The tragic story behind the Playmate responsible for the iconic Chippendales look
Secrets of the Chippendales Murders premiered on A&E Monday, where it was revealed that the Chippendales signature look actually came from promoter Paul Snider’s famous wife, Dororthy Stratten. Stratten was Playboy’s Playmate of the year in 1980 and she thought the bunny cuffs and collars would look equally great on male strippers.
“Dorothy Stratten piped up,” recalled creative director Eric Gilbert. “They could wear the cuffs and collars like what I wear at the Playboy club.”
Club owner Steve Banerjee tok the idea and ran with it.
“Hugh Hefner gave the greatest gift to Steve Banerjee by allowing him to take that cuffs and collar trademark and make it into a Chippendales look.” Gilbert said. “That reversal was such an eye-grabber that women were just immediately locked into it.”
Unfortunately, Stratten’s husband was abusive, among other things. Stratten separated from him and pursued her dream as an actress, but her success was short lived because soon after that, Snider tortured and murdered her.
On August 14th, 1980 her and Snider’s bodies were discovered by his roommate Stephen Cushner. Her tragic story led to actresses like Jamie Lee Curtis in Death of a Centerfold and Mariel Hemingway in Star 80 retelling her story in different movies. But neither movie ever credited her with creating the Chippendales signature look.
Video Transcript
- The first iteration of the Chippendales show started with this guy, Paul Snider.
- One night he walked up to Steve and said, I know how to make this club a hit for you, male strippers.
KYLIE MAR: Secrets of the Chippendales murders premiered on A&E Monday, where it was revealed that the Chippendales signature look actually came from promoter Paul Snider's famous wife, Dorothy Stratten.
- Dorothy Stratten piped up, "They can wear the cuffs and collars like what I wear at the Playboy Club."
KYLIE MAR: Stratten was Playboy's Playmate of the year in 1980. And she thought the bunny cuffs and collars would look equally great on male strippers.
- Hugh Hefner gave the greatest gift to Steve Bannon by allowing him to take that cuffs and collar trademark and make it into a Chippendales look. That reversal was such an eye grabber that women were just immediately locked into it.
KYLIE MAR: Unfortunately, Stratten's husband was abusive among other things.
- Paul sucked as a promoter, as an emcee, and as a human being.
KYLIE MAR: Stratten separated from Snider and pursued her dream as an actress. But her success was short-lived because soon m Snider tortured and murdered her.
- Knocked on the door, no answer, and then opened up the door. Wait, the door is open. Now, I do have the goosebumps.
KYLIE MAR: On August 14th, 1980, her and Snider's bodies were discovered by his roommate Stephen Kushner. Her tragic story led to actresses like Jamie Lee Curtis and Mariel Hemingway retelling her story in different movies. But neither movie ever credited her for creating the signature Chippendales' look.
- Over time, she began to outgrow Paul. And in Paul's mind I guess it's another dream that went poof.
