It was cancelled and then it wasn’t; Timeless was saved from the one season and done list, much to my joy. This was one of my favorite new shows from the 2016-2017 and part of this was the chemistry of the leads, part because I love a history infused adventure and because every week the different decades (and centuries) portrayed through costuming left me drooling.
Season 2 looks set to deliver in this department and this is a cast that likes to use Instagram to tease and treat fans. Which brings me to Abigail Spencer’s latest post and this Lucy ensemble is giving me so manyPeggy Carterfeelings. Are they heading back to the late 40s/early 50s?
Game of Thrones is back in just under two weeks and we’ve got plenty of photos from the season 6 premiere. Plus cast hangouts on and off the set, the end of The Good Wife, White House trips and Megan Fox crushing it.
Hanging with her on screen sister in a very intimate fashion. My GoT dream is still to see this pair reunite, find Nymeria and then burn the place/the Boltons/the Freys to the ground; the new trailer promises shows both Stark women preparing to do battle of sorts and I am very excited.
Outlander returned this week and Jamie Fraser himself; Sam Heughan was the Grand Marshal at the New York City Tartan Day Parade. As a Fraser this makes me very happy indeed.
Things happened on The Americans last week; one of those things was sadly not Nina infiltrating Elizabeth and Philip’s place of work. Also woah look at how young Henry looks in that picture.
Double Annet Mahendru and a blurry finger pistol shot with Michael Aronov. Note the Ugg boots which is always one of my favorite below the camera details that you get to see in BTS photos.
It is that time of year when Emmy related activities are beginning from the Variety “Actors on Actors” series to the most recent FX Upfront screening of American Crime Story. This means a lot of TV stars out and about so along with our usual behind the scenes set antics there is also plenty of promo stuff occurring. Plus a whole array of other events from the week.
Confession – I still have not caught any Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (I know), but I am still super psyched about this Instagram reveal and it is up there on the former roommate scale with Connie Britton and Lauren Graham.
Holly Taylor has ditched her Elizabeth Jennings’ coat and poses up a pool playing storm with her onscreen brother at the FX American Crime Story event last week.
Cherishing these Good Wife behind the scenes photos as the end is so close and also looking for clues; is this indicating that Lucca is representing Peter? This is definitely a courtroom scene.
Kerry Washington’s Confirmation tour is all about the floral frocks; perfect for spring sunshine (sorry if you are currently experiencing unseasonable snow where you are this week).
Another shot of this fabulous Kerry Washington dress (and probably my favorite of the four) as she takes part in Variety’sActors on Actors; Emmy discussion season is upon us and I am always giddy for these one on one conversations and forthcoming roundtables.
Uzo Aduba is currently performing on London’s West End in The Maids along side Fresh Meat’s Zawe Ashton and Lady Edith herself Laura Carmichael. The trio hit up the Olivier Awards red carpet and do the selfie thing with Stephen Oremus. Lipstick bonus points awarded to Zawe Ashton.
Time to serve up the best of Instagram over the past week including some more fashion week, awards and plenty of behind the scenes shenanigans including Agent Carter, Jane theVirgin, The Americans and Girls.
Girls returned with a strong season 5 premiere and so much of this was down to Allison Williams crushing it on Marnie’s wedding day (new writing gig and more thoughts on that here). The extreme make-up was such a good visual joke so it was fun to see a very make-up Jekyll and Hyde version of Williams here.
Agent Carter did something very fun/different this week with an elaborate song and dance dream sequence routine involving Peggy’s current love interests, her enemies and friends (including Angie which pleased me immensely). Jarvis also got a pretty good end of this deal.
Bridget Regan is everywhere at the moment and even though she has a tendency to play the villain I am also always rooting for her. This is adorable for starters. If not a little complicated now.
At the Costume Designers Guild Awards this week Mindy Kaling wore a stunning custom Salvador Perez gown and here she gives a sneak peek into the prep of an event like this. And I love her for this.
Fox are staying in the live musical business with an adaptation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and as with the recent Grease: Live this cast has increased my interest levels.
From one Rocky to another and Russell Tovey’s dog is now the proud owner of a sweater matching the Gant by Michael Bastian one that Tovey wore as Kevin (and then lent to Patrick) on Looking last season.
Keidrich Sellati who plays Henry Jennings on The Americans grew 6 inches over the break and considering season 4 is starting up where season 3 left off this could prove to be visually interesting when Henry next pops up. Holly Taylor’s photo here form Sellati’s last day on set really does make them look like siblings mucking around instead of posing properly for a picture.
Oh to see in those garment bags. As you can tell I am very much looking forward to the return of The Americansand seeing what treats Katie Irish has in store for us (previous Americans costume designer and TV Ate My Wardrobe fave Jenny Gering co-designed the look of the premiere with Irish).
Sarah Michelle Gellar went all nostalgic with her WCW using a shot from this mesmerizing WB promo. Right before she dropped this HUGE Cruel Intentions bombshell (this post is currently being written to the always incredible Cruel Intentions soundtrack).
I always made the mistake of wearing sandals/flip flops to clubs in the summer and this was always a giant sticky mistake. I have never ended up with red feet though (I did once see bloody footprints in the morning and I put this down to glass rather than something more sinister).
That very busy time of year when it is not only New York Fashion Week, but the awards keep on coming and shows are returning/are deep into their filming schedule. It is good for “Behind the Insta-Scenes” as there is plenty of variety this week.
Meanwhile Grant Gustin is also moonlighting over on Supergirl; Gustin and Melissa Benoist do look very good together. I really need to catch up on Supergirl before this episode happens.
A photo posted by Constance Zimmer (@constancezimmer) on
Constance Zimmer’s very on point sweater this weekend gets extra points for the Galentine’s tag (and now I’m sad I forgot to include Rachel and Quinn in this post – next year).
A video posted by Stella Bugbee (@stellabugbee) on
NYFW is all over Instagram including many runway shots and this one from The Cut’s Stella Bugbee captures the fluidity and pretty from the Altuzarra show.
For anyone who has seen the excellent John Mulaney Netflix comedy special The Comeback Kid or if you just like dogs wearing coats – this one is for you.
More fancy pants behind the scenes shenanigans with a relaxed edge at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Plus babies, celebrating the return of Agent Carter and some A+ 70s outfits.
Will Forte showed that his new half-shaved look wasn’t just a onetime TCA affair (his entire body is like this, yep everything) and gave Justin Theroux’s expressive eyebrows a workout of Leftovers proportions at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
A photo posted by Justin Baldoni (@justinbaldoni) on
Award shows can all get a bit much for some. The Jane the Virgin table also featured heavily in reactions to the super adorable Jacob Tremblay. They are all of us.
A very super smiley Liv Tyler on her way to the awards and it is probably a very good thing that she didn’t have to lie down to avoid crease awkwardness.
Also to be filed under “things that seem too magical to be true” is Kroll Show originals Gil and George appearing on The Bachelor live show and Jenny Slate filming her reaction. Yep, I still miss Kroll Show, but I am thrilled that Gil and George are still out there in the world.
More adorable babies and hitting that ‘cast members who still hang out after their show has finished’ sweet spot. Also Dave Annable wins best Instagram caption contest this week.
A smorgasbord of pattern clashing and bold color from the many outfit changes for Mindy Kaling on The Mindy Project. Even by this shows standards this is a lot for one day and it’s hard to pick a favorite; edging toward the floral sweater and pajamas with the dragonfly dress also wrestling for top place.
While I’m on the subject of jeans – I am coveting these ones Gina Rodriguez is wearing hard and the whole 70s vibe of this outfit is ticking all the boxes.
The nominations keep on coming and the Costume Designers Guild Awards are one of TV Ate My Wardrobe’s key celebrations of the year because they focus on excellence in costume design covering television, film and short form. Instead of one costume design category where period tends to reign supreme these TV and film awards are split into three separate groupings giving contemporary, period and fantasy their chance to shine. The awards will take place Tuesday, February 23 in a ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and if it is anything like last year then it will be a very glamorous affair.
We’re going to discuss who has been nominated and the names of those we would also have loved to see get recognized. Plus a fun treat at the end as I was lucky enough to get to see one nominee’s creations up close last year and now is the perfect time to share those photos.
Here is the full list of nominees:
Outstanding Contemporary Television Series
American Horror Story: Hotel – Lou Eyrich Empire (Season 1) – Rita McGhee House of Cards – Johanna Argan, Kemal Harris Ray Donovan – Christopher Lawrence Transparent – Marie Schley
Outstanding Period Television Series
The Knick – Ellen Mirojnick Mad Men – Janie Bryant, Tiffany White Stanton Masters of Sex – Isis Mussenden Outlander – Terry Dresbach Penny Dreadful – Gabriella Pescucci
Outstanding Fantasy Television Series
Game of Thrones – Michele Clapton Once Upon a Time – Eduardo Castro Sleepy Hollow (Season 2) – Kristin M. Burke, Mairi Chisholm Sleepy Hollow (Season 3) – Mairi Chisholm The Wiz Live! – Paul Tazewell
Excellence in Contemporary Film
Beasts of No Nation – Jenny Eagan Joy – Michael Wilkinson Kingsman: The Secret Service – Arianne Phillips The Martian – Janty Yates Youth – Carlo Poggioli
Excellence in Period Film
Brooklyn – Odile Dicks-Mireaux Carol – Sandy Powell Crimson Peak – Kate Hawley The Danish Girl – Paco Delgado Trumbo – Daniel Orlandi
Excellence in Fantasy Film
Cinderella – Sandy Powell Ex Machina – Sammy Sheldon Differ The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 – Kurt and Bart Mad Max: Fury Road – Jenny Beavan Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Michael Kaplan
Excellence in Short Form Design
“And So It Begins,” Old Spice Commercial – Mindy Le Brock
From the Makers of Happy & Merry, H&M Presents Katy Perry Commercial – B. Åkerlund
The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth – Dance Battle, Video Game, Kaboom/Warner Interactive Commercial – Soyon An
Kevin Spacey, E-Trade Commercial – Johanna Argan
“Most Interesting Man in the World Wins on Land, Sea & Air,” Dos Equis Commercial – Julie Vogel
Last year fantasy and period costuming were grouped together when it came to the TV nominees and mini-series/made for TV movie took up the third space. Splitting fantasy and period makes so much sense to me giving a broader scope especially when considering the volume and quality of period shows. Sleepy Hollow does have two nominations in fantasy because there have been two different costume designers (Kristin M. Burke and Mairi Chisholm) at the helm over this voting period and it is about time that this show got some recognition for the incredible collection of contemporary, period and monster attire. The other standout and the show to beat is Game of Thrones and as this is Michele Clapton’s final season this also gives her an added boost.
The period category is where a lot of the big hitters are including Janie Bryant and Tiffany White Stanton for Mad Men’s last hurrah (and another excuse to post a photo of my overall costuming highlight from 2015), Masters of Sex wobbled this year story wise, but the costuming didn’t dip in quality and The Knick is just as mesmerizing from a wardrobe point of view as it is from the way it is lit (and anyone who reads my Twitter feed knows how much I love the lighting). I still need to watch Outlander (I know) and while I couldn’t get on with Penny Dreadful it is easy to see why it has been nominated.
As far as shows I would love to see get recognized when it comes to period attire The Americansis top of that list as Jenny Gering managed once again to weave the spy wear with the at home styling so effortlessly and in a way which really informs the story without feeling like an anthology of everything 80s. Fargo is the other one I am disappointed to see not on the list as Carol Case produced some exceptional work. The same can be said about Giovanna Melton’s work on Agent Carter and this is one of the many examples of a show which could easily straddle two different categories as it can also be counted as a fantasy.
The biggest disappointment for me personally comes in the contemporary offerings and while they are all solid choices – American Horror Story: Hotel is another one which could be defined as more than one genre – I can’t help but feel Christopher Hargadon has been sorely overlooked for his work on Hannibal. Comedy has also been mostly ignored and there are plenty of sitcoms, half hours and those hard to define shows like Orange is the New Black missing out with only Transparent taking up that space. Jenn Rogien for Girls and OITNB, Broad City’s Staci Greenbaum, Wendy Benbrook for You’re the Worst and The Mindy Project’s pattern clashing king Salvador Perez are a few of the comedy options who I would have liked to see up for this award.
Moving on to the film options; Joy and The Danish Girl are two films I watched this week and while I didn’t love either one the costuming is a high point in both. I’m also really pleased to see The Martian up for an award as I’m still thinking about the various pieces of NASA apparel, plus the actual space suits and everything back on earth. It’s no surprise seeing either Carol or Brooklyn in the period category (both of which received a BAFTA nomination this morning) and I’ve been pretty obsessed with all things Carolsince I saw it in November.
Fantasy is what really excites me film wise this year especially as most of these will sadly not cross over into Oscars territory; although much to my delight Mad Max is up for a BAFTA. Once again Kurt and Bart delivered big on The Hunger Games even if this one is less decadent and grimier than the other installments. When I saw Star Wars for the second time this week I was once again struck by costume details from Rey’s long gloves on top of gloves to Kylo Ren’s cape and there is so much going on that informs character. Ex-Machina is the little movie that could and yeah I think this is a good time to post this gif showcasing some of the simple, but super effective dancing attire.
Sandy Powell is a double nominee (both here and at the BAFTAs) for two Cate Blanchett movies (Carol and Cinderella) and while I haven’t watched Cinderella I was lucky enough to see the costumes up close and personal at an exhibition in London last March and you can see the photos from that in the gallery below.
For the nominees and winners from last year’s 17th Costume Designers Guild Awards head here and check back in to find out the winners of the 18th Costume Designers Guild Awards next month.
Agent Carter was originally scheduled to return this week for season 2 – the State of the Union caused the bump – and now the two-hour event will air January 19 instead. For now there are some new character portraits and TV Line has the exclusive selection featuring characters old and new. We’ve picked a couple of our favorite shots which showcase costuming, red lipstick and general DGAF attitude.
This is very much the face of someone who knows their value and it will be interesting to see if Peggy gets more respect after the events of last season and with a coast change. Costuming wise it is similar to last season with red and white being signature colors with only blue missing from the palette. This is a more informal setting than the promo material last year which saw Peggy brandishing a gun and wearing a red Stetson Stratoliner. However, you can see Peggy standing defiant in an all blue dress with red trim in the season 2 key art; gun in hand, sans hat.
Hayley Atwell is well suited to this period of clothing (as Restless and Any Human Heart can attest – watch both mini-series’ if you can) and I am very excited to see what costume designer Giovanna Melton has got in store for us this year.
A stunning stone cold fox and I would not expect anything less from Bridget Regan as Dottie; another role in which Regan excels at playing super sweet and then turns out to be the big bad. It’s going to be fun watching the pair go up against each other now it is all out in the open and Dottie is just as formidable as her rival with the added advantage of being part of what appears to be the original Black Widow program. Basically, don’t mess with her.
Peggy looks directly at the camera in her character photograph engaging the viewer, whereas Dottie is devoid of any emotion and appears detached. The red of her lips, blouse, buttons and trim stop her from melting into a sea of black and it is an incredibly affecting shot. These women come from very different places and their methods vary – one is far more inclined to kill to get what they want than the other – and this is the one relationship/conflict I am most excited about seeing develop this season.
To view the whole gallery head here and check out where Agent Carter featured on our Best of 2015 list.
Welcome to TV Ate My Wardrobe’s “Best of 2015” costuming series and rather than doing a straightforward countdown we’re going to do a variety of posts that look at which costumes and shows have made a huge impact this year. From items we want in our own wardrobe to pieces that got everyone talking; we want to celebrate the work of television’s best costume designers.
Now is the turn of a huge range of shows we have been watching this year from network, cable and streaming with comedy, drama and all those other hard to categorize scripted offerings. There has been so many fantastic individual moments that we have had to split this post into two otherwise the scrolling would be endless.
Here is Part 1 of the standout costuming moments in 2015.
Most On Point Accessorizing
What better way to appease the dragon that has done a runner than wear a necklace bearing a very familiar image and this comes in particularly handy for Daenerys in “The Dance of Dragons” when Drogon makes a very timely entrance. The influence of Daenerys’ heritage has been visible throughout the texture of her costuming which at times has been scaly in appearance. Yunus & Eliza designed this stunning piece (click here for a closer look) and it really is fit for a queen.
The Leather Jacket Award
As with last year there have been a whole slew of leather jacket wearing stunners, but there is one lady who takes wearing this garment to every outfit level and that is Jessica Jones. Not pictured are the very 90s looking jeans that are also glued to her body pretty much all of the time and this signature look makes sense when the show takes a deep dive into her backstory.
Who Rocks a Lot of Polka Dots
Cookie Lyon has gone through a style evolution since she was released from prison going from matching animal prints to high end garments as she has caught up with trends and got accustomed to her wealth. One of my favorites is this Dolce & Gabbana polka dot blouse; perfect for a dramatic exit and a fun take on the tablecloth party trick. Cookie’s always going to eat.
Best Mustache – 1980s Edition
Not only did Oscar Isaac take dancing in dad jeans to Bruce Springsteen to new levels, but he also worked this mustache in ways I did not think possible in Show Me a Hero. The mini-series from David Simon is terrific and devastating and not just for the 80s fashion. And even several months after watching it still makes my heart ache when I think about Oscar Isaac’s performance.
Best Mustache – 1970s Edition
Of all the Mad Men characters who would embrace a new decade with some additional facial hair it really makes sense that it would be Roger Sterling. It could easily be kinda skeezy (and of course Roger has entered this territory on more than one occasion), but there’s also something elder statesmen about it and that’s what he is. And I would happily watch an endless loop of Roger and Peggy hanging out in their now deserted office.
Top Hat Placement and Male Nudity on Cable
Alleviating the awkward of the first time with cute top hat parlor tricks is Bertie on The Knick and it is all around adorable. While this is the most of Michael Angarano that we get to see, cable has embraced male nudity this season on a level we haven’t previously seen with both The Leftovers and The Affair showing far more dudes naked than women this year. Game of Thrones you have some catching up to do.
#LadySuitWatch2015 Shorts Winner
My response to seeing Abbi as Val for the first time is pretty much the same as Ilana’s jaw on the floor expression:
Ladysuits of the shorts variety are classic cabaret attire and I am so here for this Judy Garland/Liza Minnelli style and singing mashup inspiration.
#LadySuitWatch2015 Patterned Shirt Winner
Denise is not only stylish as hell as demonstrated by her movie premiere ladysuit wearing ways, but she is also one of the best things about Aziz Ansari’s excellent Master of None helping make a citizen’s arrest in the stellar “Ladies and Gentleman” and offering up sound dating advice (even if she ends up ignoring it).
The Outwear and Boots Crime Fighting Title
Season 3 of The Bridge (Broen/Bron) lost one of its main stars, but didn’t lose any of its quality introducing a new partner for Saga who turned out to be just as compelling (if not even more so than his predecessor – sorry Martin). Style wise the pair complement each other rather well favoring classic coats and boots for their crime fighting attire; Saga is still all about the olive leather pants and Henrik also tucks his trousers into his boots because who wants those flapping in the wind while running after a suspect.
Best Reason to Invest in a Big Warm Coat
Fortitude is part X-Files like mystery, part exploration of the human condition in an extreme and isolated environment. It is also a very good advert for furry hoods and big coats; yes I even invested in my own.
Red Lipstick Queen
There is plenty to love about Peggy Carter and season 2 is just a couple of weeks away! Agent Carter also gets added to the How TV Ate My Wardrobe list in the makeup department as I invested in Peggy’s Besame 1946 lipstick and there is also the bonus of beautiful packaging along with fantastic red lips.
Denim Dream
1981 was a great year for denim and there is a residual 70s influence on fashion in Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp with high waisted flares and dungaree delights. Also pairing anything with short shorts is fair game.
Best Future April Ludgate
2015 saw the end of Parks and Recreationprompting plenty of finale tears. This also means saying goodbye to one of TV Ate My Wardrobe’s biggest style influences and I am happy to report that future April Ludgate is still very much in our sartorial good graces.
What to Wear on Your European Vacation
Traveling across Europe with Hannibal Lecter means packing your finest threads and Bedelia is up for that challenge with this blue 1940s spy looking ensemble even if this is the opposite of staying incognito.
Sunglasses I Need in my Life
Yes I am still highly coveting Gretchen’s round opal yellow Wayfarer sunglasses for the second year in a row.
Most On Point Accessorizing Part 2
Gina is not just the TV Ate My Wardrobe Sweater Queen (her turtleneck game has been strong all season), but she’s also the reason why I yell “Wolfie” at the screen whenever any of the direwolves pop up on Game of Thrones. So when Gina appeared on screen in the episode “Beach House,” which kicked off the new year for Brooklyn Nine-Nine in this hat/scarf/glove combo it also caused me to yell “Wolfie” on this occasion too.
Festive Relationship Goals
Looking is almost over (*sob*) and before its one final outing in the form of a TV movie next year, let us bask in Eddie’s Santa outfit and how Agustín went from loathsome narcissist to the dude (and ship) I was heavily invested in by the end of season 2. Good character development, show.
There is a lot of TV to be watched right now (#PeakTV) and like many I am in the process of compiling end of year lists (and as I have done in previous years I will be doing my ‘best of’ in a variety of ways) while trying to remember everything that I have watched this year. So this is a preview of what is to come in the following month and hopefully it will jog my very full TV related memory of anything I might miss.
So in no particular order here is what I am thankful for when it comes to TV in 2015:
The Hollywood Reporter TV Actress roundtable participants look like this and not this.
Comedy shows that explore a broad range of topics which not only make me laugh until I cry, but also invoke full on Claire Danes level of cry face. I am mostly looking at you You’re the Worst.
While I’m on the subject of comedies that make me misty eyed; Parks and Recreation ended this season on a high with an episode that pivoted on the Six Feet Under model and caused just as many tears.
Cable shows are embracing male nudity beyond just butts (special shout-outs to The Leftovers and The Affair) and all this after the The Comeback had a whole episode dedicated to skewering cable on this issue.
And that every episode is a lesson in tension and an exploration on marriage and identity. It was my number one show in March and it still is in November (spoiler alert).
That Agent Carter got a second season and I now own the same lipstick as Peggy Carter.
The master class in acting delivered by Carrie Coon and Regina King on The Leftovers and for every insanely wonderful thing this show is doing. Also for Justin Theroux’s ability to look bewildered and devastated at any given opportunity.
The Villanueva women.
Getting to see Tatiana Maslany take on even more characters and make me forget she is playing everyone in a scene. And this wave.
Kroll Show going out on a high and creating this incredible universe where so many characters overlapped and intersected. And because I can’t say “Oh, hello” without wondering if there is too much tuna and I sometimes inadvertently say ‘Ameezing’ like I’m on PubLIZity.
The 12 Angry Men episode of Inside Amy Schumer.
Rob and Sharon on Catastrophe (even if the amount of things Sharon says that are like me is reaching a worrying level).
Shows that take will they/won’t they situations and turn them into yep they will. Oh hey there Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
All of Lady Gaga’s costuming on American Horror Story: Hotel.
Fargo indulging my love of all things 1970s clothing.
Daenerys’ dragon necklace.
The brief but amazing turn by Birgitte Hjort Sørensen on Game of Thrones.
Oscar Isaac’s mustache/dad jeans and all the Bruce Springsteen used throughout Show Me a Hero. And, how the thought of this show hits me like a gut punch.
Every beautiful/fucked up thing they got away with on Hannibal this season.
The range in costume design and shows covered on here includes everything from period to contemporary to fantasy; I am thankful there is a vast amount to discuss and get inspired by.
Season 2 of Transparent is almost here!
The list is long and there are probably some very obvious things I have missed. I will get mad at myself later, but for now Happy Thanksgiving!
If you’re looking for Thanksgiving episodes to watch maybe take a rewind and watch these offerings from Felicityand Dawson’s Creek.