Weeks before the season premiere of AMC series “Mad Men,” the buzz had already begun. “Mad Men” inspired mannequins popped up in more than 400 Banana Republic stores along with a style guide to help shoppers get the look.
Characters with complicated story lines in the drama about ‘60s era advertising executives have managed to hold viewer interest for three seasons, and so have their clothes.
Janie Bryant, the show’s costume designer, couldn’t be more pleased. On Saturday, the graduate of Gainesville’s Brenau Academy and Atlanta’s former American College for the Applied Arts, is up for her first Emmy on the show. “I’m really excited. I feel butterflies this year,” said Bryant, who previously won an Emmy for the HBO series “Deadwood.”
“Mad Men” is in the running with competitors such as “The Tudors” and “Ugly Betty” for costume design. The show, created by Matthew Weiner, earned a total of 16 nominations including best drama, best actor and outstanding writing.
Bryant’s time is short during the season, but she recently took a detour from her schedule to design dresses for Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King. Winfrey is scheduled to wear the dress on an upcoming episode of her talk show. “That was incredible. They were so great. And they just loved it,” Bryant said.
She may also launch her own clothing line, but that will have to wait until the season ends. The Tennessee native took a few minutes to chat about the show, the clothes and what women today can learn from their ‘60s counterparts.
Q: The show moves in yearly increments [the current season is set in 1963]. How do wardrobes change from one year to the next?
A: Every year it has a little bit of the same, but it totally depends on what characters are coming in. It is all about mimicking real life. One has their closet, but you build on that. There is a new item you might buy or a new trend you might follow.
Q: This season, Peggy Olson [played by Elisabeth Moss] is undergoing a major transition having been promoted in a male-dominated office. How does her wardrobe reflect those changes?
A: I have added a few more pieces for her as a professional girl. She still is doing her skirts and blouses and her dresses, but I really wanted to incorporate suits for her, still maintaining her style as being modest. And she still has almost a little girl quality to her.
Q: What sartorial wisdom can women in 2009 take from women in 1963?
A: I think one of the most important things is a great foundation. I’m not saying wear a bullet bra and a girdle, but having the proper foundation really does make your clothing look better. Alterations are always really important because you are going to buy garments that are not made for your particular figure.
Q: Many women [and men] love the “Mad Men” look, but are unsure of how to wear vintage. Any tips?
A: I always say when you buy vintage or wear vintage it’s all about mixing elements of vintage with modern. If you buy a vintage sheath dress, wear it with a great pair of modern shoes or modern jewelry.
I love the tweed suits from that era, like the Chanel suits. I love to wear just the jacket and wear my skinny jeans and high heels with it. Or if you buy an amazing vintage jewelry set, just wear one of the pieces. And of course the multi-strand pearls look great and are classic, but can be worn with a T-shirt and jeans.
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