Tag Archives: Lyn Paolo

2018 Costume Designers Guild Awards: Winners and Red Carpet

21 Feb

The Costume Designers Guild Awards shines the spotlight on those behind the camera; this is always one of my favorite celebrations of this time of year. Instead of one costume design category with period, contemporary and fantasy up against each other, these awards separate the different styles ensuring that period doesn’t dominate. Contemporary costume is often overlooked, but is just as vital to storytelling.The Shape of Water is one of the Oscar front runners; Luis Sequeira won for his incredible work on this film. Director Guillermo del Toro was on hand to receive the Distinguished Collaborator award. Wonder Woman was one of my 2017 highlights—both from a costume POV and in general—and Lindy Hemming won for Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy. And I, Tonya (which I am seeing at the weekend) took the Contemporary award. The part of me that worries about the ’90s being so long ago is glad that 1994 counts as contemporary and not period.

This is now the fourth win in a row for Michele Clapton’s work on Game of Thrones and I can’t argue with this. Especially as there was an entire new winter wardrobe for Daenerys and everyone started wearing black. Clapton also won for The Crown last year and it was another win for this show with Jane Petrie at the helm. Very pleased to see Ane Crabtree receive the Contemporary award for The Handmaid’s Tale, Crabtree’s work on Masters of Sex was one of the first shows we focused on here at TV Ate My Wardrobe and we’ve been longtime fans.

Gina Rodriguez hosted the celebration and Kerry Washington received the Lacoste Spotlight Award.  In Washington’s speech she noted about costume and acting, “I don’t know who a character is until I know what shoes she wears.”

Below are some of the designers getting fêted and the stars supporting them.As with the Golden Globes and the BAFTA Awards, a lot of attendees wore black in support of #TimesUp and #MeToo. When accepting her award, Michele Clapton exclaimed, “I’m proud to wear black and I’m proud of the movement.”

Michele Clapton’s all black look is also in line with the most recent season of Game Thrones and I love the simplicity here. Plus I need those boots in my life. And of course there are pockets. Long-time Ryan Murphy collaborator Lou Eyrich was nominated for Feud: Bette and Joan, adding a touch of sequin glitz to proceedings. I have a feeling we will see Eyrich at next year’s awards for her stunning creations on American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace.Ane Crabtree wore black and the #MeToo/#TimesUp message loud and clear. During her acceptance speech she said “It’s a great time to be a woman and it’s a great time to be a multicultural woman… to every brown skin little girl or boy, if you have a dream, dream big.”

Updated to include Ane Crabtree’s speech.Sally Field took a break from trying to set her son up with Adam Rippon to present Joanna Johnston with the Career Achievement Award. Field was joined by Kathleen Kennedy. Johnston has an impressive resume and along with her collaborations with Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis, she has worked on recent costume design spy faves The Man from U.N.C.L.E and Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.Props! Sally Field is prepared for this moment including the pink sweater she wore in Forrest Gump and a blanket with fabrics from her Lincoln costumes.Doug Jones pulls out the fancy coat stops to present Guillermo del Toro with the Distinguished Collaborator Award. And costume designer Luis Sequeira was a surprise, but deserving win for The Shape of Water. Eva Longoria and Scandal costume designer Lyn Paolo presented Kerry Washington with the Lacoste Spotlight Award; Paolo and Washington are nicely coordinated in green (Dolce and Gabbana florals for Washington).

When I spoke to Paolo a few months ago she mentioned the strong bond she shares with Washington, this was something she emphasized in her introduction:

“I have had a great seven seasons with Ms. Washington. You would all be blessed to work with her if you get the opportunity…  I’m sad it’s over. Your love of costumes and the process of storytelling, all that is self-evident in your body of work…I can’t wait to see what you do next.”

And here is part of Kerry Washington’s speech where she talks about the importance of standing by Lyn Paolo when ABC said they were going to make a Scandal inspired clothing line, “Not without us.” It is all in the details and Maggie Schpak was honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Schpak is a jeweler and metalworker and you will have definitely seen her creations on screen including Rocky’s championship belt, Vulcan pieces for Star Trek and tiaras in Black Swan and The Princess Diaries. This article goes deep on Schpak’s work and is well worth a read. And it isn’t surprising to see Schpak wearing some amazing accessories to this event.Someone get Gina Rodriguez a part in the next Star Wars.

Here is the full list of winners and nominees.

Excellence in Contemporary Film
Get Out — Nadine Haders
I, Tonya — Jennifer Johnson — Winner
Kingsman: The Golden Circle — Arianne Phillips
Lady Bird— April Napier
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri — Melissa Toth

Excellence in Period Film
Dunkirk — Jeffrey Kurland
The Greatest Showman — Ellen Mirojnick
Murder on the Orient Express — Alexandra Byrne
Phantom Thread — Mark Bridges
The Shape of Water — Luis Sequeira — Winner

Excellence in Sci-Fi / Fantasy Film
Beauty and the Beast — Jacqueline Durran
Blade Runner 2049 — Renée April
Star Wars: The Last Jedi — Michael Kaplan
Thor: Ragnarok — Mayes C. Rubeo
Wonder Woman — Lindy Hemming — Winner

Excellence in Contemporary Television
American Horror Story: Cult — Sarah Evelyn Bram
Big Little Lies — Alix Friedberg
Grace and Frankie — Allyson B. Fanger
The Handmaid’s Tale —Ane Crabtree — Winner
The Young Pope — Luca Canfora, Carlo Poggioli

Excellence in Period Television
The Crown — Jane Petrie — Winner
Feud: Bette and Joan — Lou Eyrich
Glow — Beth Morgan
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel — Donna Zakowska
Stranger Things — Kim Wilcox

Excellence in Sci-Fi / Fantasy Television
Black Mirror: USS Callister — Maja Meschede
Game of Thrones — Michele Clapton — Winner
Once Upon a Time — Eduardo Castro, Dan Lester
Sleepy Hollow — Mairi Chisholm
Star Trek: Discovery — Gersha Phillips

Excellence in Short Form Design
Assassin’s Creed – “I Am”  Commercial — Patrik Milani
Elton John featuring Marilyn Manson: “Tiny Dancer,” Music Video — Sara Sensoy, Dawn Ritz
Katy Perry – “Chained to the Rhythm,” Music Video — B. Ăkerlund
“Miu Miu Women’s Tales #14: The End of History Illusion,” Short Film — Mindy Le Brock
P!NK – “Beautiful Trauma,” Music Video — Kim Bowen — Winner

Career Achievement Award
Joanna Johnson

Distinguished Collaborator Award
Guillermo del Toro

Distinguished Service Award
Maggie Schpak

Lacoste Spotlight Award
Kerry Washington

Behind the Insta-Scenes: Photos from the Set

6 Jan

We’ve got New Year’s celebrations covered, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants reunions galore, costume sneak peeks and a snowy day at work as the weather finally turns cold in this week’s collection from Instagram.

#tbt to right now. Love you sister. Happy new year.

A photo posted by Amber Tamblyn (@amberrosetamblyn) on

 

You might already know my feelings about IRL friendships which have developed from pretend ones on screen, but if you don’t then just know that I am so here for all of this. The cast of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants are still super tight including New Year’s Eve hangout tight.

WHERE are my hands?!? #SisterWivesOfTheTravelingPants

A photo posted by Blake Lively (@blakelively) on

 

Blake Lively is also getting in on the Amber Tamblyn action and this implies that maybe there’s some husband sharing occurring somewhere. Maybe this is a sequel in the works. Lively also gave a shout out to America Ferrera’s new show Superstore and there’s more between these ladies than just the perfect jeans.

#tbt Alexis and Ralph. Love you my sister. Happy new year.

A photo posted by Amber Tamblyn (@amberrosetamblyn) on

 

The quality of this shot isn’t great, but I didn’t want to leave Alexis Bledel out of the mix, especially as I just jumped (albeit very late) on board the Gilmore Girls train. Plus I think I might need to give Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants a rewatch.

Captured by @mikemosberg on his LUMIX- he's a real arty guy that guy 🎉 Hey, 2016, you have nice eyes.

A photo posted by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on

 

More IRL friendships and New Year’s party shenanigans featuring a good level of outfit sparkles, but in this case the real life relationship came before the fictional one (and looks a whole lot happier than the one we see on our screens). Lena Dunham just announced that Girls will end in 2017 after season 6 and I agree that by then it will be time to call it quits. Season 5 returns next month.

 

This lovely rendition from Charlie Day and Mark Duplass just made me realize that we didn’t even try and attempt to sing Auld Lang Syne this year with the obligatory only knowing a tiny portion of the lyrics and mumble singing the rest.

Looking ahead. Hope 2016 treats you well!

A photo posted by Michiel Huisman (@michielhuisman) on

 

Happy New Year indeed! This kind of denim jacket is my favorite kind (and not just because I have one).

 

#RelationshipGoals ❤

 

This was a fun end of year Instagram thing where you can find out your nine most liked photos from 2015 and post them to your feed. Raul Castillo noticed a repeating theme in his selection (my theme was selfies, food and puppies).

 

For Krysten Ritter there is a whole lot of Jessica Jones, David Tenant and her dog Mikey.

Happy New Year! thanks @michaelmuller7 Leftovers poster outtakes

A photo posted by @justintheroux on

 

An outtake from The Leftovers season 2 promo shoot and one which looks far more serene than Kevin’s desperate drowning reach toward Nora.

Our first #snowday! @caitylotz @ciararenee8 @cw_legendsoftomorrow #CurlersFTW #Vancouver

A photo posted by Brandon Routh (@brandonjrouth) on

 

Curlers and snow for the Legends of Tomorrow cast with it looking full on brr cold.

 

I do love a floor plan.

Pumps for Ms. Pope! #Scandal #CDGTakeover by @lynelizabethdesigns

A photo posted by Costume Designers Guild (@cdglocal892) on

 

Scandal costume designer Lyn Paolo took over the Costume Designers Guild Instagram yesterday showing off all kinds of behind the scenes stuff including plenty of Prada bags, THE white hat and this selection of Olivia Pope pumps.

 

Keeping on theme and a very different array of footwear over at The Mindy Project. 

 

Brooklyn Nine-Nine was back last night much to our delight. Good spy like photo taking skills from Stephanie Beatriz with an unsuspecting Andre Braugher in the background.

 

Expect to see way more Brie Larson (and Jacob Tremblay because this kid can rock a tux) around these parts as award season kicks into full gear. Here are Larson and Tremblay with their NBR awards and I am very much looking forward to sobbing through at least half of Room.

Behind the Insta-Scenes: Photos from the Set

22 Jul

Plenty of casts from fall shows have returned to set for their new seasons so while we have to wait until September to see the fruits of their labor, it is maybe time to infer things from the behind the scenes sneak peeks. Plus reunions, cute outfits and TV watching faces.

 

Belfast airport is the place to spot Game of Thrones cast members as production of season 6 begins and sadly the wait for viewers is going to be a little longer than fall. Daenerys has been reunited with Missandei by a nice selection of mugs and it is no big surprise seeing Emilia Clarke and Nathalie Emmanuel heading back even if their characters are currently separated. All eyes are on another person who happened to make his way to Belfast.

 

Robbie Amell (who has just be cast in the new X-Files revival along with Lauren Ambrose!) and Victor Garber are back on the set of The Flash, but it’s Grant Gustin’s hoodie over his new Flash suit that I am distracted by. Maybe Barry should rock this look.

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We're back. It's dark in here. #Arrow

A post shared by Em Bett she/her (@emilybett) on

 

Props galore on Arrow including Felicity Smoak’s glasses, some nude pumps and what looks like some kind of weapon. What could this all mean?

 

In less vague costume news Bellamy Young shows off the mostly colorful Manolo Blahnik heels with a dash of Kate Spade during a ball gown fitting with Scandal costume designer Lyn Paolo. Fancy pants party scenes are a favorite.

 

Also over at Scandal, Kerry Washington and Josh Malina go for full Superman bystander mode.

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#dogs #happy

A post shared by Adrienne C. Moore (@acmoore9) on

 

Puppies! Continuing to look like a very happy place to work is the Orange is the New Black set and it was a good week for the Netflix show as they received four Emmy nominations including Best Drama Series.

 

Jussie Smollett celebrates Taraji P. Henson’s Emmy nomination by posting this video of her…

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I really wish I could tell you more… #xfiles

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This is very exciting and an appropriately mysterious shot from Rhys Darby on the set of The X-Files.

 

Where he also got to hang out with Kumail Nanjiani and I am thrilled Nanjiani is going to be in an episode. If you haven’t listened to his podcast The X-Files Files and you’re currently rewatching before the revival then I definitely recommend you do.

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I mean….

A post shared by Joshua Jackson (@vancityjax) on

 

Bad form at this end as I didn’t know Joshua Jackson was on Instagram (in my defense he hasn’t posted that much before this week and I am far too distracted by Diane Kruger’s excellent feed). He’s making me long for a beach trip as a result of showing off the beautiful locations they use on The Affair. There is also a shot of something a bit more intimate that he has to wear on this show.

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Recording the audiobook for #WhyNotMe

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Mindy Kaling records the audiobook for the forthcoming Why Not Me? in a super cute and pattern clashing ensemble.

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Tammy One in London!!

A post shared by Amy Poehler's Smart Girls (@amypoehlersmartgirls) on

 

Parks reunion in London while Amy Poehler promotes Inside Out.

 

An accurate representation of my True D watching face. Sadly I don’t have curls as big as Jenny Slate’s.

The Americans Inspired Underwear Range from Costume Designer Jenny Gering

28 Jan

A clothing collection inspired by a show and curated by the costume designer is not an unusual venture as we have seen Mad Men’s Janie Bryant team up with Banana Republic and The Limited has a range from Scandal costume designer Lyn Paulo, which Olivia Pope has also been wearing this season. Even Zooey Deschanel had the Tommy Hilfiger dresses she helped design appear on New Girl. The most recent show/brand offering is something of a more intimate nature as The Americans costume designer Jenny Gering has taken the sexy element of the show she works on and delivered pieces for lingerie retailer Cosabella.

IMG_1157The line which is available from now until February 23 and with prices ranging from $40 to $207.50 is inspired by what Elizabeth Jennings has worn in past episodes (and they might even feature on the show this season). Gering spoke to InStyle about the collection and how “Cosabella is such a good fit for the character because it’s so sort of streamlined and elegant but at the same time it’s sexy, but without being overtly girly.” The time period was also considered but as with the other aspects about the costume design on The Americans it doesn’t scream ’80s cliches.

Here is a look at a few of the items which are available:

Americans BraAmalfi’ soft bra ($84.50 and the matching hotpants are $52.50)

Americans slipTrenta’ slip ($179.50)

Americans underwear

 

Blanquita’ cami and boxers set ($207.50)

There is a delicate balance on The Americans when it comes to how sex is used as both a way for Philip and Elizabeth to navigate their very real feelings for each other and as one of their many tools to get the job done (so to speak). It is a sexy show, but it also deals with very emotional and real consequences of intimacy particularly when it is being used to manipulate. This clothing line is part of the recent trend of costume designers branching out and making their work available to a larger market and here at TV Ate My Wardrobe we of course encourage more ventures like this.

It has also got me thinking about a topic that I haven’t really explored too much and that is how undergarments can serve just as important role as everything else a character wears on both period shows like The AmericansMasters of Sex and Mad Men and contemporary ones like Broad City and You’re the Worst when it comes to looking at costume design.

Nominees Announced for the 17th Costume Designers Guild Awards

8 Jan

The Costume Designers Guild 17th Award nominations have been announced and we are now fully into award season. The awards will take place Tuesday, February  17 and celebrate excellence in costume design across a variety of television, film and commercial categories. The division of categories means it isn’t just period costume that is given a place to shine (as it tends to be with the Oscars or BAFTAs) and some of TV Ate My Wardrobe’s most talked about and revered shows are on the list below.

Cersei Game of Thrones

Here is the full list of nominees:

OUTSTANDING CONTEMPORARY TELEVISION SERIES 
House of Cards – Johanna Argan
Ray Donovan – Christopher Lawrence
Saturday Night Live – Tom Broecker, Eric Justian
Scandal – Lyn Paolo
True Detective – Jenny Eagan

OUTSTANDING PERIOD/FANTASY TELEVISION SERIES
Boardwalk Empire – John Dunn
Game of Thrones – Michele Clapton
The Knick – Ellen Mirojnick
Mad Men – Janie Bryant
Masters of Sex – Ane Crabtree

OUTSTANDING MADE FOR TV MOVIE OR MINI SERIES 
American Horror Story: Freak Show – Lou Eyrich
Houdini – Birgit Hutter
The Normal Heart – Daniel Orlandi
Olive Kitteridge – Jenny Eagan
Sherlock – Sarah Arthur

EXCELLENCE IN CONTEMPORARY FILM
Birdman – Albert Wolsky
Boyhood – Kari Perkins
Gone Girl – Trish Summerville
Interstellar – Mary Zophres
Wild – Melissa Bruning

EXCELLENCE IN PERIOD FILM
The Grand Budapest Hotel – Milena Canonero
The Imitation Game – Sammy Sheldon Differ
Inherent Vice – Mark Bridges
Selma – Ruth E. Carter
The Theory of Everything – Steven Noble

EXCELLENCE IN FANTASY FILM
Guardians of the Galaxy – Alexandra Byrne
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – Bob Buck, Ann Maskrey, Richard Taylor
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 – Kurt and Bart
Into the Woods – Colleen Atwood
Maleficent – Anna B. Sheppard, Jane Clive

EXCELLENCE IN COMMERCIAL COSTUME DESIGN 
Army ‘Defy Expectations, Villagers’ – Christopher Lawrence
Direct TV ‘Less Attractive’, with Rob Lowe – Mindy Le Brock, Jessica Albertson
Dos Equis ‘Most Interesting Man in the World Walks on Fire’ – Julie Vogel
Kia Soul Hamster Commercial Featuring ‘Animals’ – Anette Cseri
Smirnoff ‘The Mixologist’ – Laura Jean Shannon

The fantasy/period television category leaps out at me because every single one is outstanding when it comes to costume design (among other things) and the intricate detail that is delivered by these costume designers helps transport the viewer to worlds that have existed in the past or previously on the page. The main disappointment here for me is the absence of The Americans as Jenny Gering creates various personas for Elizabeth and Philip to adopt in their spy disguises while grounding them in their regular American family attire all without screaming “It’s the 80s!”

In terms of the contemporary TV offerings it is Lyn Paolo’s work on Scandal that has not only impacted the way we think about how powerful women dress, but there has even been an affordable clothing line featured on the show and available at The Limited so the audience can have a little bit of Olivia Pope’s style in their life. For this very reason I am disappointed to see Daniel Lawson’s work on The Good Wife missing from the nominees as Alicia Florrick’s work wear is just as striking and Lawson also has his own line (which albeit is not quite as affordable, more splurge levels of purchase).

Salvador Perez’s is the costume designer on a show which features another successful career woman, but Mindy Lahiri’s style is nothing like Olivia Pope or Alicia Florrick; however The Mindy Project is no less deserving and this is another huge omission for me. The same goes for the incredible costumes on The Honourable Woman and Ed Gibbon would be one of my choices for the TV movie/mini-series category. And there is no show that does serial killer tailoring quite like Hannibal; three piece suits and plastic bespoke kill suits shouldn’t go this well together but Christopher Hargadon has done just that. Plus he also does the lady power dressing well from Alana’s bold patterns, Freddie’s court attire to Bedelia’s silk blouses.

Congratulations to Jenny Eagan for the double nomination for True Detective and Olive Kitteridge. If only I could wear Zoe Kazan’s giant frames from the latter and pull them off.

Movie wise I don’t have too much to grumble about and The Imitation Game inspired TV Ate My Wardrobe to dip my toes into film costume design analysis; I have yet to see Inherent Vice and Selma (they are both on my list) but this is a strong category. Yesterday I watched The Theory of Everything and it covers all my 60s/70s dress and knitwear coveting areas and The Grand Budapest Hotel is striking in its heightened realism.

Trish Summerville created some of my favorite costumes in 2013 with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and her work was no less striking for a contemporary drama for Gone Girl as I’m still thinking about Amy’s black and white collar dress. Kurt and Bart took over from Trish Summerville on The Hunger Games and they showed how Effie can still be super stylish when all she has is drab grey and no wigs to work with.

Congratulations to all the nominees and I look forward to February 17 to see who picks up the awards.

For the nominees and winners from the TV categories at last year’s 16th Costume Designers Guild Awards head here.

Scandal 4.02 “The State of the Union” Costume Review: Peplum, Plaid and Purple

3 Oct

Last week Olivia ditched the swimwear and beach location for her old Washington D.C. haunts and while there are no white hats in sight just yet (metaphorical or physical), Olivia did put on her white suit to show that she is back and ready to work once again on Scandal. The focus of this week’s Scandal post is once again on the costuming and “The State of the Union” features the first piece from The Limited’s Scandal collection.

One color is repeated throughout the episode with variations of purple being worn by pretty much everyone who isn’t Olivia and burgundy symbolizes a connection between two characters who in the past have shared very little beyond the same surname and a treasure trove of animosity.

Scandal 4.02 The LimitedLet’s start with the an item that’s not going to break the bank; it’s Olivia’s first proper interaction with Fitz this season – yes they were in close proximity last week, but they refrained from any contact – and she is wearing the tweed peplum jacket from The Limited collection. It’s pretty neutral and even though the strains of Olivia and Fitz music plays nothing goes on here except speech advice.

Scandal 4.02 white ArmarniOlivia spends the first half of the episode in her ‘fix it’ uniform wearing a double breasted Armani jacket and her trusty Prada purse. There is a similar looking jacket from The Limited collection that’s probably not equivalent to your entire paycheck. For the full Olivia effect make sure you have your cell phone at the ready to give off good serious face. So many problems to fix. Olivia wears this outfit as she’s settling down with her customary bowl of popcorn and glass of red wine; where is the wine cardigan at this vital time.

Part of Olivia’s pensive phone face is a result of a ‘booty call’ debate with Jake and really who uses this phrase in 2014? Jake is getting a little uppity about everything and there’s a whole standoff about who tells the other what to do. Jake is less fun when he’s being all bratty, but he must be doing something right as Olivia shows up at his hotel room wearing nothing but a coat and pair of knee highs.

Scandal 4.02 joggingCyrus tries to get a rise out of Olivia by telling her that she looks like crap, she knows she doesn’t and even her jogging attire is super polished; courtesy of Lululemon.

Scandal 4.02 AbbyGetting a slight wardrobe overhaul is Abby as her White House threads have sharper, more precise tailoring than her OPA ensembles and now her peplum on the season 4 cast promo shots makes sense. There are still the Abby flourishes like the jewelry and the patterns, they’re just slightly muted now and this stunning Armani diamond print jacket is a clear indicator of how Abby’s style has evolved since she left her last job. Abby’s always gravitated towards a purple palette from wine and burgundy coats to DVF wrap dresses.

Scandal 4.02 matching plaidDitching her leather jacket this week is Quinn and she ends up mirroring Huck’s plaid shirt in Rails, drawing parallels once again between these characters. I might consider it cute if all the face licking hadn’t occurred last season and now Olivia has been made of aware of their torrid love affair – the way Olivia looked at the conference table was an accurate representation of the face I make when I think of the shenanigans that went on with these two.

Scandal 4.02 Fitz and MellieBeginning the episode as she spent all of last week is Mellie in her bathrobe and Uggs. There’s also a big plate of chicken and not giving any fucks about what the media think of her attitude/mental state. I doubt Mellie is picking out Fitz’s ties at the moment, but it is worth noting that the one he is wearing in this scene matches the burgundy of her bathrobe; despite Mellie not wanting to do as Fitz asks there is a level of intimacy between this pair unlike anything we have seen before.

Scandal 4.02 MellieMellie does end up at the State of the Union (thanks to the lack of sugar coating from Abby’s) wearing her power color of red – she wanted to wear blue, but that’s what Lisa Elliot is wearing – and while she manages to keep it together in front of the cameras in private she throws off her shoes and rips her pearls from her neck collapsing in devastating sobs. Bellamy Young is giving a tour de force performance as the grieving mother and there’s no solace in the clothes that in the past have acted as armor.

Scandal 4.01 “Randy, Red, Superfreak and Julia” Costume Review: White Suit Back On

26 Sep

Opening in paradise Scandal took a brief respite from the chaos of Washington DC for some brief beach time and in doing so we get to see a whole new Olivia Pope style. Well, not entirely as Olivia’s beachwear is very much in line with her work attire; a neutral palette.

Grey is where Olivia spent most of her time tone wise in the season 4 premiere; straying into darker territory as she gets involved with a new case and at the funeral that pulled her out of her beach dream location. Olivia doesn’t mess with standard funeral protocol and is dressed all in black. It’s the final outfit choice that is the most symbolical as she’s once again dressed all in white and ready for work. Washington doesn’t have to mean shadows and to use Jake’s overused metaphor ‘standing in the sun’ can mean many things. What I hope this suggests is that Scandal can return to the break neck pace of season 2 that got muddied by convoluted B613 conspiracies and parental meddling.

Our Scandal coverage is constantly evolving with the show and this week the focus is going to be on the costumes; what they signify and where you can get them from.

Scandal 4.01 swimsuitStarting on the beach and with Olivia in a super sleek La Perla Mare ‘Kosmos’ one-piece swimsuit that is both stylish and functional looking; a swimsuit you sunbathe and actually swim in. The episode is bookended with white attire of very different kinds and I don’t think Olivia will be hanging out on a beach anytime soon. She can probably get away with throwing on those Dior sunglasses in DC so this new wardrobe isn’t a total waste.

Scandal 4.01 Olivia beach cover upIt’s too warm for a wine cardigan during the daytime on the beach and Olivia has wisely swapped out the knitwear for a super comfy looking beach cover-up in the form of this Roberta Freymann ‘Nicola Dress Magik.’ Wine is an Olivia dietary staple and also the way Quinn tracks her down, alerting Olivia to the news of Harrison’s murder.

Scandal 4.01 bathrobeOlivia isn’t the only one dressing in a more casual manner, but Olivia’s befits the location and with Mellie her grieving process means not getting dressed up in her usually First Lady attire. If I was First Lady and my home was also a work place I’d also want to dress like this and yet it is unnerving seeing a woman who is usually so polished wearing Uggs out and about. As Fitz mentions at least she is washing her hair, which may I say looks fantastic in a less voluminous style. Mellie is generally a block color kinda woman and this multi-patterned zebra and floral ‘Xianado’ Natori silk robe is unlike anything we have seen Mellie in before; showing her inner turmoil in an overt and dramatic fashion.

Scandal 4.01 grey GucciAs soon as Olivia is back in DC she unleashes a torrent of amazing coats including this beautiful belted and gold zipped Gucci Fall 2012 offering (here is a similar Gucci coat swapping out zips for buckle detail). Gone are the beach curls and Olivia is giving Huck her best attempt at reaching out. These guys all have trust issues so it’s not that easy.

Scandal 4.01 purple coatSee also appealing to Abby (Quinn is at first the only person who is back on Team OPA, which is initially surprising as she was on the outs for most of last season) and there is a lot of hurt on both sides here. Both Quinn and Abby haven’t strayed far from their style comfort zones with Quinn in a Free People leather jacket and Abby sticks to her Donna Karan burgundy coat tradition. I am sticking to my tradition of coveting Abby’s outfit.

Scandal 4.01long black cardiganThis isn’t the wine cardigan that Olivia wears while she is actually drinking wine in this episode, however this Ralph Lauren Black Label cashmere delight could double up as one. It also performs the role of making Olivia seem approachable allowing her to see through the BS she is being dishing served up on this new case; that famous gut feeling still works. I’ve missed the glass window of investigation to be honest so I was thrilled when she was asked for her expertise and help.

Scandal 4.01 white suitAfter delivering a searing statement at a press conference on the steps it is clear Olivia Pope is really back and her all white Escada pant suit coupled with a power walk of defiance is a striking image. Cyrus snarks at Fitz about the repetitive nature of his relationship with Olivia, however in the moment where it appeared they would touch there was initially nothing; a connection is made in their shared flicker of a smile after they have passed each other. Their story is far from over.

At the moment I want to see what both Olivia and Fitz can achieve without the other at their side and even though I lean towards Jake, I am so over him using his sexual prowess as a trump card. We get it. I’m still hoping we’ll get a prolonged period of Olivia opting for the “I choose me” option and as OPA is what needs the most attention from Olivia at this present moment it is the perfect time to explore Olivia outside of romantic entanglements.

 

 

 

The Limited Scandal Collection: Our Top 5 Picks

23 Sep

Kerry Washington wants you to know that “You can be fabulous and fearless” and now you can look the Olivia Pope part in The Limited Scandal inspired collection. Kerry Washington and Scandal costume designer Lyn Paolo worked with the The Limited’s VP of Design, Elliot Staples to produce an array of pieces reflecting the style of Olivia Pope. This means there is a lot of neutral colors and tailored silhouettes that exude style, femininity and power.

The costume design on Scandal is one of the most talked about aspects of this show (we’re pretty much obsessed with all things Olivia Pope here at TV Ate My Wardrobe) and this collection includes pretty much everything we would want from a Scandal inspired line. Plus the prices aren’t nearly as crazy as the designer labels Olivia usually wears ranging from $49.95 to $248. The only thing that is missing is the ability to not spill red wine or get popcorn grease all over the clothes. Yes I am a serial spiller. Especially when it is either something new or on the lighter end of the clothing scale.

Some of the clothes will feature in the new season (which starts this Thursday, September 25); how about a game of spot The Limited among the Prada and the Armani?

So whether you want to boost your office wear, coat collection or Scandal watching attire there is something for you and here are our top 5 picks.

Drape coatOlivia has the best collection of outerwear on TV and draped/belted coats are a staple. This one is available in either sage green or soft pink. I’m meant to be on a coat buying ban, but I might have to break my own rules for this beauty.

Scandal capeCapes are on trend this season and another Olivia signature item; just because Olivia wears mostly neutrals it doesn’t mean there isn’t room for tweed. You can get this version in both grey and khaki. I love the charcoal grey cape I got a few years ago (I broke my wrist in the winter and I needed a coat to go over my cast), but there’s no rules saying you can’t have more than one. A cape also gives you a most excellent shadow (I am easily amused).

Cape The LimitedWine cardigan! Everyone needs one and The Limited knows this. Yes it is off white but hopefully you have better hand-eye coordination than I do.

Pink pantsOlivia only wears pants to work and there are a variety of styles and colors on offer. I’ve picked out a couple of pairs starting with the ‘Liv Flare‘ in light pink (also available in off white) and for office wear the more flared the better (this is why I love Abby’s palazzo pants so much).

Black Olivia Pope pantsA pair of black wide leg pants are a wardrobe staple and an easy way to look super chic and smart at work or even on a night out.

Browse the whole collection head here and be sure to check out all our Scandal costuming analysis starting with the season 4 promo photos.

Scandal Season 4 Promo Photos: Going Back to Work?

10 Sep

The rain fell down on the cast of Scandal for their season 3 promo shots featuring the incredible Burberry trench Olivia wore in the premiere; this time no one is getting soaked, but they have still delivered a striking image with everyone dressed in their fanciest threads. Yep even Quinn and Huck have ditched the plaid and leather for ball gowns and tuxedos.

For a closer look click on the image (which first appeared exclusively at TV Guide).

BELLAMY YOUNG, DARBY STANCHFIELD, JEFF PERRY, TONY GOLDWYN, KERRY WASHINGTON, SCOTT FOLEY, JOSHUA MALINA, GUILLERMO DIAZ, KATIE LOWESOlivia is of course at the center of the group wearing a beautiful black and white ball gown with the guys mirroring this color palette in dashing white tie. The other women stand out with Mellie in ultra feminine bubblegum pink giving off princess vibes, Abby in an olive green fishtail frock and Quinn wearing the deep blue that we tend to see in her costuming. This cast sure scrubs up well.

It’s not all fun and frolics. Far from it and at the end of season 3 Olivia flew into the sunset accompanied by Jake after everything has gone to hell thanks to Olivia’s mother Mia. It was a bumpy year and one that got weighed down by its own conspiracy; hopefully after a break away from Washington D.C, and the mess her parents have created Olivia will return to a scene that is less convoluted and more like the fast paced fun of the second year.

The individual photos suggest a less lavish affair with everyone in their standard day ‘uniform’ and it looks like Olivia might be ready to get back to work in a tailored grey jacket and black pants. The lack of white is worth noting in this shot as this is the color she tends to wear when she is feeling in control and defiant, grey is her more muddled/conflicted choice.

Scandal Olivia PopeMellie in red. Standard Mellie projecting a strong image garb; the new season is set two months after the events of the finale and while Mellie is an expert in hiding her heartbreak I’m not sure she will be able to pretend everything is okay after the death of her son.

Scandal MellieShonda Rhimes has promised that season 4 will finally shed more light on Abby’s backstory and while we already know that she was married to an abusive and powerful man there are still plenty of narrative blanks to fill in. Abby’s dressed a little darker in her individual shot and the peplum is slightly more fitted than the wrap dresses, draped cardigans, billowy blouses and palazzo pants we’re used to seeing her in.

Scandal AbbyScandal returns Thursday, September 25. For the rest of the cast shots click on the gallery below.

 

Coming this Fall: A Scandal Inspired Line at The Limited

26 Jun

One hashtag you might see popping up on a Thursday night when an episode of Scandal is airing is #ScandalFashion and discussions dedicated to what Olivia Pope is wearing are just as prevalent as those talking about what crazy twist has just occurred. On TV Ate My Wardrobe we write our Scandal reviews with a specific look at the costuming and where possible we share where you can buy these items. A Scandal inspired clothing line from a national retailer isn’t too surprising, however this is the first time a lead star and head costume designer from a hit network show has collaborated with a store in this manner.

Scandal 3.3 Olivia DKNYIt isn’t just the Scandal cast who have embraced Twitter and costume designer Lyn Paolo is just as interactive with fans and when it comes to finding out where the clothing that we see on screen is from, she is more than happy to oblige. Now you will be able to buy your very own Scandal inspired clothing from The Limited (in store and online) from the end of September and the 42-piece collection ranges in price from $42 to $248. Paolo explains that “The whole team took great care in creating a collection that reflects Olivia Pope’s unique style. We believe the collection tells a story of confidence and professional sophistication as well as maintaining a strong feminine point of view.”

As Kerry Washington has been an advocate for Twitter interactions with fans, particularly when the show airs (meaning there is a constant dialogue when an episode is on) there is a strong focus on Scandal viewers. Not everyone can afford Burberry trench coats or Prada purses and so this affordable selection of clothing allows fans to experience the Olivia Pope style for themselves through both Kerry Washington and Lyn Paulo’s involvement. In a statement from Washington she alludes to this notion “By creating a line inspired by the show, we are introducing a collection that embodies the elegance and power of the Scandal aesthetic for real-life gladiators and everyday fashionistas. The collection is a nod to our devoted fans, to fans of fashion and to women everywhere who are inspired to boldly pursue their passions and look good while doing it.”

If you’re wondering what you might be able to purchase come September than we have a couple of sketch photos (courtesy of Women’s Wear Daily) and wide legged pants, belted outerwear and tailored jackets are on the menu (this makes me very happy). It wouldn’t be a Scandal inspired line without some white items that for reasons I have previously outlined (okay I spill) I might have to avoid. We will keep you updated when more pictures get released so keep checking back.

Scandal clothing scandal02

 

 

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