Weekend Review: Madly Marvelous: the Costumes of the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

 

The funny thing about me picking up this book is that I have only seen the first two episodes of this show. I couldn't get into it at all. But the outfits are amazing - and really the only reason I tried to watch this! 

This book, by costumer Donna Zakowska, is fascinating nonetheless! I really enjoyed it. It covers many seasons, so if you are currently watching or plan to, you may find some spoilers. Otherwise you are good ;) I liked the way it was arranged, showing the progression of the costuming with the character development. There were some sketches of the outfits, and explanations of how and why Zakowska decided on a specific look. And then lots and lots of beautiful photos of the outfits that Mrs. Maisel wears throughout. Good closeups of some of the details and fabrics for those of us looking for that, too. 

But it's about more than just the main character. There are sections about other characters (namely her manager and her mother and a bit about the men too) where the costume decisions are explained. Zakowska saw the outfits that she was putting people in as reflections of their characters and their emotional states, and wanted to communicate it to viewers, even if as a subtle or subconscious message. 

And I was shocked at how detailed she got -- with the main characters of course, but also for the extras. SO MANY extras and so many outfits. And all had her eye over them before they were approved to be on film. 

If you're interested in movie costuming, and in one of the most notable shows for wardrobe in recent times, you'll really enjoy this too. I am proof that you don't need to have seen the show to get a lot of this book. I thought it was beautifully put together with plenty of photos to engage the reader, and was a great read for anyone who loves clothes. 

Links for the Fashionable Sewist

I've been busy with some holiday sewing so no projects to share this week -- that would spoil the surprise for any of my gift recipients reading this! 

So I thought I'd share some fun links to interesting things I've been watching lately. 

My local Garment Guild is meeting virtually this year, and this month we were really honoured to have the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, join us on our Zoom meeting. She's not only an amazingly accomplished woman and a government official, she loves to sew. It was great talking to her and hearing some of her stories, and seeing some of her favourite fabrics! 

There was a news spot on her a couple of years ago, and I think it shows her passion for sewing clearly. Hope you enjoy it too. 

And just this morning I saw that The Queen's Gambit is now the most watched Netflix scripted show ever. I can see why; it was so good. The storyline, characters, acting, and the set design and costuming were all excellent! Readers here will likely be as interested in the wonderful costuming as much as I was, so be sure to check out this interview with the costume designer Gabriele Binder about her inspiration and intent with the costuming.

Here are two of my favourites among the many spectacular period outfits.

Then check out this amazing virtual exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum featuring closeups of the costuming from both The Queen's Gambit and The Crown. Warning: you'll be there a while!

Hopefully I'll be back with some projects soon. If you're also busy with your holiday sewing...good luck :)

80s Fashion in Stranger Things

I've been off work this week, and while I didn't get as much sewing done as I'd planned, I had a great week. And I spent some of it watching Stranger Things Season 3. 

I have been surprised by how much I liked this series, and Season 3 was just on fire. I loved it. And one of the reasons I love the show so much is the fantastic 80s setting. I'm an 80s girl myself so I love watching for all the 80s memorabilia in the background, and catching all the references to 80s pop culture. And of course, the fashion is fabulous!

They really have the 80s aesthetic down. Though even my favourite fashionable character, Nancy Wheeler, doesn't have hair that quite matches my own enormous 80s do!

1988, fall of Grade 12

Nancy has the greatest outfits this season -- she's interning at the local paper so wearing things a little more summery and dressy than previously. This means lots of shirt dresses, matching tops and skirts and the cutest 80s pumps.

According to the wardrobe designer, many of Nancy's outfits were original 80s wear found on Etsy and places like that. Jealous! But you know, as sewists we can make what we like, and I have made some 80s inspired pieces recently. 

From my Style 4037 to my New Look 6344, I have a number of 80s era patterns I've made. And I own a ton more patterns copyrighted in the 80s that I have not yet made! Here are a few that I think might suit Nancy Wheeler if made in an appropriately 80s fabric choice. 

It's funny how many of these are brand names. I know I have an Esprit romper in my stash somewhere as well, and that's definitely one of the brands referenced in Stranger Things! I also liked the blouse that Robin was wearing in the last episode, but can't find any images of it -- just a black blouse with white accents -- I can see a hacked Stretch & Sew 345 to copy it (incidentally also another 80s pattern!) 

What about you? Are you inspired by the 80s? By Stranger Things? By your own favourite summer viewing?