HomeFeaturesAFM VIP › AFM Tête à Tête: Janie Bryant
 
 
 

The sexy drama behind AMC TV’s “Mad Men” isn’t the only reason people are watching. The prominent and polished style of these men and women of 1960’s New York has been award-winning, yes. But, more importantly, it has inspired contemporary fashion thanks to ingenious costume designer, Janie Bryant. During a recent trip to Scottsdale Fashion Square, this Hollywood mover and shaker talked “Mad Men” style.

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AFM: When did you first decide you wanted to get into fashion design?
JB: I studied fashion design when I went to school, and I also studied costume history. I actually thought I was going to be a fashion designer for my career, but I ended up meeting a lot of people in the film industry when I came to New York and was working on 7th Avenue. That’s when I decided I wanted to become a costume designer and started working on films and TV.
AFM: When you were asked to design for “Mad Men,” were you very familiar with the time period?
JB: I was familiar with the period through my grandparents. They had that lifestyle of martini lunches and hosting great parties for my grandfather’s clients. I would love to look at all of their pictures. I still have my
grandmother’s apron collection. But I had to do a lot of research when I started designing the show. I did a lot of my research at Western Costume in Los Angeles. They have a huge costume library with everything from newspaper clippings to family photos and Look Magazine, Time Magazine, LIFE Magazine, GQ, Esquire, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar. But beyond that, I love to look at catalogs and Good Housekeeping, Ladies’ Home Journal and, of course, the Internet.
AFM: You have also designed for other TV series like “Big Apple” and “Deadwood.” What has been your favorite experience?
JB: “Deadwood” is a project that continues to be close to my heart. I love, love the Victorian era. I love “Mad Men” because I do love the period; it’s so beautiful and elegant. I love the fact that people have been so excited about dressing up again and really wanting to learn about foundations, shapewear and getting the perfect fit. They are just so fanatical about “Mad Men” and the fashions of “Mad Men.” I think it’s really accessible for contemporary men and women. And “Deadwood” was such an indulgence of that period filled with corsets, nice pleading, silks, bouquets, velvets and woolens. It’s hard to say which is my favorite. I
love them both for different reasons.
AFM: Why do you think women today are so attracted and inspired by the looks of the characters on “Mad Men”?
JB: I think women want to look beautiful. I think they want to look polished, put-together and gorgeous. And I think that time period really reflects that.
AFM: How do the looks from “Mad Men” inspire the upcoming fall season? Do you see any making its way into today’s mainstream fashion?
JB: Yes, you see it everywhere from couture to mainstream. I think there are so many options out there now for feminine style, like beautiful printed silks and full-skirted dresses. You’re really seeing the ladylike
handbags, the gloves and the silhouettes that were so popular during that time period.
AFM: You just released your first book, “The Fashion File.” Why should readers want to pick up a copy?
JB: The book is about becoming your own leading lady and obtaining your own personal style. It’s also about the importance of accessorizing, learning about your body shape and getting the right-fitting shapewear.
It’s also about feeling great about yourself and feeling beautiful. It’s basically an overall guide to style.
AFM: Any exciting new projects in the future?
JB: I’m working on my own line on QVC that I launched in September. I’ll have…three shows in February. I’m also promoting my new book and doing book signings. So right now, it’s about QVC and the book.