Luxury Rituals: Protect Your Energy Like a Showgirl

I’ve always believed that the way we move through the day is a kind of choreography. Growing up between London and Tangier, then landing in Lisbon, I learned that luxury rituals are what steady us amid the commotion. Recently, whispers of Taylor Swift’s forthcoming The Life of a Showgirl have made me think about what happens backstage—how performers shield their energy, how they prepare to dazzle under the lights. Though the music is still a mystery, the theme of showgirl glamour already speaks to me. This is a love letter to the quiet moments that precede the spectacle, and the objects that make those moments feel exquisite.

Washable Silk Robe

Lunya | $278

My days begin in silk. There is something inherently ceremonial about sliding into a robe that drapes and flows like water. The washable silk robe I reach for is cut from 100 % mulberry silk, dyed a deep black. I tie the belt loosely, letting the fabric brush my ankles, and make coffee in a terracotta mug while the city stirs. The robe feels weightless yet substantial, soft against the skin but with enough structure to make me stand straighter. It’s luxury without fuss, true to the idea that quiet glamour is often found in pieces you can throw in the wash and still feel amazing in.

Reiki Infused Ritual Body Oil

Standing Pine Acres | $20

After my shower, I dedicate a few minutes to massage. The reiki-infused body oil I use is a blend of jojoba oil, citrus and florals layered over grounding notes of frankincense. Suspended within are rose and dahlia petals, along with a tiny rose quartz crystal that catches the light. I warm the oil between my hands, inhale slowly, and press it into my skin from shoulders to toes. This act is less about moisturising and more about sealing in intention. I picture the oil creating an invisible cloak, the way a showgirl might calm her nerves with a favourite fragrance before stepping through the velvet curtain. The ritual reminds me that our energy is precious and that we deserve to feel held.

Ernesto Candle

Trudon | $56

As the sun sets over Príncipe Real, I light a candle to mark the transition from work to rest. The Ernesto candle, with its tobacco and leather notes, fills my apartment with a scent that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Its green glass and gold crest sit proudly on a stack of vintage books, like a prop rescued from a mid-century theatre. When the flame flickers, shadows dance across the walls, echoing the footlights of an empty stage. The fragrance encourages me to let go of the day’s distractions and savour the moment. Lighting it has become my private signal: the show is over, the curtain drawn, time to retreat.

Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Quince | $44.90

Rest is a sacred performance too. I slip my pillow into a silk case of creamy ivory, the sheen glows even in dim light. Mulberry silk is gentle on hair and skin, and there’s an indulgence in knowing your pillow is as thoughtfully chosen as your dress. I smooth out any creases, fluff the pillow, and sink into bed with a sense of gratitude. It’s a small gesture but one that elevates bedtime from routine to ritual. Showgirls need beauty sleep, and you can channel Taylor's energy with the terracotta orange color.

Pajama Party Set with Double Feathers

ShopBop | $370

There’s joy in dressing up just for yourself. This viscose pajama set trims its cuffs with removable ostrich feathers—yes, feathers on pajamas. When I wear it, whether I’m sipping chamomile tea or writing in my journal, I feel a playful flutter at my wrists with every gesture. The feathered cuffs remind me of the extravagant costumes and fans associated with showgirls, but here they’re reimagined for the living room. When friends drop by for a last-minute glass of vinho verde, I’m ready. After the guests leave, I unbutton the cuffs and curl up in bed, feathers removed but the sense of ceremony lingering.

Large Feather Hair Comb

Avigail Adam | $65

Finally, a piece that is both accessory and anchor: a hair comb fashioned from gold-plated brass and shaped like a delicate feather. I slide it into my hair when I need a touch of whimsy during a dinner out, a stroll through Jardim da Estrela, or an important video call. The comb catches the sunlight and holds a lock of hair with ease. For me, it’s a subtle nod to my heritage and to the showgirl’s plume. It's ornamentation that doesn’t scream but still commands attention. It’s incredible how a small object can shift your posture, reminding you of your own narrative strength.

Ritual Is the New Luxury

If there’s one lesson my years in fashion have taught me, it’s that luxury isn’t about how loud something is; it’s about how it makes you feel. The anticipation around The Life of a Showgirl has me reflecting on how we can honour ourselves in the spaces between the spotlight—before the curtain rises and after it falls. In those quiet interludes, the pieces we surround ourselves with become companions, helping us conserve energy and channel it where it matters most. Whether it’s silk against skin, the scent of a candle burning down, or the weight of a gold comb tucked into your hair, these objects turn routines into rituals.