The tide has turned:

After seeing what Steve Harvey wore for the Miss USA contest (and what the contestants wore) could you even imagine wearing jeans to be in the audience?

For the same reason, that and the economy seems upbeat, people will start wearing nicer clothes, they will also expect performers to dress accordingly. That also means shows can start to use more colorful props then 10 years ago.

It’s an upward trend.

Hope so.

I agree Jay - I grew up in an era when the nagician was ALWAYS dressed one class better than the audience and did not consider grunge a "costume." The only other solution is Mac King's approach to costume for a character. I clearly remember the era, too, the tux was mandatory and costume changes consisted of hats and quick robes or scarves for an accent in a themsed segment of the show.

Sorcar (the third generation) has little problem with the costumes as he represents India. One local magician has spent a fortune in character costuming his act in Ancient Japanese silks and robes.. Exceptionally coloful.

From your lips... but I think people in general (not magicians or anyone that is aware of their impression) tend to take the easy road and either don't know or don't care what is appropriate depending on degree of narcissism. If we could just move on from flip flops, it would be a miracle.

Gap in the market for drag magician, then? =P