Buzz
Though Liberace’s brilliance on the piano made him a household name, it was his larger-than-life showmanship that earned him a place as one of the highest-paid performers of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Here's a glimpse into the luxury that helped define his legendary career.
1. Singing in Glamour
It’s no surprise that someone as flamboyant as Liberace would shun a typical microphone. Instead, he preferred sparkling, embellished mics like the one shown here.
[Image courtesy of Bobaloo Rox's Flickr stream.]
2. Music That Sparkled
This 1945 nickelodeon piano, one of Liberace's many mirrored masterpieces, was embellished with peacock feather motifs and sparkling rhinestone accents.
[Image courtesy of Ethan Prater's Flickr stream.]
3. A Dazzling Symbol of Triumph
This Baldwin grand piano, one of Liberace's prized possessions, was adorned with rhinestones, but it was the reflective mirror plate on its front that truly made it shine.
[Image courtesy of purpletwinkie's Flickr stream.]
4. Embracing Classic Elegance
Liberace's indulgence in luxury wasn't limited to just modern, custom-designed items. This 1885 Pleyel art case grand piano is a perfect example of his appreciation for vintage treasures.
[Image courtesy of rbglasson's Flickr stream.]
5. A Rhinestone-Encrusted Roadster
Liberace had an undeniable love for all things that sparkled, especially rhinestones. After decking out a piano and sequin suit with these shimmering gems, it was only natural that he would create a rhinestone-covered roadster to match.
[Images courtesy of rbglasson's Flickr stream and bryanh's Flickr stream.]
6. Reflecting the Road
Liberace’s passion for mirrors matched his adoration for rhinestones. Naturally, he had a mirror-covered Rolls Royce Phantom, adorned with galloping horses, to complement his mirrored piano. And don't miss the perfectly fitting vanity plate.
[Images courtesy of rbglasson's Flickr stream and CaDeltaFoto's Flickr stream.]
7. The VW/Rolls Royce Fusion
Another mirror-covered vehicle in Liberace’s collection, this VW was transformed into a Rolls Royce by the famed George Barris. Naturally, the custom license plate read, "VWRR JR."—a perfect touch.
[Image courtesy of bryanh's Flickr stream.]
8. Everything That Shines
This 1972 custom Bradley, glittering in gold, perfectly matched Liberace’s other extravagant cars. And, of course, it was the perfect accessory for his matching golden suit.
[Image courtesy of rbglasson's Flickr stream.]
9. Like a Rhinestone Star
Two of Liberace's outfits have gained legendary status, and the star-studded shorts set known as “The Drum Major” is one of them. Although this photo doesn’t show it, the blouse’s sleeves are decorated with fringe, ensuring that even after the cape was removed, the glam factor remained high.
[Image courtesy of Rodny Dioxin's Flickr stream.]
10. The Drum Major’s Footwear
Not always keen on wearing the boots paired with his sequined Americana ensemble above, these were another sophisticated footwear option.
[Image courtesy of ~BC~'s Flickr stream.]
11. King Neptune
This is one of his most iconic outfits, known as the King Neptune costume. Weighing an incredible 200 pounds (imagine the weight of his more heavily fur-covered ensembles!), the outfit’s sheer mass is a testament to its opulence. Curious about how one suit and cape combo could be so heavy? Take a closer look at the detailed shot showcasing the pearls, sequins, and numerous other adornments sewn into the fabric.
[Images courtesy of Snarkygurl's Flickr Stream.]
12. An Exquisitely Regal Restroom
This velvety toilet was the centerpiece of the guest bathroom in the Valentino Room of Liberace's Palm Springs estate. Because, after all, nothing says elegance quite like a throne-style toilet.
[Image courtesy of Bob's World of Liberace.]
13. Soaking in Luxury
With its own private chandelier and marble columns, it’s hard to imagine a more extravagant bathtub than this one from Liberace’s Las Vegas residence. Honestly, of all his possessions, this is the one I’d most love to own myself.
[Image courtesy of Bob's World of Liberace.]
14. The Fur That Defines Luxury
If you thought Princess Diana’s wedding dress featured an extravagant train, wait until you see this white llama fur coat, complete with a 16-foot train adorned with rhinestones and sequins.
[Image courtesy of Bob's World of Liberace.]
15. The World’s Biggest Rhinestone
After purchasing so many rhinestones from an Austrian company, it only made sense for them to gift Liberace a token of appreciation—the world’s largest rhinestone. They stopped production after presenting it to him.
[Image courtesy of Bob's World of Liberace.]
