Singer Slayyyter has revealed that wearing a vintage showgirl costume for a music video left her with what she described as a 'gross' rash on her back. Appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers on 05 October 2026, the 30-year-old performer said the elaborate outfit had originally belonged to a French cabaret before she acquired it in Italy.
The experience has raised questions about the hidden drawbacks of collecting historic clothing, particularly elaborate costumes that may contain unfamiliar materials. Slayyyter claimed the garment was made using hazardous substances and suggested it contained lead paint, although the costume's composition has not been independently verified. Her account highlights the contrast between vintage fashion's visual appeal and the care needed when handling older garments.
Slayyyter Reveals Vintage Costume Mishap
During her interview with Seth Meyers, Slayyyter spoke about her passion for collecting showgirl costumes and other vintage pieces, describing herself as 'a bit of a hoarder' when it comes to old clothing.
One recent purchase, however, came with an unexpected downside. The singer explained that she had obtained a showgirl costume in Italy that had originally been used at a cabaret in France. After wearing it in a music video, she developed a rash on her back.
'I recently got this old showgirl costume from Italy, but it was originally from this cabaret in France,' she said.
She went on to claim that costumes of this kind had historically been made with hazardous materials, adding: 'It was really gross. They have like lead paint in them.'
The singer's comments do not establish that the specific garment contained lead or that any particular substance caused her skin reaction. No independent testing was cited in the report, so the material remains unconfirmed.
The Hidden Questions Around Vintage Fashion
Vintage clothing appeals to collectors because of its distinctive fabrics, construction and connection to fashion history. For performers and stylists, historic pieces can also offer an authenticity that is difficult to replicate with newly made costumes.
Showgirl and cabaret outfits are often designed to make an impact on stage, with intricate embellishments and theatrical details. Their appearance can make them attractive for music videos and editorial shoots, but the age and condition of an individual garment may make its materials difficult to identify by sight alone.
Slayyyter's experience offers a reminder that the visual appeal of an archival piece does not necessarily tell the whole story. However, it would be misleading to suggest that all vintage clothing contains toxic substances or that old costumes are inherently unsafe. The specific risks depend on the garment, its materials and its condition.
For collectors and stylists, checking the condition of historic pieces and seeking specialist advice when there are concerns about their composition can help inform whether a garment is suitable to wear.
From Antique Silk to 1930s Fashion
Slayyyter's interest in vintage clothing extends well beyond showgirl costumes. She has spoken about her love of unusual textiles, flowing silk dresses and garments with a sense of history.
In an interview with Vogue around New York Fashion Week, the singer discussed her attraction to vintage and archival fashion, including pieces that are almost antique and styles from the 1930s. She described being drawn to interesting fabrics and textiles, particularly flowing silk dresses.
Her fashion choices have also referenced classic Hollywood. Slayyyter previously paid homage to the late actress Brittany Murphy by wearing a dress associated with Murphy's wardrobe in the 2003 film Uptown Girls. The reference reflects the singer's broader interest in revisiting styles from earlier eras and reinterpreting them through her own visual identity.
Why She Is Choosing to Store Some Pieces
Slayyyter's experience appears to have changed how she approaches at least some of her collection. According to the report, she has learnt to store certain vintage showgirl costumes rather than wear them.
That does not mean abandoning vintage fashion. Storing a garment can preserve its historical and aesthetic value without requiring it to be worn for a performance. For stylists and collectors, archival pieces can still inspire contemporary looks through careful preservation, research and display.
The singer's recent appearance at Tommy Hilfiger's Spring 2027 show during New York Fashion Week also underlined her connection to fashion beyond the stage. She performed during the presentation at the Plaza Hotel, bringing her pop persona into a runway setting.
Slayyyter's account ultimately highlights a tension at the heart of vintage fashion: the appeal of owning a piece of history, alongside the uncertainty that can come with wearing a garment made decades ago. While her costume's lead content has not been independently confirmed, her experience reminds us that historic clothing deserves careful handling as well as admiration.
