There are many integral parts to the mind-boggling visuals in a Cirque Du Soleil production, and the costumes are no exception.

The Straight got a preview of the show earlier this week, and we spoke with Kooza's head of wardrobe, Jason Brass, about some of the key influences in the show's elaborate collection of attire. Army and uniform stylings are balanced with ethnic costumes, while Brass says ideas of "the painter [Gustav] Klimt, Mad Max, and rock 'n roll" also influenced certain outfits.

"The costumes are very important to the acrobatic style of the show. Our job here is to maintain the artistic integrity and the safety of the artists, so every button, bead, and sequin is checked all the time," says Brass. 

Some of the costumes in the show took up to 60 hours for designers to make, including Brass' favourite piece, a swirly hand-painted suit with a matching shirt and shoes. 

Since many of the artists in the show come from an athletic background and not a theatrical one, Brass says the costumes are crucial to helping them get into character.

"We have a lot of Russians who come straight out of sport, so they don't really have the artistic in them. They put the costume on and they become alive, and they become part of the performance. That helps transform them into a character, and it really represents a big part of Cirque," he says.

Brass has worked on five different shows with Cirque Du Soleil, and he says this is his favourite "by far".  

"It's one of the strongest visual shows we have. It's upbeat, fun entertainment, it's good for all ages... I'm glad to be a part of it."

Watch the video above for a preview of some acrobatic tricks and a look inside Kooza's wardrobe. 

Cirque Du Soleil's Kooza opens tonight at Concord Pacific Place, and will be playing until December 27.