In the series finale of Prime Video’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Midge Maisel, played by Rachel Brosnahan, lands a big break appearing as a talk show guest on The Gordon Ford Show. For one of her last looks of the entire series, costume designer Donna Zakowska crafted a custom, gorgeous black gown fit for a comedy superstar.
Zakowska explains that she used a collage technique for her sketch of the dress, using a vintage photograph from the ’50s to create a feeling of impression and abstraction. The black and white sketch is accentuated by a shadow of pink, representing the constant presence of Midge Maisel.
Zakowska has a close relationship with Maisel’s creators, Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, and she knew that this dress was meant to be simple yet elegant, fitting for Midge’s character. The silhouette of the dress is reminiscent of the early ’60s, with a full skirt that is not too voluminous. Zakowska wanted the dress to have an impact similar to Midge’s previous performance dresses but take it one step higher.
The neckline of the gown was crucial for Zakowska, as she wanted to highlight Rachel Brosnahan’s face. The open neckline draws attention to Midge’s beauty and serves as a focal point. To create the desired shape, an understructure was added to the dress, similar to a Victorian dress, ensuring that it maintains its sculptural form. Zakowska’s three guiding elements for the dress were simplicity, elegance, and playfulness.
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The fabric of the dress was essential to Zakowska, who examined over 200 swatches of black silk to find the right material. She finally settled on an Italian silk that had both a shiny and matte quality, setting the tone for the entire dress.
In terms of jewelry, Midge is barely wearing any. The gold bow on the dress serves as the focal point and becomes Midge’s statement piece. Zakowska approached the bow in a new way by beading it with gold sequins, creating a subtle yet celebratory look. The matte gold sequins reflect Midge’s level of success and the idea that she would reach this level in a subtle, dignified manner.
The final look of Midge Maisel in the black gown is a testament to Zakowska’s attention to detail and her understanding of the character. The dress represents Midge’s journey and growth throughout the series, highlighting her elegance, simplicity, and comedic prowess.
Overall, the costume design in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is a key component of the show’s success. Donna Zakowska’s work brings the characters to life and helps to immerse viewers in the vibrant world of 1950s and 1960s New York City. The attention to detail, historical accuracy, and thoughtful design choices make the costumes an integral part of the storytelling. Zakowska’s collaboration with the show’s creators and the talented cast, including Rachel Brosnahan, ensures that the costumes are not just clothing but an extension of the characters’ personalities and journeys.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” has received critical acclaim for its costume design, with Zakowska winning multiple Emmy Awards for her work. The costumes have become iconic, and fans of the show eagerly await each new outfit that Midge and the other characters wear. By paying close attention to the details and staying true to the time period and character development, Zakowska has created costumes that are as marvelous as the show itself.
