Michelle Obama is coming to dinner! Obviously, the best-dressed family on television would bring their sartorial A-game, thanks to nine-time Emmy nominee Michelle Cole earning her fifth nom for her work on the final season of the Kenya Barris-created sitcom.
While hosting the 44th first lady (playing herself), the Johnsons invited the laughs, too especially after physician Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) and advertising exec Dre (Anthony Anderson) exclude the kids and grandparents from the occasion. I love how theyre plotting to figure out how to see her, says Cole, who collaborated via top-secret Zooms with Obamas stylist, Meredith Koop, on her vibrantly cozy JW Anderson sweater. Its a casual dinner for her, but everybody else was over-the-top.
Dres pumpkin-hued velvet smoking jacket by Etro, over a black turtleneck, signals his professional success and accompanying pay bump. Hes dressed up for his wife, and hes doing it for Michelle Obama, says Cole.
As the three settle in for dinner, Junior (Marcus Scribner), in a graphic-patterned Dries Van Noten sweater, unsubtly attempts a photo with Obama. Then, college grad Zoey (Yara Shahidi) saunters across the room in a too-chic-for-doing-laundry lavender and python-print set by Alessandra Rich under the guise of a performing the chore only to inquire about gifting samples from her upstart fashion line to the ultimate influencers, Sasha and Malia. Shes carrying the laundry basket with her gold boots on, says Cole with a laugh.
Dres parents, Ruby (Jenifer Lewis) and Pops (Laurence Fishburne), also dress for American royalty. Cole imagines Pop dusted off a tuxedo that hes had forever, while Ruby curtseys in a majestic fuchsia designer gown, bedecked with sparkling rhinestone jewelry and a tiara. Where did they get the crown? asks Cole, surmising Ruby would have repurposed youngest granddaughter Dianes (Marsai Martin) discarded toy costume jewelry. Maybe Diane had some stuff in her hope chest.
For Cole, colorful fashion plays an integral role in portraying three generations of a successful Black family living the American dream in L.A. This is what we represent, she says. This is who we are. This is how we dress.
Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her Gen Z writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder) take her refreshed stand-up act on tour hitting the road and the high seas. Deborah Vance going on a cruise was just like candy to me, says Kathleen Felix-Hager, who earned her second Emmy nom.
Expecting a gay-men cruise, Deborah makes her grand entrance in an on-theme pastel blouse and duster by Casablanca, featuring a distinctive sailing and racing print. Her custom-built wide-brim pink hat with matching trim snipped off the robe complete the commanding ensemble. How else will Deborah Vance walk onto a cruise ship? Shes got to look amazing. Its got to be like, Im here for all of my people! says Felix-Hager. And then she finds out theyre actually not her people.
Thats because Deborahs business manager has booked her on a lesbian cruise, and she must endear herself to an audience shes historically insulted. Making headway, Deborah confidently sports a bright orange floral-print blouse with brash silver sequins on the forearms. Deborah still wants to be the center of attention, even though its the breakfast buffet, says Felix-Hager. She still has a little bit of her Vegas flair.
Deborah brings her comedy act on board, taking the stage in her trademark sparkling pantsuit. Felix-Hager custom-designed Deborahs shimmering set with head-to-toe tiny purple and black sequins. The soft, flowing fabric supported co-creator Lucia Aniellos script and direction, with Deborah awkwardly dancing onstage (Oh no, shes doing Ellen, says a horrified Ava) and revealing her bared shoulders that further turns off attendees offended by a tone-deaf routine.
Deborah is unceremoniously kicked off the cruise. I knew that they were going to end up in a dinghy, and I wanted a color that would pop out in the ocean, says Felix-Hager about Deborahs striking red, pink and navy blouse by La DoubleJ, accessorized by a tactical orange life jacket and a vintage scarlet hat with delicate ruffling. Its just so beautiful, chic and kind of ridiculous, she adds with a laugh.
First-time nominee Dana Covarrubias fondly recalls her initial fitting with Martin Short for the Upper West Side-set mystery series. As Oliver Putnam, the comedy legend introduces his characters signature showman-esque style via a scripted line. Really?! Do you not see this coat?! yells Oliver as a driver nearly hits the former Broadway producer as hes crossing on red.
Olivers statement outerwear was written as a shaggy bergamasco dog style coat, explains Covarrubias. But due to collaborative discussions with Short (and the now-famous marigold faux fur of fellow amateur detective and true-crime podcaster Mabel Mora, played by Selena Gomez), Olivers coat evolved into the tailored, amethyst-hued Haider Ackermann. Marty is the comedian, says Covarrubias. Hes the one that should be making the joke, not necessarily the costume.
Olivers purple-and-white polka dot Turnbull & Asser scarf also set the tone for his dramatic wardrobe full of early-2000s designer jackets, vests and neckwear harking to his showbiz heyday producing the likes of Splash! The Musical and Newark! Newark! We found such a great theatrical look for him, says Covarrubias. Marty is so expressive and gestures a bunch, and the scarf moves with him.
Completing the sleuthing trio, Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin) sports a navy palette and short-brimmed fedora that express his professional prime as the star of the 90s police drama Brazzos. Covarrubias took inspiration from cop shows of that era to find a vintage leather trench for a throwback scene from the bayou-set show-within-a-show. We wanted to create a really strong silhouette, because we wanted to reference this Brazzos silhouette in the current timeline, she says.
Only Murders also makes for an entertaining Easter egg hunt for fans to guess which improv riffs make the final cut. Covarrubias found herself ad-libbing, too. Oliver always likes his dips. Dips for dinner! she says. She imagined Oliver always at the ready to snatch and conceal tubs of Greek delights, thus ensuring his pants featured a generous number of deep compartments.
For the re-examination of the societal treatment that Pamela Anderson (Lily James) endured after the theft and dissemination of a homemade sex tape made with then-husband Tommy Lee (Sebastian Stan), first-time nominee Kameron Lennox needed to find a very delicate balance because mid-90s fashion is just inherently funny. I didnt want to poke fun at them, says Lennox. They had their own unique style that inspired so many people then, and even today.
Historically accurate wardrobe helped highlight the rapid rise of celebrity obsession, bolstered by the tabloid paparazzi and sea change in media technology. After the VHS tapes contents are released on the burgeoning World Wide Web, Pam and Tommy attempt an incognito trip to the library to access the internet in the most conspicuous mid-90s outfits ever: Pam in a pastel blue terry cloth hoodie, cropped track pants by Hard Tail and Christian Louboutin Ugg-style stilettos, and Tommy in monochrome black mid-calf-length board shorts and a flat cap worn askew. It was a little nod to celebrities trying to hide themselves [from the paparazzi], and that never worked, says Lennox.
Tommys non-acknowledgement of the scandals impact on his wife peaks during the premiere of Barb Wire, Pams movie-headlining debut. I wanted to show that he wasnt getting it, says Lennox, who dressed Stan in a flashy suit by Fullerton, California-based heritage maker El Pachuco Zoot Suits. Its actually bright-cherry red upholstery fabric with flames indented into it, says Lennox. She imagined Tommy re-wore a mesh tank top saved from the height of his hair-metal fame and notes, there are flames on the tip of his cowboy boots.
The 90s wardrobe also emphasizes how the cruel, misogynistic humor of the era wasnt funny as exhibited by a Jay Leno interview, during which Pam maintains her dignity. Lennox found a black spring 1993 Versace dress and customized the decolletage-baring silhouette to fit James maternity prosthetic. It is a testament to her strength and personality that shes still going to own who she is, no matter what people said about her or how they viewed her, or how society would assume you should look [when pregnant], says Lennox. Shes just true to herself.
This story first appeared in a July stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
See the article here:
- High Seas Forecast (Tropical Atlantic) [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- International waters - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- high seas | maritime law | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- Radiofax Charts - New Orleans [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- High Seas Alliance | highseasalliance.org [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- High Seas Fleet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- Web Design & Mobile App Developer San Francisco CA | HIGH SEAS [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- knit/lab high seas - Kieran Foley [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Protecting Ocean Life on the High Seas - Pew Trusts [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2016]
- Convention on the High Seas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Ultima Online: High Seas - UOGuide, the Ultima Online ... [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2016]
- High Seas - Science NetLinks [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- High Seas Fleet - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2016]
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2016]
- Ocean Prediction Center-Coastal, Offshore and High Seas ... [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2016]
- Global High Seas Marine Preserve A non-profit dedicted ... [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2017]
- New centre for high seas visitors in Angus - The Courier - The Courier [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Naval Presence on High Seas Underscored - Financial Tribune [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Pirates Face Push Back On The High Seas - American Media Institute [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Queen Mary 2 to Host High Fashion on the High Seas - Cruise Hive - Cruise Hive [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Nigeria Rescues Oil Tanker From High-Seas Pirates - OilPrice.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- High Tea on the High Sea by Searoad Ferries Services [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Conflict and Diplomacy on the High Seas - Focus News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Cabin cam shows the hilarious frustration of rolling on the high seas - Pickle [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Ransomware Gangs Have Become the High-Seas Pirates of the Internet - On the Wire (blog) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Suspect in high-seas homicides hospitalized, putting case on hold - Sacramento Bee [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- To Boldly Cruise Where No Couple Has Cruised Before - Bloomberg [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Sailing the high seas: Top cruises for first-timers, families and excursions in 2017 - Malay Mail Online [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- All aboard for Cosplay on the high seas - The New Paper [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Star-Studded Broadway on the High Seas 8 Sets Sail Feb. 17 - Playbill.com [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- The Cold War returns to the high seas - CNN [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- 'The internet is like the high seas' - Deutsche Welle [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Greg McQuade discovers life on the high seas aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower - wtvr.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- In Dramatic High Seas Rescue, Four Fishermen Rescued By Good Samaritans Off Galveston, Texas, Coast - Patch.com [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2017]
- Escape to the high seas at the National Aviary - NEXTpittsburgh [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Scapa Flow German High Seas Fleet scrap sites explored - The ... - The Orcadian [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Two boats towed in harbor in high seas - Cayman Compass [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Take to the high seas with Condor Sailing Adventures - Pensacola News Journal [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Aging high-seas murder suspect out of hospital and back in court - Sacramento Bee [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Masters of the waves talk of high seas, thrills & spills - The New Indian Express [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Campbell River Sea Cadet off to England to hit the high seas - Campbell River Mirror [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Survival on the high seas (From The Northern Echo) - The Northern Echo (registration) [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Industry 4.0 on the High Seas - MarineLink [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- New Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Trailer Brings Us More Action On The High Seas! - LRM Online (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Eco-warriors meet government authority on Ballina's high seas ... - Echonetdaily [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- Tech on the high seas: Fred Olsen IT chief chats cloud, connectivity and security - www.v3.co.uk [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- Why newbie Drusilla is preparing for life on the high seas - The Wharf - The Wharf [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- Bhang Travel Inc. Brings Cannabis Networking to the High Seas - PR Web (press release) [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- Drama on the high seas: East Kilbride couple reveal dramatic rescue after boat sinks in Gulf - Scottish Daily Record [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- French, Irish yacht sailors survive high seas off Australia's coast - TRT World [Last Updated On: March 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 10th, 2017]
- Journey through the high seas - Manila Standard - The Standard [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- High Seas Yacht Service | Specializing in Marine Propulsion Alignments [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- High Seas Adventure With Bunn And Molina's 'X-Men: Blue' - ComicsAlliance [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2017]
- Fun on the high seas - Dallas Voice [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2017]
- Freedom on high seas - nation.lk - The Nation Newspaper [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2017]
- Limerick cancer survivor returns to the high seas - Limerick Post [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2017]
- At ease on high seas, woman pilot storms into male bastion | Kolkata ... - Times of India [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2017]
- Meeting on High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean - The Arctic Journal [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2017]
- Shell Looks to Lower The Cost of Drilling on The High Seas - Chem.Info [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- Indians work on high seas but yet to take a cruise | Goa News ... - Times of India [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- Cubans Still Fleeing on the High Seas, Months After Obama Nixes Wet Foot/Dry Foot - Breitbart News [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- Narcosis Brings Terror Comes to the High Seas on March 28 - Dread Central [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- Duncan high takes class to the 'high seas' - Duncan Banner [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- Cardboard vessels take to the 'high seas' at MCA - News Item [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2017]
- Skating a halfpipe on the high seas - GrindTV [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2017]
- SEAS: The Art Of Sound Perfection [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2017]
- Helping save a life on the high seas warmed the heart of one Craig woman - Craig Daily Press [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2017]
- Watch: Impressive High Seas Evacuation from Tall Ship - GCaptain [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2017]
- A dining odyssey on the high seas - Detroit Free Press [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2017]
- High Stakes for High-Seas Gaming - TravelPulse [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2017]
- High life on the high seas - THE BUSINESS TIMES [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2017]
- Captain Cannonball sails the high seas as a pirate - Destin.com - Destin Log and Walton Log [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2017]
- Real 'Pirate Women' On The High Seas Of Old | On Point - WBUR - WBUR [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2017]
- Trekr Racing makes its debut on the high seas - Washington Blade - Washington Blade [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2017]
- No clean boats on the high seas | Kochi News - Times of India - Times of India [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2017]
- Cruise Operators Continue to Hide Behind the Death on the High ... - Cruise Law News [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2017]
- Master of the high seas: Pomp, patriotism and politics as Navy's newest ship gets a name - Wicked Local Wellesley [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2017]
- Young family moves from high desert to life on the high seas - Grand Junction Daily Sentinel [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2017]
- Master of the high seas: Pomp, patriotism and politics as Navy's ... - Wicked Local Quincy [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2017]
- Orphans turn sailors for fun day on the high seas - Pattaya Mail [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2017]