Last night I participated in a live Twitter chat sponsored by Dryel and featuring Daniel Lawson, the costume designer for CBS‘s “The Good Wife”. (Readers of EverBeautiful.com will recall that I am a Blog Ambassador for Dryel, a company that makes dry cleaning your clothing at home a reality.) Of course the chat was fun – who wouldn’t love a behind-the-scenes look of a top-rated TV show – but it was also informative.
Here are a few highlights from the chat, in case you missed it:
When asked what are the wardrobe inspirations for “The Good Wife”, Daniel Lawson replied, “Life! Madison Avenue! Lawyers! Runway! Our Story! And my beautiful actresses! They are the best!”
Some of the designers beloved by Daniel Lawson are Dior, Andrew Gn, Armani and the London-based brand Number 35, for whom Mr. Lawson has designed a collection of elegant business wear for women. (And let’s credit Mr. Lawson for bringing the sleeve back to the boardroom. Women have been bare-armed long enough! Kudos!) See Mr. Lawson’s 35DL collection here.
When asked if he still has passion for his job and, if so, how he maintains it after six years, Mr. Lawson said that he “absolutely feels passion for it. The writing and the actors keep it fresh and exciting.”
Regarding upcoming trends for Spring, Mr. Lawson says of his line with Number 35, “Color! Texture! We are thrilled to have a beautiful line that evokes power and femininity.”
In each episode, The Good Wife has about 100 costumes for the principle actors plus hundreds of costumes for the extras.
Of his definition of fashion, Mr. Lawson says, “I think fashion is about personal style and taste. What works best for you? What makes you feel good?” He adds, “It certainly is about taking elements and making them your own.”
The cast does not get to keep the clothing they wear on the show. Says Mr. Lawson, “They sometimes borrow, but everything belongs to CBS.”
Dryel asked, “What’s been your favorite ensemble to date on “The Good Wife?”’ Mr. Lawson replied, “I had a fabulous black Escada jacket and blouse that Alicia wore that was totally fab!” He also cited a Lanvin pink and red gown worn by Alicia (Julianna Margulies) and a “fab herringbone tan and white cashmere jacket and dress by Akris on Diane” (Christine Baranski.)
When asked, “What do we splurge on and save on,” Mr. Lawson said, “Splurge on basics because you’ll use them over and over. Save on trendy pieces – buy them at season’s end.”
Another tip from Daniel Lawson: “Dig through those designer outlets. I get great stuff at the outlet malls and discount designer stores.”
Someone asked whether Mr. Lawson consulted lawyers about what they wear to work. Mr. Lawson’s response: “I did research real lawyers and we had feedback from real lawyers. Very important!”
It was interesting to learn that Mr. Lawson had been “stalked in stores when someone found out what I do.” (I hate to think that I’d be one of those “stalkers” but I might follow him around a bit – just to see what he buys!)
When asked how anyone can become a savvy, smart fashionista, Mr. Lawson said, “First, save some cash for alterations to make what you buy look perfect! That is key! Second, buy things that you will wear that you will feel good in!”
Another tip: “Don’t buy something just because it’s in.” Buy high end and lower end and mix them together. And, finally, it seems that Dryel is used on set to clean and refresh the beautiful fashions that are worn by The Good Wife cast. It’s gentle on delicate fabrics and allows you to dry clean your clothing in your own home. Winning!
About Daniel Lawson
Daniel Lawson is the costume designer for the critically-acclaimed TV show, “The Good Wife”, for which he received an Emmy nomination. Mr. Lawson’s first designing job in television was as an assistant costume designer on the soap opera “One Life to Live.” His designs took center stage on such shows as “Third Watch,” “Waterfront” and “Lipstick Jungle.” Mr. Lawson has also designed for the silver screen, including “Across the Universe” “Enchanted” and “The Bourne Ultimatum.” He was recently honored with the prestigious Theatre Development Fund’s Irene Sharaff Young Master Award for excellence in costume design.
As a Dryel Blog Ambassador, I have received product and compensation in the past. I did not, however, receive either for this unsponsored post.
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