End of year lists can focus on various things – performances, costumes, episodes, overall show – and one of my favorite things to look back at is the best use of music on TV. Song can transport us to those all important standout moments or introduce us to new music; over the last few years I have compiled playlists from TV to celebrate this. Last year I focused a single show as You’re the Worstis particularly strong in the end credit department, whereas in previous years I have done a general playlist of the year in TV music.
For 2016 I have returned to the latter format going all in with 28-tracks and you can find the full breakdown and playlist over at Collider. Songs and music from 21-shows were chosen with some getting two tracks (including the above Fleabag) because I just couldn’t chose and a variety of genres feature. There are songs to dance to, induce tears and all other kinds of emotions and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
You can find instrumental pieces from Westworld and Game of Thrones, tracks that have appeared on “Music Monday” from the melancholy to fun cover versions. Mr. Robot was messy in season 2, but nailed the soundtrack once again and shows like Atlanta and Crazy Ex-Girlfriendhave music ingrained into the very fabric. You will find songs from The Americans, Halt and Catch Fire, Girls, Black Mirrorand American Crime Story as well as a literal earworm from BrainDead. Plus many, many more.
Costuming is my first love, but soundtracks is a close second and I am so glad I got to compile such an extensive playlist and discuss the best of 2016 over at Collider. Check it out here and get your dance on.
So 2016 has been bit of an emotional roller coaster on a large global scale and a personal one with moments of so much joy and immense sadness.
Writing wise this has been my best year yet as I finally got over my pitching fears (well, mostly) and have a weekly TV and Style column at The Observer where I have discussed numerous shows and costume moments beginning with Girls back in February. I have also contributed to Collider with several Americans essays and a TV themed gift guide (still time to buy!).
Here is a selection of my favorite pieces of work from 2016 including a personal essay, topics I have been obsessed with for a long time, discussing so many different shows from this year (with a dash of the ’90s) and I also got to interview two amazing costume designers.Kicking off with the essay that was incredibly hard to write, but also gave me great comfort after my father passed away in July. I got married in September and in the lead up I knew it would be a very happy day tinged with sadness and writing about Outlander, my father and our shared heritage helped.
I don’t tend to be someone who is good with sharing my deepest feelings and personal essays are an uneasy prospect: however connecting to the work of Terry Dresbach and the Outlander team led to an outpouring of words.I wrote about The Americans a lot in 2016 both here and other places. I spoke to costume designer Katie Irish at the start of the fourth season about Coach, the many coats and other costume design disguise secrets.
BrainDead is one of my favorite shows of the year for being fun, weird, having so much flames chemistry and rethinking how to do a “previously on.” Plus it gave me so many outfit goals and I got to expand on this further here. And now for my most viewed article, which also happens to be one of my favorite costume moments of the year when Sansa made sure Jon knew he was family by making him a very Ned fur.
On the pieces I have wanted to write about forever track; Angela singing on Mr. Robot let me go all in on the sadness karaoke essay that has been itching to come out since Eliza sang “Chandelier” on Selfie.
The second season of Mr. Robot was messy in places, but the women delivered and it gave me plenty to write about from a costuming perspective. Oh and everyone looks hotter in sunglasses as the Fug Girls always say.A tale of two haircuts and I am very proud of finding a very strong link between Keri Russell’s infamous Felicity haircut and Marcia Clark’s mid-trial makeover. American Crime Story’s “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” is one of my favorite episodes of TV this year and exploring the legacies of a style change was incredibly fulfilling.
I binged the first season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend the week after my dad died and it was a much needed distraction so I will forever be grateful for Rachel Bloom and Rebecca Bunch. Season 2 has also provided some very interesting talking points including portrayals of lady friendships and makeovers. Plus Rebecca’s imagination delivers on plenty of fun costume changes.
Here’s to more in 2017 and for my author pages at The Observer and Collider head here and here.
For individual costume highlights check out Best of the Rest Parts 1and 2.
Welcome to TV Ate My Wardrobe’s “Best of 2016” 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.
First up we took a look at our best show of the year and how the Jennifer disguise on The Americans points to Elizabeth’s emotional journey. This was followed by the first part of the “Best of the Rest” list, which featured costumes from Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Halt and Catch Fire, Broad City and Good Girls Revolt. Today we will be adding to this with some standout costume moments from some of our other favorite shows of the year including Fleabag, Outlander, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Jane the Virgin and Westworld.
For a slightly different end of year ‘Best of’ that I am taking part in check out the Observer tvDownload Superlatives series kicking off with Cutest Couple, Most Improved and Class Clown.Like Looking in My Own Wardrobe Award
Fleabag is a Top 3 show of the year and it tops the ‘comedy that is also a gut-punch‘ category. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character (also Fleabag) also happens to dress pretty much as I do with stripes and collars like the one above (which bears a strong resemblance to my Twitter profile pic) dominate my own wardrobe. This is a pretty self-centered award.
The lipstick used on the show – “Dare You” by MAC – is now in my collection and also featured on the Gift Guide I produced for Collider.Biggest Range
On Timeless they travel to different decades and centuries with very little time to prepare so it makes sense to have racks of clothes from different periods on hand. Getting a peek at the way their costume department is laid out is a fun meta nod to the IRL costuming team and so far their missions have included Union garb, WWII era ensembles, berets, Bonnie & Clyde styling, ’60s, ’70s and revolutionary attire. Most Exciting Wardrobe Change
There wasn’t much room for character clothing changes on Westworld so when Dolores ditched her blue dress for the more appropriate cowgirl pants look I definitely clapped my hands. This costume by Ane Crabtree also proved to be quite symbolic romantically in regards to Dolores’ relationship with William and was another key to the mystery of Westworld.Best Non-Cowboy Cowboy
iZombie was one of my favorite catch-ups of the year and this very fun show gets to mess around with costuming thanks to the brains Liv ingests. In “Even Cowgirls Get the Black and Blues” Ravi plays the supportive friend as Liv embarks on a brief singing career and he very much dresses the part.Fanciest Gown
Outlander went all out in season 2 in the incredible gown department to match the lavish French location and this dress by costume designer Terry Dresbach was used as part of the striking promotional material; it was somehow even more jaw dropping in the second episode of the season “Not in Scotland Anymore.”Most on Point Accessory
Quite literally as Princess Margaret is wielding a sword in this scene from episode 8 “Pride & Joy” of The Crown. The Crown is Netflix’s most expensive TV series to date and it is quite clear as to why from what we see on screen.
The costuming by Game of Thrones maestro Michele Clapton is exquisite from the intricate formal gowns to the more casual looks such as the blouse and skirt combo in the above scene. The way lighting is used in this shot is equally impressive and everything Margaret was the most compelling part of this first season.Wardrobe Most Coveted
BrainDead is a special show that barely anyone watched; it was the kind of show 2016 needed and in a way it makes sense that is over after one season. The chemistry between Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Aaron Tveit earned all the flames emojis I used when talking about this show, it was funny, weird and had the most bizarre sex scene I have seen on TV.
Laurel also had a closet full of pattern clashing delights, super cool office wear, pussy bow blouses, blazers and ankle boots. All of which I would like in my own wardrobe and The Good Wife’s costume designer Daniel Lawson continues to crush the jacket game. Best Kroll Show Tribute
Krystal was a new clone on Orphan Black last year and she appeared on the 2015 version of this list because of the Kroll Show influence; technically this is a repeat, but I miss Kroll Show’s PubLIZity. Plus, Tatiana Maslany is so good in this role (as she is in all of them) giving Krystal so much personality while also nodding to the original influence particularly in her choice of drink. Most Dapper
So technically this is a 2015 TV moment, however this amazing song and dance number from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend scores a place because I only caught up with this show in 2016. In a very hard week in July I sat down and binged the first season and TV really is the best distraction.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend takes inspiration from numerous genres; on this occasion looking to Fred and Ginger in styling as Greg proposes an offer to Rebecca. The whole sequence blends the funny with the charming and it also won an Emmy for the choreography for this song (and I’m So Good at Yoga” and “A Boy Band Made Up of Four Joshes”).Dangerous Yoga Position
This year I also finally watched all of Gilmore Girlsin preparation for the big revival Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. One of the main highlights in this new batch of episodes as well as in the original series is Paris Geller; her bathroom meltdown including this impressive in heels maneuver almost made up for the Rory Gilmore’s stunted character growth.
Okay so Rear Window is on my most watched list (I find it weirdly soothing and is my ultimate bedtime movie) and the Jane the Virgin midseason finale looks to Hitchcock as part of the fantasy sequences. Where Crazy Ex-Girlfriend understands a huge range of music genres better than any other show on at the moment, Jane the Virgin is an expert in storytelling techniques using this to explore Jane’s creativity and expand on the telenovela.
As you can see from the outfits above, costume designer Rachel Sage Kunin has got the Kelly and Grant thing down (even if I’m more partial to Kelly and Stewart).]
For more from the TV Ate My Wardrobe Best of 2016 series head here.
More Alia Shawkat and the Rachel Antonoff Betty and Veronica collection was showcased in a super fun and imaginative way, with Shawkat being one of the models.
So many heart eyes at Phoebe Robinson in Tracy Reese at NYFW and I am really looking forward to reading You Can’t Touch My Hair, which is out next month.
All eyes are on Belfast to see which Game of Thrones cast members are heading to Northern Ireland for season 7 and while this bar hang is not a guarantee that Sansa and Arya will reunite any time soon, I can but dream. I am also here for Maisie William’s double drink choice of a cocktail and what looks like a hot beverage.
The month of everything happening continues with the Toronto Film Festival and Hidden Figures is on my most anticipated list (see also La La Land, Manchester by the Sea, Colossal and Jackie). Glen Powell is pretty much the main reason I stuck with Scream Queens and he’s got the best co-star hangouts at TIFF.
I’m still confident in saying that BrainDead was my favorite show of the summer and while I am sad it is probably done, the finale kept up the absurd/fun/weird/sexy/amazing costume levels.
Masters of Sex returned this week with a promising start to the season after last year’s messiness. Niecy Nash was a welcome presence and she won’t put up with Bill’s self-pity.
Fall TV premiere dates inch closer – and You’re the Worst is back tonight! – and so plenty of behind the scenes promo is occurring. Plus fabulous guest stars, guest directors and one show is almost forever finished shooting.
A lot of beard to kick off this week’s Insta highlights with Kristofer Hivju and Michael Fassbender. Future Fassy in Game of Thrones possibilities are probably low, but this wouldn’t be his first HBO venture as he was in a couple of Band of Brothers episodes.
Welcome back my fave screechy teen on a prestige drama and it looks like Whitney’s going all domestic goddess in a cat covered apron in season 3 of The Affair.
Eva Longoria is directing an episode of Jane the Virgin this season and everyone is very pleased with this. Also the amount of Brett Dier popping up in these shots would suggest Michael is not going to be dearly departed.
While we won’t get to see the final season of Girls until early next year, the show is currently wrapping up and these final days are getting the Instagram treatment.
BrainDead continues to be my favorite show of the summer, but the last two weeks have been lacking any Gustav so hopefully the next episode will rectify this.
Lots of Emmy prep this week including dress choosing, shoes I want to see on the red carpet and hitting the campaign trail. Plus fun guest stars, going back to work with Master of None and our weekly updates from the sets of You’re the Worst, Jane the Virgin and iZombie.
It seems like a good sign that Aziz Ansari has not rushed making season 2 of Master of None. And that they will be shooting in Italy. Once again I am going to want to eat all the pasta.
Emmy campaigning continues and Deadline has another interview to be savored. This time it is with Tatiana Maslany and the above quote and series of images is a pretty good example of why we heart Maslany hard. To read the whole wonderful interview head here.
Also on the Emmy trail (as well as promoting S2 of Mr Robot – here is my latest Mr Robot costuming piece) is Rami Malek and on The Late Show he took his first Instagram photo. Leaning in completely with a selfie stick shot.
Bonus video of this moment/Rami demonstrating his loveliness.
Shows back from summer hiatus while others come closer to their end. Plus cast reunions, dancing, fancy dinners at the White House and more from this week’s TV Instagram highlights.
You’re the Worst returns this month – August 31 – and I cannot wait; just look at these faces. All the heart emojis. Catch up on Hulu now and in the meantime I will be listening to this season 2 credits music playlist to get in the mood.
Fun getting ready pictures of Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys’ trip to the White House last night from hair stylist Brian Magallones. Cue every Russian spy joke ever and it would appear that the Obamas are fans of The Americans as they scored a prime spot at the state dinner table. Excellent dress choice by Keri Russell and a nice prelude to the Emmys next month.
Sometimes a hiatus beard happens (see Matthew Rhys) and other times in between seasons a different dye job is the thing (or this could be work related). Regardless, from this obscured shot the blonde looks great on Sophie Turner.
There have been a lot of missteps on UnREAL this season including keeping Rachel and Quinn apart and at loggerheads. The end of this week’s episode included a really satisfying moment that doesn’t erase everything that has come before it, but it felt good to see them together again. Also this is a really nice photo of Constance Zimmer and Shiri Appleby.
For a closer look at some of the Emmy nominated costumes including this personal fave head to the Costume Designers Guild Awards page for a lot more treats.
This photo of Michiel Huisman led to a very fun conversation about dudes in sweaters on Twitter last week and I thank him for that much needed break from work.
After the Comic-Con Instagram special we resume normal service and a fun mix of returning to set with iZombie, Barb from Stranger Thingslove, saying goodbye to Looking and celeb birthday wishes from some of our favorites. Pretty much a whole lot of dreaminess.
I haven’t watched the Looking movie yet as I’m saving it – sometimes I do this when I know there will be no more – but Frankie J Alvarez is giving me all the feelings as he documents the end of this special show.
BrainDead is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows of the summer; the cast is great, it is fun and the costuming is highly covetable. Former Good Wife costume designer Daniel Lawson continues to hit it out of the park.
An important look back from Brie Larson. We are so lucky to have her share this experience in relation to where she was and where she is now. And also that dress is wonderful. Sometimes what you have in your closet is all you need.
Lots of behind the scenes treats this week including soon to be returning shows such as You’re the Worst and Looking (in a one off movie form). Plus the first table read of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend season 2 and a whole lot of style highlights from Instagram.
Aya Cash gives an inside look into the different types of cover ups worn when filming sex scenes on cable and on network. Yes I googled (or rather Binged as I’m on my mother’s laptop and maybe on a CW show from two years ago) Shibue; they have a lot of products.
I am already highly anticipating this episode. As I mentioned last week2 Dope Queens turned my teary state into a much needed moment of laughter and this is one of many endorsements I have for this podcast.
BrainDead is a lot of fun and pretty much the ideal summer show. It doesn’t entirely know what it wants to be tonally, but I could watch Aaron Tveit and Mary Elizabeth Winstead heating up the screen all day long.
UnREAL hasn’t been hitting the heights of season 1, but this week’s episode was a turn in the right direction and the it happened to be directed by none other than Shiri Appleby who crushed it (and me) both in front of and behind the camera.
Also looking back as yesterday was the fifteenth anniversary of Legally Blonde and Reese Witherspoon celebrated in style with an Elle Woods costume retrospective including this bikini number.
Between Orange is the New Black and “The Battle of the Bastards” there was a lot going on this week on TV and this edition of “Behind the Insta-Scenes” has got you covered on both. Plus we’ve got shows that are currently in productions, ones that have just finished and lots of other fun stuff is on the Instagram highlights menu.
A “How to Get Blood out of Your Beard” tutorial is probably needed for the Game of Thrones guys and it is good to see all is crazy in love when the camera stops rolling.
I have a lot of feelings about this new season of Orange is the New Black and I don’t want to say too much for those who have not finished yet, but I am very happy the OITNB cast have been posting photos like the one above. Need this moment of happiness.
Now for shows currently in production and this bts shot of Justin Theroux from season 3 of The Leftovers. As Theroux points out; no handcuffs (or shirt) necessary.
After recently marathoning my way through the first two seasons of iZombie I’ve still got that post-watch emptiness (see also OITNB) so even though there isn’t a season 3 premiere date yet, it is good to see some of the cast back on iZombie duty.
While a lot of the FNL cast were in Austin for the ATX Television Festival; Aimee Teegarden, Taylor Kitsch, Zach Gilford and Minka Kelly were taking part in the Spartan Race. Another reunion I can get behind. Even with Kitsch’s mustache.
Songs and music from 21-shows were chosen with some getting two tracks (including the above Fleabag) because I just couldn’t chose and a variety of genres feature. There are songs to dance to, induce tears and all other kinds of emotions and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
