wear:
The messy, chunky fringed shawl-like collar. It makes me think of two wardrobe heroes. The first being antique ostrich feather boas from early Hollywood (I have a pink one on the way from L.A.), and the second being hand-knit loopy collars or textural wonders made with speciality yarns like this piece. I would drape any of these over a statement coat.
I love the appearance of the undone, striped tie or scarf, especially in peppermint hues of red and white. Remember when Prada did striped skinny scarves with big pailettes on one tail end? That’s what this reminds me of. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about a red and white striped scarf, like this tiny hand-knit version. It’s the kind of thing a parent buys for a child’s first winter sledding debut.
The 1920s bowler hat is the epitome of personality. I actually think a true antique version of this in 2026 would be pretty interesting if styled in the right way.
Notice the smart triple layering effect going on: red coat, blue coat, tan coat, collar. The idea of putting a couple of lighter weight sweaters, blazers or layered jackets under a bigger statement coat with all lapels and edges visible. Very Balenciaga 2018. Do you dare to embrace this freehearted way of dressing?
Domed Brooches, Rhinestone Collars, Beaded Skirts & Statement Hats
She’s a performer and iconic: a caricature of an art deco burlesque dancer in the best sense. Calder titled her the “Exotic Dancer” of the circus and she has one of the most divine outfits. The details I take away:
Midcentury domed rhinestone brooches (likely buttons). The quality and excessive nature feels new and now. I love how she wears them in supersized scale, doubled up and of course, the placement...
She also has a matching collar necklace. Adding a huge, chunky, sparkling rhinestone necklace to an outfit is fantasy-inducing, even better if it matches said brooches. My favorites in my personal collection right now are by Weiss (vintage) and Area (new).
There’s something ultra glamorous about a black maxi beaded skirt or sequin skirt kind of like the one she’s wearing, especially for daytime. I’d wear it with a band tee, cable knit sweater or turtleneck mesh top with the above accoutrements.
Hair up, 1920s flapper cloche hat on. Notice how nearly all of Calder’s characters are wearing hats because people commonly didn’t leave the house without one in the era that he created this work (1926 - 1931). Authentic, antique hats like these are hard to find but worth the hunt and a definite outfit transformer.
