The Look Book: The Playful Fashion of the Water for Elephants Red Carpet

The fashion on the red carpet for the opening night of Broadway's Water For Elephants (on March 21) was a spectacle, one that perfectly matched the musical's circus setting. The evening offered an array of fun, eccentric looks, from layered textures and bright prints, to peacock-colored gowns and tributes to the 1930s showgirl (apropos since the show is set in 1931).

See fashion highlights from the red carpet below.

Isabelle McCalla

Styled by Kirsten McGovern, Water for Elephants star Isabelle McCalla is serving absolute early 20th-century glamour in this champagne-colored Do Long dress featuring dangling raindrop gems (perfect to stand in the center of a circus ring in). The high-slit knee with the peek of her triple-strap sandal Alexandre Birman heels give a modern twist on the bottom, and the jewel-draped shoulders pay perfect homage to the period Water for Elephants is set in. Her headliner look is topped off with jewelry by Nadri and Nickho Rey, hair by Monique Gaffney, and makeup by Kemi Kamugisha.

Sara Gettelfinger

Water for Elephants cast member Sara Gettelfinger impressively matched the eccentric theme of circus and the glamour that a red carpet calls for in this luxurious custom gown (and shoes, though not pictured!) by Antonio Consuegra. The sapphire and green tones and feathered sleeves perfectly resemble a peacock—the ultimate diva of circus animals! Her waved bob styled by Craig Miller is gorgeously period accurate to the show's 1930s era.

Caroline Kane

Water for Elephants cast member Caroline Kane is as elegant as an acrobat in this ensemble, that also contains a dramatic edge. The high-lifted leotard lets her cross-patterned fishnet tights stand out as an attention-getting piece of their own, while the jacket draped just above the elbows keeps things comfortable on the cold red carpet.

Matthew Varvar

This contemporary look has Water for Elephants cast member Varvar standing out amongst the crowd in the best way! The black-and-white printed Dante pants are easily the star of the show, but the half-mesh shirt and cropped jacket by Orttu are also their own works of art, with the angular cuts tying in perfectly with the print below. Varvar completes the look with a classic pair of Dr. Martens, adding a modern edge.

Isabella Luisa Diaz

Water for Elephants cast member Isabella Luisa Diaz looks like they're ready to hit the road in this Western-inspired ensemble. Their sequined tassel top from Screaming Mimis Vintage combined with the silky draped brown pants by Nasty Gal come together for a circus-chic look.

Micaela Diamond

Guest Micaela Diamond did not disappoint in this polka dot dress by SWF. The juxtaposing sections of dots and the teeny-tiny straps make this dress both dainty and attention-catching. Her leather black boots stand out just enough to add a little toughness to this lovely look.

Sean Stack

Water for Elephants cast member Sean Stack's ensemble is as eye-catching as an acrobatic act, with an exciting combination of colors, patterns, and textures. The sheer neon pink top by Maison Margiela, black-and-white houndstooth blazer by Ellen Tracy, vinyl GMBH pants, and Eckhaus Latta shoes do not clash in their differences, but pull together into a fun, energetic look. Stack's sleek hair, styled by Craig Miller, is the perfect accessory to this modern outfit.

Wade McCollum

Water for Elephants cast member Wade McCollum's ensemble really fits the indie-feel of the musical, with the brown tone of their Rag and Bone suit adding an earthy element, while their red-and-black checkered shirt gives a playful pop of color (while perhaps not coincidentally resembling a circus tent). Their Balenciaga shoes add a fun, experimental touch—which is what circus is all about!

See more photos from the opening night red carpet below.