THE WARDROBE
MEGA spoke to Claire Parkinson and Lou Elyrich, top stylists to discuss the stunning looks of The Politician
MEGA: AFFLUENCE AND WEALTH ARE CENTRAL TO THE POLITICIAN, WHAT WERE THE INSPIRATIONS FOR THEIR LOOKS?
CLAIRE: Ryan Murphy had so many ideas for each character when we first met to discuss The Politician. Each character was inspired by many icons throughout history. For Georgina, we were influenced by the women in Slim Aarons Photography, socialites like CZ Guest and Talitha Getty. Women who were always ready to go to charity ball. We were influenced by a young JFK for Payton and Robert Redford’s character from the film, The Candidate. We were also inspired by many high fashion brands like Gucci, Loewe, and more. For Payton’s father, he was inspired by the very preppy tweeds by brands like Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers and the English countryside style. Martin and Luther were inspired by the American prep looks from the ‘80s and ‘90s. We researched old Ralph Lauren ads and ivy league prep looks from books and magazines. For Alice, we were inspired by icons like Jackie O and Princess Di with a bit of ‘80s prep. She was always in her classic pearls with a small ladylike top handle handbag.
M: HOW DID YOU ENSURE THAT THE GARMENTS STOOD OUT IN AN ALREADY ELABORATE SET?
C: We always collaborate with the production designer and set dressers to make sure the costumes really work well with the sets that are designed and the locations where we film. Ryan Murphy wanted this colorful world full of pinks and greens, like a Slim Aarons photograph. We weren’t afraid of using color on the characters and really wanted strong vibrant looks that would stand out against the backdrops. An example would be the red monochromatic look
Payton wore by the pool in the first episode. We wanted his look to really stand out against the blue of the pool and his mother, Georgina’s beautiful green caftan.
M: WHAT ARE THE WARDROBE ESSENTIALS OF PAYTON HOBART AND INFINITY JACKSON?:
Payton definitely comes from a luxurious world of wealth and prestige compared to the world Infinity was brought up in with her grandmother, Dusty. Payton dresses in expensive polished suits and luxurious fabrics like cashmere. Even his sneakers are Gucci or Acne Studios. Infinity comes from a completely different background. Her grandmother wants attention and dresses her in a doll-like way for attention and opportunity. Ryan said he wanted her style to be a child meets mini mouse. For her, we searched thrift and used clothing stores for very specific pieces that would fit her character who is always wanting to wear rainbows and butterflies, tutus and sweatshirts with kitties. We used purples, pinks, pale blues for her character and would add puffy paint or stick on flowers and more to make it seem as though she did an art project to make her clothing.
M: HOW DID YOU CREATE ASTRID’S WARDROBE?
C: Astrid was very much the more trend driven of all the characters. One of the ways Astrid expresses herself is through how she dresses and we wanted her to have a fashion obsessed style. For her character, we loved the idea that she was influenced by many different icons throughout history, but also many strong brands like Dior, Miu Miu, and Chanel. We loved that idea that one day she felt a bit Mod inspired wearing the shortest skirt with mary janes and the next day she was wearing a softer pink drop waist dress, but with a rock n’roll edge - combat boots. She is the type of girl who will wear an oversize athletic tee but pair it with some knee socks and white booties. We had such fun dressing Lucy as Astrid since she already has such a strong fashion sensibility herself.
M: WAS DUSTY JACKSON’S STYLING DELIBERATELY ABOUT A PARTICULAR TIME?:
Ryan wanted Dusty to look like she was stuck in time, dressing a bit young for her age. They don’t have much money—a small closet of clothes. She has a big, strong personality so we went bold with colors and silhouette.
The Politician is streaming on Netflix now.
“WE WEREN’T AFRAID OF USING COLOR ON THE CHARACTERS AND REALLY WANTED STRONG VIBRANT LOOKS THAT WOULD STAND OUT AGAINST THE BACKDROPS