This intro is usually where I would complain about the lack of nominations for The Americans, but this is an Emmy miracle as Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys and the show all received nods today and I maybe blacked out after this so I’m catching up on everything else still.
It wouldn’t be the Emmys without some grumbles and only about half of my wish list made the cut – no Leftovers, Rachel Bloom, Aya Cash and more – but I am so surprised/amazed/happy about The Americans finally breaking through in its forth season that it somehow softens the blow of the other snubs.I’m here not to talk acting nominations, instead I want to take a quick look at the costume design nominees. There are three different categories for costume; contemporary, period/fantasy and variety/non-fiction/reality. Specific episodes are chosen to submit and some of my favorite costume moments from this year are featured including the incredible red gown designed by Terry Dresbach for Claire Fraser to wear to the fanciest of fancy parties on Outlander, the jaw dropping revenge/mourning/coronation outfits as worn by Cersei in the Game of Thrones season finale, everyone in white at the wedding that turned disaster on Transparent and Lady Gaga’s stunning American Horror Story purple number.
As with every category there are some notable omissions including Katie Irish taking us further into the 80s on The Americans with Elizabeth’s cover Patty, all the many covering up coats and the Princess Di inspired maternity wear. The Knick picked up some technical nominations, but I am disappointed this isn’t one of them.
In the contemporary category I am thrilled to see Daniel Lawson recognized for his Good Wifecostumes particularly after this one of my snubs from last year. As with last year I am sad to see some of the bold wardrobes from comedy not among the nominees with Salvador Perez for The Mindy Project and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s Tina Nigro missing the cut. Girls had a stunning season and for Marnie’s red dress alone I would have loved to see Jenn Rogien on here.
The full list of costume design nominations are here and congratulations to all on this list!
OUTSTANDING COSTUMES FOR A CONTEMPORARY SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
Winner! American Horror Story: Hotel, “Chutes and Ladders” – Lou Eyrich, Helen Huang, Marisa Aboitiz
Empire, “Past is Prologue” – Paolo Nieddu, Jennifer Salim, Mary Lane
The Good Wife, “End” – Daniel Lawson, David Brooks, Daniele Hollywood, Angel Peart
Grace and Frankie, “The Party” – Allyson B. Fanger, Lori DeLapp
Transparent, “Kina Hora” – Marie Schley, Mark A. Summers
OUTSTANDING COSTUMES FOR A PERIOD/FANTASY SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
Downton Abbey, “Episode 8” – Anna Mary Scott Robbins, Michael Weldon, Kathryn Tart
Winner! Game of Thrones, “The Winds of Winter” – Michele Clapton, Chloe Aubry, Sheena Wichary
Outlander, “Not in Scotland Anymore” – Terry Dresbach, Elle Wilson, Nadine Powell, Anna Lau
The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” – Hala Bahmet, Marina Ray, Elinor Bardach
This week’s Golden Globes coverage extends beyond the many red carpet posts with a whole lot of selfies from the ballroom and the after parties. Plus a whole slew of other events and reminders of when certain shows are back.
Kicking things off with all the pretty from Gina Rodriguez and Golden Globe winner Oscar Isaac. Plus Gina Rodriguez gives an all important beard smell related tweet.
A quick change from Taraji P. Henson makes a whole lot of sense because dancing with a train that long is just impractical. Serayah opts for one of the bold color looks that was on trend this weekend.
A photo posted by Shantel VanSanten (@therealshantel) on
Serious smolder and pout face from The Flash’s Grant Gustin and Shantel VanSanten and also a really good opportunity to remind you The Flash is back next week.
A photo posted by Gillian Jacobs (@gillianjacobs) on
A busy weekend full of events for many and Gillian Jacobs attended the Vivienne Westwood ‘Art of Elysium’ celebration on Saturday in this stunning floral number. Getting pet approval points too.
A photo posted by Carly Chaikin (@carlychaikin) on
Carly Chaikin’s AFI luncheon dress is one of our ultimate faves from the sea of recent outfits we have discussed and we also highly approve of her selfie subject from this event.
Mindy Kaling has worn a lot of amazing things and her Instagram acts as an outfit archive, but I can definitely see why she is calling this one of her favorites. All the heart eye emojis.
Just wondering how many synthetic beauties there are among this collection of Keri Russell Americans costumes and my eyes are instantly drawn to the green (p)leather number.
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.
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 2 of the standout costuming moments in 2015.
Camo Queen
Diane Lockhart is the ultimate when it comes to power dressing in the office – make sure you have at least one piece of statement jewelry – and she manages to transfer this skill to the snowy hunting climate working the all camouflage and furry hat getup like no other.
The Morning After the Night Before Award
Looking dudes killing it with their cardigan, plaid and most importantly bathrobe attire in the season 2 premiere. Patrick also hugged a tree, which was possibly the most adorable TV moment of 2015.
Hair Most Watched
When you want people to believe a HUGE character has been killed off don’t say the actor who plays him has cut his hair because for the next few months every public appearance will be under the hair watch spotlight; whether this be at Wimbledon or an airport (which also happens to be where said show is filmed). Nice suit, Kit. Sunglasses won’t protect your identity.
Inaugural Cary Agos Hot in a Hoodie Trophy
Cary Agos wore his hoodie recently much to our delight and yet we are going to give his prize to the one and only Matt Murdock who took this look to new shirtless levels in Daredevil. Rosario Dawson’s Claire also does casual cool ever so well.
Clothing Most Lived In
It would be remiss if while I was on the subject of hoodie wearers if I didn’t mention Elliot from Mr Robot and it just so happens that I started watching this yesterday (three episodes in and all I want to do is watch the rest). Elliot’s hoodie is very much part of his being and he pulls his hood up at any given opportunity. If a person could live in their clothing then Elliot would definitely live in his black hoodie with his black backpack as his home away from home.
How to Work a Sleeveless Hoodie
This is NOT A GOOD LOOK outside of a boxing movie (and even then I would probs give it a pass) and yet there is something so mesmerizing about Lee Pace in this getup. The same can be said for pretty much all of his Halt and Catch Fire costuming (dude even makes an all white suit and tee work) and this is one show I am so glad I went back to. For actual style inspiration check out everything Donna.
Best Mode of Transport
Amy Schumer’s “Last Fuckable Day” sketch was sadly all too accurate, but most of the time it is better to laugh than cry and that is exactly what Inside Amy Schumer did with this moment and many others over the super strong season 3. And Julia Louis-Dreyfus makes a rowboat look cool as fuck. Is there nothing this woman can’t do?
Smackdown of the Year
There’s a lot that can be said about the relationship dynamics on Jane the Virgin; the Villanueva women are guaranteed to get me crying at least once an episode and I am firmly in the Team Michael camp. There is one relationship that has gone from antagonistic to friendly with a whole dose of it’s complicated in-between and the Jane/Petra situation is the one which intrigues me the most. In Chapter 20 the pair entered the fantasy wrestling ring and it was as much fun as the leather wresting attire that a pregnant Jane was wearing. Petra didn’t look too shabby in her liquid silver jumpsuit. Jane the Virgin is particularly good at mixing the soapy/fantasy elements with real world in both content and costuming; this smackdown episode showcases these elements.
The Reality Show I Wish Was Real
2015 saw the end of several TV Ate My Wardrobe favorites including Kroll Show, which bowed out before it hit any kind of slump. There are many sketches that could have filled this slot – PubLIZity being a close contender – and yet it was this one off Farley piece that has me randomly saying “Look like dis.” Chelsea Peretti and Jenny Slate were my ideal Kroll Show guest stars and this included both women much to my delight.
Unexpected Character Inspiration
More reasons to adore Tatiana Maslany as not only did she deliver yet another fantastic new clone to the Orphan Black table, but she also got her initial inspiration from one of favorite places (as related to the above choice). Maslany told The LA Times that “Krystal was different because she was meant to die in the first episode. I was really into Kroll Show at the time. And I was doing PubLIZity. I was wandering around the set as Krystal in that voice, and they were, like, “We can’t kill her.” Then we started to develop her into a full character and not just me doing Jenny Slate.”
Outfit Most Inspired by Lindsay Weir
Much like Lindsay Weir, Rachel on UnREAL pretty much had her army green jacket glued to her and while Rachel’s life is definitely more of a mess there is certain Lindsay quality to her.
How to get Dressed in a Super Sexy and Snarky Manner
The Good Wife gave us the TV equivalent of blue balls squandering both Finn and Jason; instead having Alicia hook up with Johnny and Peter. At least the latter delivered on this perfect giving none of the fucks moment.
Stripes Delight
A classic look is classic no matter the decade and Virginia’s striped tee and pants ensemble on Masters of Sex is just that. If Emma Stones stripes and polka dots is my platonic ideal of an outfit then this is a close runner-up.
Most Old Hollywood
No one looks more killer (in more ways than one on this occasion) than Lady Gaga as The Countess on American Horror Story: Hotel capturing all that is glam and seductive about Old Hollywood.
Finding the Ideal Location for an Outfit that Looks Like a Painting
Every episode of Elementary is a costuming dream and Joan’s fashion palette is full of patterned delights including this stunning Victoria Beckham shirt dress; it looks like a shot of springtime against the snowy backdrop. There are several shows which use the winter shooting schedule to their advantage and Elementary is on this list (The Americans and Hannibal are two others).
International Assassin of the Year
There could only be one and the meaning behind Kevin Garvey’s suit – which Justin Theroux fits rather nicely – plays out in an incredibly surreal way in one of televisions best episodes of 2015 as The Leftovers hit new bonkers and brilliant heights. How to Make a Silly Looking Prop Look Entirely Serious
I mean it still looks pretty silly, but I don’t want to say that too loud as Keri Russell is giving killer side eye and it’s pretty terrifying. This is also one of Elizabeth’s best wigs of the season (which is actually a slightly less wavy repeat from S2). Blonde is definitely working for her.
Unexpected Sylvia Plath Quote Usage
Master of None took one of my favorite passages from any book and used it in an unexpected way that was so unbelievably perfect. Yes I burst into tears at the reading and portrayal of the fig tree passage from The Bell Jar. Here is that incredible quote in full.
“I saw my life branching out before me like the green fig tree in the story. From the tip of every branch, like a fat purple fig, a wonderful future beckoned and winked. One fig was a husband and a happy home and children, and another fig was a famous poet and another fig was a brilliant professor, and another fig was Ee Gee, the amazing editor, and another fig was Europe and Africa and South America, and another fig was Constantin and Socrates and Attila and a pack of other lovers with queer names and offbeat professions, and another fig was an Olympic lady crew champion, and beyond and above these figs were many more figs I couldn’t quite make out. I saw myself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because I couldn’t make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as I sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at my feet.”
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.
Fall TV premieres and the red carpets that accompany them continue this week with American Horror Story: Hotel and The Leftovers. Plus film festivals in New York and London and Paris Fashion Week are keeping the style levels high.
At the BFI Luminous Fundraising Gala this week Rose Leslie does floral print in exquisite fashion wearing Erdem. Plus those all important pockets that another Game of Thrones star is a big fan of.
An ideal gown for a fancy event in fall and Jenna Coleman’s pink and gold Lanvin is equal parts delicate and intricate.
Kiernan Shipka wears Valentino at the Paris Fashion Week Valentino show and the mixture of floral pleats and lace is delightful.
Angela Bassett is one of the reasons I will probably end up watching at least half of American Horror Story: Hotel this season and she stuns on the red carpet in a Theia vegan leather LBD and funky embellished sandals.
Getting futuristic vibes from Sarah Paulson’s super sleek black metallic Monique Lhuillier frock and it is another really good recent red carpet choice from Paulson.
A stunning all-Chanel ensemble for Carey Mulligan’s in a gold floral sweater and lacy culottes. Yep those are culottes and not a skirt as I first thought it was. Even with that knowledge and my slight distrust of this garment it doesn’t change my mind about this winning look for the Suffragette photocall at the London Film Festival.
Beige becomes interesting with Roksanda color blocking (even the shoes aren’t bothering me) and Great Gerwig’s red up do is the extra pow to this already powerful look at the Maggie’s Plan New York Film Festival premiere.
In this week’s Behind the Insta-Scenes I mentioned that Liv Tyler and Margaret Qualley could easily play mother and daughter; this shot of them at the premiere for The Leftovers means I can double down on this suggestion. Margaret Qualley is pulling perfect side eye posing while Tyler smiles wide giving me plenty of ideas for what direction this yet to be written drama can go in.
Diane Kruger’s Violet Grey profile is full of stunning shots of her on the Paramount lot playing the part of a classic movie star in the vein of Grace Kelly and it was hard to narrow it down to just one. In the end I opted for the photo of Kruger wearing a Michael Kors sweater and Olympia Le-Tan stripe shorts which highlights her casual cool and beauty; this could easily be part of a Chanel campaign. The accompanying Q&A shows off Kruger’s wit and honesty – how often do actresses talk about having a hangover – and she is also someone who can get away with referring to her boyfriend as her “lover.”
I’m here not to talk acting nominations, instead I want to take a quick look at the costume design nominees. There are three different categories for costume; contemporary, period/fantasy and variety/non-fiction/reality. Specific episodes are chosen to submit and some of my favorite costume moments from this year are featured including the incredible red gown designed by Terry Dresbach for Claire Fraser to wear to the fanciest of fancy parties on Outlander, the jaw dropping revenge/mourning/coronation outfits as worn by Cersei in the Game of Thrones season finale, everyone in white at the wedding that turned disaster on Transparent and Lady Gaga’s stunning American Horror Story purple number.
OUTSTANDING COSTUMES FOR A VARIETY, NONFICTION OR REALITY PROGRAM
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