The second season of the comedy series “Palm Royale” has officially premiered, showcasing not only its star-studded cast but also a vibrant array of costumes that significantly enhance the storytelling. In the opening scene, Kristen Wiig steps out of a vintage Rolls-Royce, dressed in a striking yellow fringed hat, gold platform sandals, and bell bottoms adorned with fabric petals. This bold fashion choice signals that the costumes will play a crucial role in the series, which transports viewers back to 1969 as Wiig’s character, Maxine, navigates the complexities of Palm Beach high society.
The show, available on Apple TV, gained popularity during its first season due to its high production values and engaging narrative. This season, the costumes designed by Alix Friedberg take on an even more prominent role, reflecting the characters’ personalities and the era’s fashion trends. Friedberg and her team coordinated “thousands” of looks for the season, with approximately 50-60% of them being original vintage pieces sourced through various vendors.
Costumes Reflect Character Development
Friedberg’s creative process involves more than just selecting eye-catching garments. When original vintage pieces are not available, her team constructs new outfits, often creating duplicates for scenes involving significant movement or dance. “I was fortunate to find many vendors with vintage designer pieces in excellent condition,” Friedberg noted, highlighting garments from renowned designers like Oscar de la Renta and Bill Blass. Characters such as Allison Janney’s Evelyn wear stunning outfits that are visually striking and indicative of the evolving fashion landscape of the 1970s.
Janney praised Friedberg’s ability to curate pieces that feel like art. She expressed her admiration for the costumes, particularly the après-ski outfits featured in the Swiss Alps scenes. “All of them just make me feel divine,” Janney remarked, emphasizing how the costumes, hair, and makeup collectively define her character.
Comedy Enhanced by Costume Choices
The elaborate costumes also serve a comedic purpose, particularly for Janney’s character, whose deadpan delivery is accentuated by her extravagant outfits. Friedberg explained how Evelyn’s over-the-top looks, including multiple wigs, elicit laughter from the audience. “The absurdity comes out really in how these women present themselves time and time again,” she said, highlighting the playful tone of the show.
Veteran actress Carol Burnett, who plays the scheming Norma, similarly found that the costume fittings were essential in shaping her character. For Burnett, Norma’s iconic turban emerged from a practical solution to streamline hair and makeup. “The first time she put it on, we were both like, ‘Oh, that’s really so fabulous,’” Friedberg recalled, noting how significant the turban became to Norma’s identity.
The season also emphasizes themes of female empowerment and character growth through fashion. Friedberg noted that Evelyn’s wardrobe includes more pants this season, a reflection of the power dynamics at play during that era. “Back then, that was a real power move,” she explained, highlighting the significance of clothing choices in portraying character development.
Leslie Bibb, portraying Dinah, contributed her own ideas to illustrate her character’s evolution from a traditional trophy wife to a more independent figure. Inspired by Sharon Stone‘s look in “Casino,” Bibb’s character transitions into modern pantsuits, symbolizing her newfound autonomy.
The male characters also reflect their narratives through their attire. Josh Lucas, who plays Douglas, proposed a unique approach to his character’s wardrobe, suggesting that Douglas’s fashion choices reveal his character’s reliance on women for styling. As the season progresses, Douglas’s outfits become increasingly worn, mirroring his personal disappointments.
In a significant transformation, Gerber’s character Mitzi undergoes a makeover after coming into money. Gerber expressed excitement about the costumes, which parallel Mitzi’s journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. “It was so fun to be able to be wearing these expensive gowns and jewelry,” she said.
Friedberg emphasizes that each costume is not merely ornamental but carries deeper meanings. For instance, Maxine’s dress, an original Oscar de la Renta piece, symbolizes her ascent into high society. “It’s saying to the audience without saying it that she’s arrived, it’s her time, it’s time for her to rule,” Friedberg stated, underscoring the narrative significance of fashion in “Palm Royale.”
As Season 2 unfolds, viewers can expect to see how the characters’ journeys are intertwined with their clothing choices, making the costumes a vital part of the storytelling experience.
