Fashion and Fun With Lawrence Welk

For many viewers, tuning into The Lawrence Welk Show on Saturday evenings is more than just a musical treat—it's a visual spectacle.  Originally airing from 1955 to 1982, the program gives a splendid view into the ever changing American fashion. The vibrant sets and costumes made each episode feel like a trip through a fashion museum. Coifed women floated across the stage in flowing chiffon and glossy satin, wearing everything from crisp A-line skirts and tailored pencil dresses to full, swinging pleats. The men are seen moving from sleek, skinny suits of the early 1960s to the broader lapels and bold ties of the '70s.  And, lots of polyester! 

If a style was trending, you could count on The Lawrence Welk Show to showcase it. Much of the show's visual magic can be credited to Rose Weiss, the show’s longtime in-house designer and seamstress. Behind the scenes, Weiss played a pivotal role in crafting the polished, era-spanning looks that became a hallmark of the program.

In a 1990s interview with Welk performer Mary Lou Metzger, Rose Weiss reflected on her years with the show. She spoke about the meticulous planning and creative effort that went into each episode, ensuring that every detail—down to the last sequin or bowtie—was just right. Weiss had an exceptional talent for re-creating the fashions of decades past, a skill that brought charm to the show's nostalgic musical tributes.

One such beloved episode featured songs from the Gay '90s through the roaring '20s, complete with parasols, raccoon coats, flapper dresses and plenty of jazz-age flair. Whether celebrating a turn-of-the-century waltz or a Charleston number, The Lawrence Welk Show transported viewers through time—not only through music, but through fashion, thanks in large part to Rose Weiss’s creative vision. Check out the fashion hits and misses on the show over the decades. 

Take a moment and tune in on Saturdays at 7 p.m.—you'll be glad you did. 

And if watching the show brings back warm memories, you’ll have a special chance to relive them in person this June. 

Long-time Welk performer Mary Lou Metzger will be making a live appearance at the Iowa PBS Studios in Johnston on June 14. Get your tickets today for a rare opportunity to enjoy stories, songs and reflections from one of the show's most cherished cast members.