Pop music videos and 18th-century costumes — two great tastes that taste great together! Some of these we’ve shared with you before, but why not wrap them all up together with a bow?
Annie Lennox – “Walking on Broken Glass“
Of course we’ve discussed this one, with cameos by Hugh Laurie and John Malkovich and the costumes reused from Dangerous Liaisons (1988). It’s a fabulous song and a classic ‘story’ video trying to make sense of the lyrics, so the historical costumes add to the drama. Except for the towel on Annie’s head — what’s up with that?
Falco – “Rock Me Amadeus”
Nothing to do with the film, but part of that 1980s / 18th-century zeitgeist, this vid’s best feature is Falco as an 18th-century fop kickin’ it with a biker gang. The costumes are nowhere near historically accurate, but it’s a dance tune sung mostly in German, so no biggie.
Adam and the Ants – “Stand and Deliver“
Clearly, we loves us some Adam and the Ants — we analyzed the video and the background materials extensively, what with the mix of 18th-century costume, pirates, military style, and New Wave awesomeness.  All hail the dandy highwayman!
Madonna – “Vogue”
Specifically, Madge’s performance at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards, where she borrowed the white francaise Glenn Close wore in Dangerous Liaisons to perform the dance hit. This is my personal anthem, and yes, I know all the moves (you’ll see them on display at any Costume College Gala).
Bow Wow Wow – “I Want Candy”
Sure, you may remember the song from Marie Antoinette. But this video is a little different … yep, you’ll find all three of the Frock Flicks team, plus two our our sig.others and some of our best pals, all frolicking around Chateau de Pys in southern France! Trystan’s husband filmed and edited the production, which we all contributed to.
Are there other 18th-century themed music videos we should be aware of?
Your video is fantastic!! Well done!
How could you forget ‘There Must Be An Angel’? And this delight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT3SBzmDxGk
those end-pins are anachronistic lol
Back lacing! ;)
I was referring to the cellos: http://cellobello.com/blog/index.php/what-makes-a-baroque-cellist-part-1/
I worked with Frieda Paras-Jones in the late 80’s early 90’s on many music videos Madonna was one of our clients I remember pulling the Glenn Close dress from WB and building men’s waistcoats…
Super cool!!
There was some co-ed teeny bopper group in the late 90s (or maybe early 2000s) that did one, but I can’t remember enough to find it. But it was Versaille-ish and they were dancing?
OK, found it. Apparently it was English and early 19th inspired rather than French and 18th century. Whoops. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9L-0x92vXk
1. The guy with the blonde streaks is the cheesiest thing I have ever seen.
2. Watching women attempt to do the snake in corsets!!
3. BRACES!!!
I also rewatched these two videos (of the same song) because I couldn’t remember what period they were supposed to be. Not 18th I don’t think, but they’re a fun time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyJEytBlp1I
Why didn’t Nightwish exist when I was 15? I would have loved them!!
This is my nomination! I have no idea what the song is supposed to be about, but it entertains me.
Girls Aloud – Can’t Speak French:
rhinestone temporary tattoos! (actually kinda go with the vibe, if not being accurate)
Princess seams! Poly baroque satin! ;)
There’s also Eric Saade’s Masquerade, which nobody’s posted so far! (Obviously more 18th century “inspired” than accurate to the era!)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1Tcfn2ZEgg&w=560&h=315%5D
I love Rock Me Amadeus so much and Annie Lennox is just the best. Fantastic list!
Jamelia, money
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VupHxrP4XME
Duran Duran’s Out of My Mind features a lot of Rococo-style clothes by Vivienne Westwood.
A bit of French culture with Mylène Farmer: “Libertine”, and “Pourvu qu’elles soient douces”. The 2 videos make one full story, it is really unique! (warning: there is nudity and violence)(and naughty lyrics for those who understand French ;) )
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x12rbxk_mylene-farmer-libertine-clip-officiel-hd-720p_music
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x30g41y
Sarah McLachlan’s “Stupid” video has an 18th-century sequence at the beginning.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj1jceSkrfMAhXCRiYKHeOwBt8QyCkIIDAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DizNsuTAdiV0&usg=AFQjCNFJWYe1Loq79gSVfr4oEHx3ATtOyQ&sig2=FH0osjugZA6gJReWP7aT_w
Thunderstruck Cover by 2Cellos has some nice stuff.
Oh man, that was quite the ride.
I hate it when you think you’re gonna get laid and then your hookup starts having wolf heads come out of his chest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlUZncYmgfA
So wrong from a musical/white washing perspective. Also, those are not the 18th century uniforms you were looking for…. Hamilton got the basic look right, but these guys decided to go the My Chemical Romance / Hussar look anyways.
Belinda Carlisle’s La Luna has some really nice masquerade ball scenes