Those who’ve already seen Taylor in the U.S. this year agree all the stress is worth it.
The show, which opened in March and continues until August next year, is said to be the most expensive and complex production this century.
And it’s not only the music that’s wowing crowds. Costing hundreds of thousands of pounds Taylor’s tour-drobe is making headlines too.
It’s a fashion extravaganza. She wears an incredible 16 costumes during the three-hour set, each one a hand-decorated, custom piece by some of the world’s greatest designers including Alberta Ferretti, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Elie Saab, Ashish and Etro.
There’s a bespoke outfit for every ‘era’, each of which takes its name from one of her studio albums, with every sequin, ruffle and heel painstakingly thought out to fit a specific time in her life.
The purple, beaded bodysuit by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad that Taylor slips into for the Midnights era, took more than 350 hours to create, using some 20,000 crystals and pearls.
Each concert at each new venue debuts new pieces.
The only things that remain constant?
Taylor’s trademark red lips, winged eyeliner and record-breaking popularity.
Fearless era
For the energetic Fearless set, it’s one of many shimmering Roberto Cavalli dresses, set with Swarovski Crystals, and plenty of fringing.
To sing Enchanted from the Speak Now album, Taylor has multiple options fit for a princess.
A tiered design from Nicole + Felicia Couture features mauve, lilac and purple glitter tulle, but some nights she dons a couture piece in dusky pink with silver starburst beading thought to cost £45,000. On others, it’s an Elie Saab 2020 couture gown.
1989 era
Taylor wears one of three £55,000 beaded mini skirts and matching bra tops — in either rich magenta, bright green or brilliant orange — from Roberto Cavalli for the iconic Shake It Off set.
Reputation era
Taylor turns up the tempo in this show-stopping, asymmetric black and red catsuit from Roberto Cavalli, with sequins studded along the right leg.
A red and silver sequined snake motif winds from top to bottom, with boots sporting matching embroidery.
Midnights era
Oscar de la Renta owns this extravagant era.
The set opens with a loose-fitting, silver mini dress and fur coat before layers are shed to reveal a custom-made bodysuit costing £30,000 and studded with more than 5,300 hand-embroidered crystals and beads.