Photo:Courtesy of Netflix
Courtesy of Netflix
In addition to delivering a steady stream of soapy chaos (we could watch the BFFs “pour it out” overhomemade margaritasfor hours),Sweet Magnoliasis also a surprising source of style inspiration thanks to costume designerCameron Dale, who has worked onPretty Little LiarsandHart of Dixieand spent the last three seasons cultivating theSweet Magnoliascharacters’ wardrobes so that they look “rooted in reality” but also “aspirational and cute for the audience.”The result: elevated basics from brands like Madewell and Zara mixed with pieces from higher-end labels like Zimmerman, Ulla Johnson and Tanya Taylor.
“You can see Maddie’s rack [of clothing] across our costume office,” says Dale, who drew inspiration from Garcia Swisher’s real-life wardrobe. “It’s all florals, pastels and denim and everything is soft and ruffly.”
On the other end of the style spectrum is Dana Sue, who, when she’s not in her chef uniform, rocks leopard print, jewel tones and boho-chic embellished kimono kaftans, not to mention one edgy leather belt after another. ”She’s the cooler one of the group,” says Dale.
Courtesy Of Netflix
The trio’s respective styles were on full display in the finale at Dana Sue’s vow renewal ceremony where Maddie and Helen served as bridesmaids.
“They didn’t want a wedding dress for Dana Sue, so we made a dress from scratch,” Dale says of the character’s gold sequin gown, which was accented with a star-studded belt. “She’s a very specific actor and I know what shapes she prefers.”
Helen sparkled in a teal metallic look from Bronx and Banco. “When Heather tried on this dress she just lit up,” says Dale. “The movement, the color and the silhouette were a perfect fit for the vow renewal space. She is coming off a pretty traumatic breakup and I wanted Helen to have a sexier than sweet dress to finish the season." She accessorized with some sparkly stars in her hair from Anthropologie.
Of all the memorable looks the characters’ have worn, the ones that Dale gets asked about the most are Maddie’s Zimmerman dresses, which cost around $1,200 each. Her rationalization for the pricey pieces is that the characters are all successful in their respective fields and are of an age where they can splurge on their wardrobes.
“They have lovely houses and things, so to me [their clothing] doesn’t feel out of place.”
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In real life, she recommends shopping the sales and mixing high and low like a true cool mom. “It’s fashion math,” she explains. “You spend on the nice Zimmerman dress, then you save because you have your trusty jeans you wear over and over.”
source: people.com
