Dancing with the Stars Costume Designer Randall Christensen: The Next Bob Mob Mackie?

By Dana Linett-Silber
September 20, 2010

Randall Christensen Tonight’s 11th-season premiere of "Dancing With The Stars" features Florence Henderson, Bristol Palin, Mike Sorrentino, Rick Fox, Kurt Warner, David Hasselhoff and Jennifer Grey. And while watching this latest crop of celebs tackle the Viennese waltz and the cha-cha is certainly a big draw, we'd bet our last leotard that that viewers will also be tuning in to see what the contestants wear.

From sparkly tops to spangle-y skirts, "DWTS"'s big, bold, danceable fashion is the work of Randall Christensen, a former dancer and the show’s costume designer. His work isn't easy. “We make it all from scratch, even the jewelry,” explained Christensen. “Everything is a just a piece of fabric the Thursday before we air; we probably have the biggest costume team in television since Bob Mackie was on the lot with 'The Sonny and Cher Show.'

(Left: DWTS Costume Designer Randall Christensen)

We asked Christensen if he thinks his work on the show has had an effect on style in general. “Yes, the biggest thing is more glitz, more rhinestones and crystal beads everywhere. I’ve definitely noticed lots of sparkly accessories out there and I think, hey, is that because of us?” remarked Christensen.

Dancing with the Stars

David Hasselhoff & Kym Johnson; Audrina Patridge & Tony Dovolani; Florence Henderson & Corky Ballas

We asked Richard Sinnott, Creative Director of Michael Kors Accessories how he thinks Dancing With the Stars has influenced fashion. “Jazz shoes are so big now; we did one last year and are doing another this season. It definitely could have been spurred, in part, by the show,” said Sinnott.

New York City fashion stylist Sharon Anderson thinks the show may have helped break barriers about what’s acceptable to wear for day. “Classic evening looks are more and more common—and chic—for day. Everything from t-shirts to flats to cardigans—they're all puttin' on the ritz! Sequins, glitter, metallic jacquards—all used to be no-nos for day, but now it’s like anything goes, no matter what time it is.”

“The show brings dance to mainstream America,” says Allison Hart, Executive VP of Marketing at Capezio, a major dancewear manufacturer. “'Dancing With The Stars' has been great for our business—many of our styles worn in practice scenes and during performances can easily work as everyday fashion, like our signature wrap sweater.”

Dancing with the Stars

Kyle Massey & Lacey Schwimmer; Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas

Worldtone, official shoe provider and custom shoe designer for the show, has also seen a lot of new interest in their merch—especially from younger buyers. Owner Lani Spear says lots of people who don’t dance have been coming in to shop. “I’ve also noticed the trend of wearing a nude, skin-tone shoe which looks great because it elongates the leg, [an idea that's] very popular on the street right now but it’s something dancers have been doing for years. Whenever I see it, it makes me smile,” Spear told us.

Finally, if there's any doubt that "DWTS" and the fashion it has inspired have become part of the cultural conscience—and that folks are getting excited for tonight's premiere—check this out: A selection of 1,500+ eBay items with "Dancing with the Stars" in the listing includes not only memorabilia and DVDs, but also clothing in the style of the show. Further, in the past 30 days, eBay listings in the Clothing, Shoes and Accessories category with the term "Dancing with the Stars" have quadrupled and sales have increased 14-fold compared to the 30 days prior. Similarly, sales of items with the term "dance shoes" have increased 50 percent in the last 30 days vs. the prior period.

So at last, the burning question we’ve been dancing around is: How does Randall Christensen find inspiration for his creations? Herewith, some of his favorite eBay search terms:

**Photo Credits: ABC/CAROL KAELSON)**