UPDATE: The highly anticipated Season 2 of “Palm Royale” has just premiered this week, and it’s the vibrant costumes stealing the spotlight. The Apple TV series, known for its unique blend of humor and feminist themes, showcases a dazzling array of outfits that not only reflect the era but also drive the storytelling forward.
In the opening scene, Kristen Wiig emerges from a vintage Rolls-Royce, donning a striking yellow fringed hat and gold platform sandals. This bold fashion statement sets the tone for a season filled with eye-catching designs that are integral to the plot. With a star-studded cast including Carol Burnett, Allison Janney, Leslie Bibb, and Laura Dern, the costumes enhance the narrative as much as the performances.
Costume designer Alix Friedberg revealed that her team coordinated “thousands” of looks for this season, with 50-60% of the costumes being original vintage pieces sourced from various vendors. “It’s a treasure hunt,” Friedberg stated, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in the fashion choices that reflect the jet-setting lifestyle of the characters.
Kaia Gerber, who plays Mitzi, expressed her admiration for the costumes, saying, “Sometimes Kristen will walk in wearing something, and it brings tears to my eyes.” This emotional connection to the clothing illustrates how deeply intertwined fashion is with character development.
Friedberg’s creative process goes beyond mere shopping; it involves constructing outfits that maintain visual continuity, especially in scenes requiring duplicates. The designer notes that iconic pieces from Oscar de la Renta and Halston have been integrated into the show, with Janney’s character, Evelyn, sporting a stunning emerald green jersey dress that encapsulates the evolving style of the 1970s.
The comedic aspect of the show is also heightened through fashion. Janney’s deadpan character delivers lines while adorned in extravagant outfits, prompting laughter through absurdity. “The absurdity comes out really in how these women present themselves,” Friedberg added, highlighting the intersection of humor and style.
Burnett, who embodies the scheming Norma, remarked on the joy of costume fittings: “I work from the outside in. I have to know what I’m going to look like.” Her character’s signature turban, initially a time-saving solution, became a pivotal fashion element, leading to designs that revolve around it.
This season dives deeper into themes of female empowerment, with characters like Evelyn wearing more pants—a bold statement in the 1960s. Bibb’s character, Dinah, evolves from a trophy wife to a self-sufficient woman, donning pantsuits that signify her journey towards independence.
Friedberg’s attention to detail extends to male characters as well, with Josh Lucas portraying Douglas, whose wardrobe reflects his disappointments and lack of agency. “He’s in fact the rare character who repeats outfits,” Friedberg noted, illustrating his character’s journey through his clothing choices.
Gerber’s character undergoes a transformation this season, paralleling her character’s growth with increasingly luxurious garments. She stated, “It was so fun to be able to wear these expensive gowns and jewelry, which really mirrors Mitzi’s inner journey.”
Each costume serves a purpose beyond aesthetics; they symbolize the characters’ progression and the overarching themes of empowerment and self-discovery. Friedberg pointed out that Maxine’s original Oscar de la Renta dress signifies her arrival and readiness to take charge, making a statement without words.
As “Palm Royale” continues to unfold, viewers are encouraged to watch for how these fashion choices shape not only the characters’ identities but also the narrative as a whole. The urgency of this season’s themes and costumes makes it a must-watch for fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.
