Taylor Swift’s Stylist Shares How They Created the Gold Reputation Catsuit with Limited Fabric

Taylor Swift “Reputation” catsuits worn during The Eras Tour.
Credit :

Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty; Erika Goldring/TAS24/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Taylor Swift’s stylist shared insights into the black and gold snake catsuit debuted during the Reputation set of The Eras Tour in Miami, featured in The End of an Era.
• Joseph Cassell discussed some fitting mishaps that occurred during the initial design phase.
• Swift candidly expressed her thoughts on the second sparkly snake ensemble.

A glimpse behind the glam.

In an unforgettable moment, Taylor Swift surprised audiences with the debut of a new snake catsuit during the Reputation segment of The Eras Tour in Miami on October 18, 2024. The rationale behind this outfit switch has only recently come to light.

Initially, fans speculated that Swift’s transition from the red-and-black bodysuit to the black-and-gold version—after wearing the same outfit for 131 shows—might signify an announcement for Reputation (Taylor’s Version), much like her previous announcements.

Taylor Swift debuts new “Reputation” bodysuit on The Eras Tour in Miami 2024.

John Shearer/TAS24/Getty

However, Joseph Cassell, Swift’s stylist, clarified that the switch in colors was due to a fabric shortage. This constraint forced the team to custom-create a second sequined Roberto Cavalli catsuit for the multi-award-winning artist.

“The original catsuit was made from a different fabric. That was all the fabric there was in the world. So we had to recreate the fabric for the second one and for this one,” Cassell explained in episode three of the docuseries The End of an Era.

The new one-leg ensemble features intertwining snakes, with gold details replacing the previous red accents. Bodysuits have been a signature look for Swift throughout her Reputation Stadium Tour.

In the docuseries, Swift is seen trying on the second catsuit during the design process for the final U.S. leg of The Eras Tour. Notably, she encountered fitting issues, particularly regarding the bust area.

Taylor Swift performs onstage for the opening night of The Eras Tour in March 2023.

Kevin Winter/Getty

“It’s just really annoying, and I have to do athletic s— in this,” Swift remarked, expressing frustration with the stitching that limited the suit’s practicality for her dynamic performances on stage.

When discussing necessary alterations, Swift noted, “I gotta see if this can even happen because they put my boob cups on my rib cage… It’s not that beautiful the way it fits me now.”

In a race against time, Swift’s team managed to alter the catsuit in the hours leading up to the Miami shows. During a fitting at Hard Rock Stadium, the artist was relieved to find the adjustments effective.

“It fits. It fits. It fits,” she exclaimed happily while looking in the mirror. “It’s perfect. Nothing is going to pop out.”

Taylor Swift wears red and black snake bodysuit during The Eras Tour “Reputation” set in Milan in July 2024.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/TAS24/Getty

Cassell remarked about the new look, “People are going to lose their minds.”

And indeed, they did!

Swift’s costume update for the Reputation segment followed her unveiling of a new bodysuit during the Midnights performance at the London show on August 16, 2024.

Fans speculated that an announcement for Reputation (Taylor’s Version) would follow this outfit change, recalling her previous outfit switch in August 2023 that coincided with the announcement of 1989 (Taylor’s Version).