By admin 
INTRODUCTION
There is an art to the ending of a show, and in the 1970s, Barry Manilow was the undisputed master of the grand finale. As the final notes of his most famous hits filled the air, he would often appear in his most spectacular attire of the night—frequently involving gold lamé, floor-length capes, and enough shimmer to light up a city block. These “Nightcap” costumes were designed to leave the audience with an indelible image of wonder.
THE DETAILED STORY
The “Finale Look” was a crucial component of the 1970s entertainment machine. It was the image that would be printed in the newspapers the next day and the one that would linger in the minds of fans as they drove home. For Barry Manilow, the finale costume had to represent the ultimate transformation. If the beginning of the show was about the man, the end of the show was about the icon. This is where the most extravagant materials were saved—the real gold leaf threads and the highest grade of crystals.
One of the most famous pieces was a dramatic, structured cape that Barry wore during his 1977-1978 tours. The cape was designed to catch the wind—even if there wasn’t any. Specialized wiring was sometimes sewn into the hem to give it a “flown” look, ensuring that when Barry turned, the fabric followed in a sweeping, cinematic arc. This wasn’t just vanity; it was theater. It was about creating a moment of awe that matched the soaring high notes of his closing numbers.
Designing for the night’s end also meant considering the physical toll of the performance. By the time the finale arrived, the artist had been performing for nearly two hours. These heavy, ornate pieces had to be designed so they could be donned quickly and worn comfortably for those final fifteen minutes of high-octane energy. The interiors of these heavy capes were often lined with moisture-wicking silk to keep the artist cool, even as the exterior blazed with the heat of a thousand sequins.
As we look back on those golden years, these costumes serve as a testament to a vanished era of showmanship. Barry Manilow understood that his audience didn’t just come to hear the songs; they came to be transported to another world. The gold, the glitter, and the glamour of his 1970s wardrobe were the vehicles for that journey. Even today, just a glimpse of a sequined sleeve or a high-collared jacket can transport us back to a night of music, magic, and the man who made it all possible.