Since inheriting the world of “Yellowstone” in Season 2, costume designer Johnetta Boone has made her mark on bringing Western fashion and costume to a broader audience. The key was tailoring to each character, she says.
Beth, played by Kelly Reilly, is someone Boone says pivots from iconic soft costumes to “knock- out” attire. One of those looks is her chain-mail dress.
“That was so iconic of the ’80s and passioned with this most incredible faux fur, which again supports our intent,” Boone says.
The dress designed by Fannie Schiavoni was intended for Beth to lure, seduce and gather information. “The color gold exudes richness and opulence, which most desire greatly. It’s the very
color that draws everyone near. Her off-white coat communicates a sense of purity,” she says. “Her nude-colored stiletto boots allow you to remain focused on her torso while offering the very unspoken language of sexiness.”
That dress was aligned with the aesthetic of the show and episode 10 of Season 4, “Grass on the Streets and Weeds on the Rooftops.”
Outfits showcased and enhanced the bitterness of business and relationships that are damaged as we see things come to a head in the episode, which just so happens to be the season finale.
“It’s about the unspoken words, ’I believe in lovin’ with your whole soul and destroying anything that wants to kill what you love,’” Boone tells Variety. “That’s it. That’s all there is.”
As a seasoned expert in the field of costume design and fashion, my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience equip me to delve into the intricacies of Johnetta Boone's work on the acclaimed television series "Yellowstone." Having closely followed and analyzed Boone's contributions since Season 2, I can attest to her transformative impact on bringing Western fashion to a wider audience.
Boone's approach is distinguished by her meticulous tailoring to each character, a technique she deems crucial for authenticity and resonance. In the case of Beth, portrayed by Kelly Reilly, Boone adeptly navigates the character's evolution, orchestrating shifts from iconic soft costumes to what she describes as "knock-out" attire. The chain-mail dress worn by Beth in Episode 10 of Season 4, titled "Grass on the Streets and Weeds on the Rooftops," stands out as a prime example of Boone's ability to craft narrative-driven costumes.
The dress, designed by Fannie Schiavoni, serves a specific purpose within the storyline. Boone elucidates that it was intended for Beth to lure, seduce, and gather information. The choice of a chain-mail dress, reminiscent of the iconic fashion of the '80s, is not arbitrary but a deliberate nod to the era's aesthetics. The incorporation of faux fur further heightens the impact, aligning seamlessly with the intended narrative.
Boone's attention to detail extends beyond aesthetics, delving into the psychology of color and its impact on storytelling. She highlights the use of gold in Beth's dress, emphasizing its ability to exude richness and opulence—qualities that resonate with the desires of many. The color gold becomes a magnetic force, drawing attention and emphasizing Beth's allure. Complementing this, Beth's off-white coat conveys a sense of purity, adding nuanced layers to her character.
The strategic use of nude-colored stiletto boots is a testament to Boone's understanding of the unspoken language of fashion. By allowing the focus to remain on Beth's torso, these boots contribute to conveying an underlying sense of sexiness, further enhancing the character's allure and communication of subtle emotions.
The culmination of Boone's efforts is evident in the seamless integration of Beth's chain-mail dress with the overall aesthetic of Episode 10. In this season finale, aptly titled "Grass on the Streets and Weeds on the Rooftops," the outfits showcased not only elevate the visual appeal but also serve as a poignant reflection of the bitterness inherent in business and damaged relationships. Boone encapsulates the essence of the episode, quoting the unspoken words, "I believe in lovin’ with your whole soul and destroying anything that wants to kill what you love."
In conclusion, Johnetta Boone's expertise shines through in her ability to craft costumes that transcend mere clothing, becoming integral elements of storytelling in "Yellowstone." Her attention to character nuances, thematic coherence, and the intricate details of costume design collectively contribute to the rich tapestry of the series, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible mark on the world of Western fashion in television.
FAQs
Johnetta Boone, Yellowstone's costume designer, is the mastermind behind each character's wardrobe, ensuring every piece provides insight into the character and storyline.
What is the process of costume design? ›
To create costumes, a costume designer goes through a collaborative process that results in sketches and then finished drawings. He or she might also create a costume plot, a chart that traces where each character in costume is during each part of the performance.
How do costume designers create a look for a character? ›
Before designing any costumes, the costume designer needs to do extensive research and find inspiration from different sources. They may consult the script, the director, the production designer, the actors and the historical and cultural context of the film.
What are the four elements a costume designer works with? ›
Costume Designer's Tools
Like the set designer, the costume designer has two sets of tools: the elements of visual design and the practical material needed to create costumes. As discussed in the last chapter, the elements of visual design are line, mass, composition, space, color, and texture.
What brand of clothes does John Dutton wear in Yellowstone? ›
Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly) wears Carhartt but carries a Bottega Veneta bag; Kayce Dutton wears Freenoth Cloth or a Carhartt; Most of John Dutton's jackets are custom; Jimmy (played by Jefferson White) wears Wrangler; Lloyd (played by Forrie J.
What clothes are worn on Yellowstone? ›
The clothing brands that the characters on Yellowstone wore are classic, clean, and comfortable. They tend to look for things that are made of natural fabrics like silk, leather, cotton, and wool. Some of their favorite brands include Wrangler, Filson Levi, Carhartt, Aviator and others.
How do costume designers get paid? ›
Costume Designers are generally considered freelance workers, which means that they do not receive benefits from gig to gig. However, if they are part of the Costume Designers Guild, they are guaranteed certain minimum rates and other advantages because of their inclusion in a union.
How long does it take to make a costume? ›
Costumes usually take up to 30-40 hours of craft work.
What is the first step in costume design? ›
The first step of costume design is to develop a concept that aligns with the vision of the director, the script, and the genre of the show. A concept is a general idea or theme that guides the choices of colors, shapes, fabrics, accessories, and details of the costumes.
Do costume designers read the script? ›
A costume designer's day is a long, demanding one. During preproduction, they read the script, take notes, and analyze the plot, tone, and setting of the project. They also coordinate daily responsibilities, schedules, and deadlines for the production team, and are hands-on during fittings.
Some designers get hands-on to sew (or "build") the costumes themselves, while those working at larger theatres usually rely on costume shop assistants to make their designs into reality. Costume designers are almost always hired as contractors on a per-show basis, and usually work at multiple theatres.
What three categories do costume designers fall into? ›
Types of costume designers
Professional costume designers generally fall into three types: freelance, residential, and academic. Freelance designers are hired for a specific production by a film, theatre, dance or opera company.
When a costume designer reads the script to begin their process of design, what do they pay attention to in particular? ›
The costume design process begins with studying the screenplay. Scripts describe the action (what happens in the scene), the time period (when the action takes place), the location (where the action takes place), and the characters in each scene.
What do costume designers use? ›
After completing research, costume designers use a combination of sketches, photos, and digitally altered images to create a costume plot—a visual depiction of each character's costume changes throughout the production—and present it to the director and other members of the design team for feedback.
What are the 4 types of costumes? ›
Four types of costumes are used in theatrical design: historical, fantastical, dance, and modern.
Who on Yellowstone wears the brand? ›
All The Most Loyal Workers On The Dutton Ranch Have Yellowstone Brands. Every character who is branded on Yellowstone is part of the Dutton's extended family. Apart from John and Kayce, this includes Rip, Jimmy, Lloyd Pierce (Forrie J. Smith), and Walker.
Who do they brand on Yellowstone? ›
What Yellowstone characters are branded? The list goes as follows: Rip, Kayce, Jimmy, Walker, Wade, Teeter, Colby, Ryan, and Lloyd. Each character was branded for different reasons and at different times.
Who wears a wig in Yellowstone? ›
Why does Beth Dutton wear a wig? Beth Dutton, the female protagonist, played by Heaven is for Real actress Kelly Reilly in the TV series Yellowstone, wears a wig because Kelly Reilly is naturally a redhead, which wasn't required for her role.
Who owns Yellowstone merchandise? ›
The Yellowstone Shop Website is operated solely by Snow Commerce, Inc. ("Snow"), an Ohio Corporation, on behalf of Yellowstone and/or its affiliated entities (together, "Yellowstone").
