As the lights dim and the audience takes their seats at Randers Teater, a world unfolds where every detail is intentional. To mark the theatre’s 25th anniversary, the iconic musical Cabaret returns to the stage – this time with an extraordinary detail woven into its aesthetic universe: gloves by Rhanders.
THE CABARET LEGACY IS IN OUR DNA
Rhanders has a cabaret girl at its very heart. Our iconic brand mark, Yvette Guilbert – the world’s most famous cabaret singer, painted by Henri Toulouse Latrec – has been our brand mark since 1896. Cabaret isn’t just a theme. It’s part of our DNA. So when Randers Teater invited us to be part of Cabaret, the answer was the most natural yes imaginable. A collaboration both beautiful and deeply meaningful – connecting stage, story and soul through every stitch.
A SOULFUL COLLABORATION AND STORYTELLING
For this anniversary production, the performers wear authentic cabaret gloves from Rhanders – some designed and crafted especially for the occasion in close collaboration with the theatre’s costume designer, others carefully selected from our historical archives. Gloves that, for decades, have been resting in our archive boxes – now brought back to life under the stage lights.
At Rhanders, we believe craftsmanship can tell stories. That materials can carry memory. And that design – like theatre – can transport us to another time and awaken something deeper within. That’s why this partnership with Randers Teater feels so natural. We share a passion for mood, detail and narrative. And we share a home in the heart of Randers.
“We are always interested in finding local collaborators who truly make sense in relation to specific projects. And that’s certainly the case with our partnership with Rina and Rhanders for Cabaret,” says Theatre Director Peter Westphael.
“We’re very pleased that they wanted to create something special with us. With their sense of aesthetics, and especially their historical and artisanal expertise, they bring tremendous quality to the visual expression of the performance. It’s a highly inspiring collaboration – one that I hope will lead to beautiful stories and experiences for both parties.”
CUSTOM-MADE CABARET GLOVES
The custom-made gloves worn by the lead actress in the performance are created through a sensual and patient process that spans seven days:
· On day one, the butter-soft leather is gently moistened.
· On day two, the leather is shaped through toggling – a traditional method where two glove-makers stretch the size into the leather in a nearly choreographed dance movement.
· On day three, the leather rests.
· On day four, it is cut into the final glove silhouette.
· On day five, the pieces are pressed under a 5-kilo weight for 24 hours.
· On day six, the gloves are sewn by the only glove seamstress in Northen Europe.
· And on day seven, they are pressed and finished with the iconic Kalmus flower jewellery.
It’s a craft shaped not only by hand – but by heart.
ORIGINAL GLOVES FROM THE 1930s
Alongside the bespoke designs, we’ve had the rare joy of rediscovering authentic lace gloves from the 1930s in our archives – the very era in which Cabaret is set.
To see these original pieces return to the stage creates a special resonance: a true reflection of the time they were born into – and a direct link between the refinement of the past and the theatrical art of today. They are worn not only as costume – but as living stories.
AN EXPERIENCE TO TAKE HOME
At Rhanders, we strive for everything we create – from gloves to collaborations – to stir something in the heart. That is the feeling we hope the audience carries home from Cabaret: not just that they’ve watched a performance, but that they’ve been part of something greater.
And if their gaze is drawn to a pair of black gloves whispering of elegance, history and quality – then we know our collaboration with Randers Teater has reached the right audience.
