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Liberace’s Wild Style Through The Years (Photos)

From glittering pink capes to American-flag hot pants, see the icon’s most flamboyant fashion.

Corbis; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty; AP

By Erin CunninghamMay 20, 2013

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-tease_nadrtn — Praised for his flamboyant style and appropriately nicknamed “The Glitter Man,” Liberace seemingly paved way for extravagant fashion. “My clothes may look funny, but they’re making me the money,” he once wisely said. With the release of the new HBO biopic Behind the Candelabra (featuring Michael Douglas as Liberace) the legacy of his talent as crazy costuming is brought back to life. Here, see highlights of Liberace’s style through the years.

Corbis; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty; AP

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-3_nke3zl — In a Technicolored and playful glittering power suit, Liberace poses next to his piano in 1969.

Photoshot/Getty

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-1_yj4gtx — In 1987, Liberace takes a bite from vampire style in a sequined navy-and-silver cape with a fur collar and detailing. He accessories with oversized bling and his signature prop, the candelabra.

AP

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-2_vlxclj — A reminder that all that glitters is not gold, Liberace stole the stage of Tivoli Concert Hall in Denmark in a white jumpsuit and waves of shimmering fabric.

Jan Persson/Redferns/Getty

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-4_h60eyc — Talk about layers on layers on layers: Liberace showed off a combination of his three staples: a bow-tie, fur, and loads of crazy rings in 1977.

Gamma-Keystone, via Getty

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-5_rwdnlf — Posing in 1974 with the queen of crazy costumes, Liberace gives Cher a run for her money in a full sequined suit with a piano collar as he gives her a tour of his Hollywood Hills home.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-6_hdxs6i — Again at Tivoli Concert Hall in Denmark, Liberace shines bright like a diamond with a flowing white fur coat with a mile-long train.
Jan Persson/Redferns/Getty

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-7_k9l7ds — Liberace grabs fashion cues from under the sea in a pastel, printed ensemble with a collar that resembles pieces of coral.

AP

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-8_rojvi9 — Viva Las Vegas! Liberace looks like Elvis in a gold-embellished white top and bottom on stage. The outfit was given a little flair by lace around the wrist.

Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-9_zuw9kh — On the Tom Jones Variety Special in 1971, Liberace rocked out in boots and a crazy vest.
ABC Photo Archives, via Getty

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-10_r91dok — Revisiting American Gothic, Liberace channeled his darker side, in a black, monastic gown as he performed in 1975.
David Redfern/Redferns/Getty

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-11_hfa3g9 — During his 1978 TV special Leapin' Lizards, It's Liberace, Liberace shared the stage with the likes of Vince Cardill and Debbie Reynolds. He's pictured wearing a gold-printed house robe and red slippers.

CBS Photo Archive, via Getty

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-12_bcdyfh — Who wears short shorts? Pictured in May 1971, Liberace wears a custom American flag get-up composed of tight and tiny hot pants and knee-high socks.

Corbis

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-13_nmksje — Versailles-ready, Liberace takes fashion cues from Louis XIV, wearing a pink-and-white silk ensemble (obviously encrusted with jewels) onstage in 1973.

Corbis

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-14_s3urym — Forget PJs and a Snuggie! Akin to his version of loungewear, Liberace relaxed at home in 1978 in a completely silver-sequined suit.
Corbis

galleries/2013/05/20/liberace-s-wild-style-through-the-years-photos/liberace-15_wxnfoj — Liberace was recognized for his lavishness and admiration for luxury, starting a trend of costuming later adopted by Elton John and Lady Gaga. Here, in 1971, he shows off a matador-inspired look.

Corbis

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