Visiting the Liberace Museum, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2009, we could not have imagined the journey we were about to take. As we entered the museum’s magnificent costume gallery, Liberace’s music was playing in the background and we were instantly mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of reflecting colors and lights. It was a magnificent spectacle. It reminded us of the magic of opening a most beautiful, ornate music box.
When we’d seen all of the fantastical costumes, we rushed to find the gift shop to take home a keepsake, so we could relive this glorious experience again and again. Much to our surprise, there was no book to be found. We stood there for a moment, stunned. Then we looked at each other. We knew we had found our next project.
Shortly after the visit, we approached the Liberace Foundation with a proposal. We asked permission to photograph all the costumes housed at the museum. The stars aligned for us. We were granted permission to take on what at times would be an overwhelming project—but also a consistently and extraordinarily inspirational one.
Neither of us knew much about Liberace at the outset. Who was this man who had entertained and delighted audiences for more than four decades? How had he remained relevant to the public for forty-six years? Who helped in creating Mr. Showmanship?
In our process of discovering the answers to these questions, we sieved through photographs of Liberace, fan letters, and cards that he had exchanged with other entertainment icons. We also went through his lavish collection of costumes and jewelry. We photographed everything, from every angle, and we painstakingly scribbled notes about what we saw, describing the little details about his costumes: the many kind of beads that were used and their colors, the threads, and the way each costume was created—all those things that only we costume geeks would notice. We also talked to those who had been closest to him: his producer, Ray Arnett; furrier Anna Nateece; designer Jim and designer Michael Travis (whom we are so blessed to have had contribute the foreword to this book).
Ultimately, we discovered a man whose life story is a tale of rags to riches, a man who had against all odds realized his wildest dreams. The world was forever changed by the great Liberace. His designers brought the razzle-dazzle that made him who he was.
Liberace in a black and gold tuxedo with his signature candelabra.