More info is coming out about Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant's new clothing line, and it sounds like she may be making a big mistake. This from the Wall Street Journal:
While Ms. Bryant says she can’t discuss her clothing line, which she began developing in fall 2008, because she’s still finalizing the details, she says that it will be a line that will have a contemporary, not period, look to it. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll have news in the next couple of months.”
What what what what what? A contemporary look? Did Janie Bryant have a four-martini lunch? What the hell is she talking about? Women are beating each other down in vintage stores trying to get Betty Draper and Joan Holloway outfits, but the woman who actually puts those outfits together wants to go contemporary? Why why why? Here's a hint:
Ms. Bryant began her fashion career in New York in 1990 working for designer John Scher, and had hoped to launch her own fashion label until she met a costume designer at a party and landed her first gig styling “Blessing,” a 1994 independent movie by Paul Zehrer.
Ah-hah. A frustrated fashion designer, thrust into costume design. She's got all kinds of ideas, probably, and with the Mad Men buzz, now's her chance to let them all loose, whether that's actually what the public wants or not. We're all for creative people being as creative as possible, but is the Mad Men lady really going to do clothes that don't look Mad Men-ish? Is she dopey, some sort of clothing savant? Maybe, if Janie's answer to this question about starting a clothing line during a recession is any indication:
I think as long as we all continue to talk about Depression and recession and things being so bad, we’ll continue to be that way. We have to start thinking about other things.
Fair enough, Janie Bryant. Here's a thought: go retro.
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"Mad Men" Clothing Line?