Mad Men's Costume Design: A Closer Look at Character Development

Fashion in the iconic TV series Mad Men is more than just aesthetics; it's a language of its own. In this in-depth fashion analysis, I'm shedding light on how the show's costume design, by the talented Janie Bryant, reflects the characters' inner worlds and societal norms of the era. From Trudy's fashion journey from a background figure to a bold character to Betty's daring transformation during her holidays in Rome, this video covers the most memorable fashion moments from Mad Men season 3. Enjoy x
00:00 intro
00:33 Betty Draper's Roman Holiday Look
04:44 Trudy Campbell's Royal Blue Dress
09:30 Joan Holloway's Pen Necklace
📷 Instagram: / initialsks
🎬 Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/initialsks/
✉️ initialsks@gmail.com
📚 source:
Janie Bryant, The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men, Grand Central Life & Style (November 4, 2010)
www.nytimes.com/1974/05/08/ar...
www.featherstonevintage.com/p...
/ cjsjjnbarby

Пікірлер: 190

  • @KasiaSopniewska
    @KasiaSopniewska7 ай бұрын

    CHIP’N’DIP APPRECIATION THREAD 🍅 🥗

  • @cormoranstrike1544

    @cormoranstrike1544

    7 ай бұрын

    We got two.

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    I like to know what people are returning

  • @AgeofAge

    @AgeofAge

    7 ай бұрын

    Have you got your fingers in your ears? It's a chip and dip!

  • @lazio2316

    @lazio2316

    7 ай бұрын

    JUSTICE FOR CHIP’N’DIP

  • @peoniesandbrunch

    @peoniesandbrunch

    7 ай бұрын

    It’s a chip n dip!

  • @hollywooddarling
    @hollywooddarling7 ай бұрын

    Love how you covered both one of the most iconic looks in the whole of Mad Men AND covered Trudy Campbell!!! Trudy is so overlooked, she is such a delight, especially with Alison Brie's performance. I love her style too. All the key women are really so distinct in style. Please do more of the side characters! It would be so interesting!

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @hollywooddarling Aw, thank you! The next video will probably be about Jane and Mona

  • @dulcerodriguez3681

    @dulcerodriguez3681

    7 ай бұрын

    One of my ultimate favorite characters and performances

  • @historyofsloths

    @historyofsloths

    7 ай бұрын

    I always wonder what kind of show we would get if we followed different characters like Trudy early on, I feel like it'd read a bit more like Marvelous Mrs. Maisel since Trudy lives such a wholly urban life for the first few seasons.

  • @auntkami
    @auntkami7 ай бұрын

    Joan’s pen necklace reminds me of an old British police constable’s whistle. It is as if Joan is using the pen as a similar sign of authority. She knew she could call out the women under her command at a moment’s notice and they knew it too.

  • @fruitingbody409
    @fruitingbody4097 ай бұрын

    another thing about Joan-she is rarely in prints. She doesn’t muddle her fabrics and prefers uncomplicated looks, showing her uncompromising, attention-demanding persona. Just something I thought about !! I loved this video!

  • @kiarayne123
    @kiarayne1237 ай бұрын

    I’ve watches through Mad Men multIple times and never noticed how Pete is always in blue. Him and Trudy are my favorite couple-when their relationship works Pete is at his best, and you just want to shake him when he defaults into his shitty, bratty behavior. I’ve seen a lot of mad men analyzes but never any focused on Anna. The contrast between her structured post-war suits and mellow California outfits is fascinating-such a great visual representation of her relationship with Don. Would love that video!

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @kiarayne123 regarding the blue suit: in later seasons, when Roger goes through his existential crisis he starts to wear blue suits so that he will appear younger

  • @blou_blou
    @blou_blou7 ай бұрын

    Don's mistresses would be super interesting. Great analysis, thank you !

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @blou_blou coming soon!

  • @JL-ze5qm
    @JL-ze5qm7 ай бұрын

    Another great analysis! I never noticed before how Betty's and Trudy's wardrobe blended in so much with the decor. Also, I always thought Joan's pen necklace was a functioning, gold-plated necklace, probably given to her by a beau from the office (Roger?). But since it's merely a decorative object, I believe it represents, not only her humble beginnings, but also the fact that she's the ultimate secretary. She knows the office operations like nobody else, and quickly becomes head secretary, or office manager. She is the queen of the office, the one who can do what no other person can. It is her crown. I'd love to see a video on the wardrobes of Don's mistresses and how they compare to Betty's. Thank you!

  • @jo_jo_jo
    @jo_jo_jo7 ай бұрын

    I always liked Trudy in her final scene with Pete Campbell. If I can recall it, they both appear young and successful, about to take a plain. And I remember looking at them and thinking... "Gosh, they look so Kennedy" . She even is wearing a pillbox hat, made famous by Jackie O. I always understood the sense like at the end, they had got what they were looking for, socially thriving. They were all that, young, charming, rich and had everything at their feet.

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @jo_jo_jo YES! Trudy looks so good in her pill-box hat and a pink fur-trimmed coat. Even little Tammy looked hella stylish

  • @ginao6810
    @ginao68107 ай бұрын

    I think we know little about Trudy’s life and see her as part of the home because that’s how Pete sees her. It took a few years of marriage for him to really see Trudy as a person and take Trudy seriously, and that’s when her costumes reflect her as a character distinct from her surroundings. I always thought Trudy and Pete could be an incredible team if Pete could pull his head out of his arse, which he does in the final season.

  • @sabergrrl101
    @sabergrrl1017 ай бұрын

    Please do more of these! They're so lovely and intriguing to watch.

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @sabergrrl101 thank you! more to come very soon xx

  • @angelicasmodel

    @angelicasmodel

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes, I'm enjoying them too!

  • @KaizerKay209

    @KaizerKay209

    7 ай бұрын

    Agreed! Would love more analysis of Mad Men characters' wardrobes and what it signifies in the story/their lives!

  • @FurikoMaru
    @FurikoMaru7 ай бұрын

    As a chesty woman myself, I see Joan's pen necklace as a way to achieve the slimming effect of a v-neckline without actually showing cleavage at work. It's certainly why I wear pendants.

  • @sian2337
    @sian23377 ай бұрын

    Trudy Campbell’s dress matching the city lights was well spotted. Please make more of these videos, I find them fascinating.

  • @JulietteHelene
    @JulietteHelene7 ай бұрын

    I would love an analysis of Megan - before during and after her time with Don She’s so gorgeous and embodies the 60/ early 70s

  • @Princessbubblegum567

    @Princessbubblegum567

    7 ай бұрын

    Interesting. I never found Megan attractive.

  • @JulietteHelene

    @JulietteHelene

    5 ай бұрын

    I mean, that’s your opinion and you’re allowed to have that

  • @108south

    @108south

    4 ай бұрын

    I second this! Megan's evolving style throughout the series is really fascinating!

  • @cinemaocd1752
    @cinemaocd17527 ай бұрын

    I would also suggest that Rome was chosen because there was a series of classic films set in Rome starting with Roman Holiday but continuing well into the 60s that glamorized Rome or Italy. Three Coins in a Fountain, Summertime, Light in the Piazza and Rome Adventure to name a few. Rosanno Brazzi, was a handsome Italian actor who was in at least three of these films and he looks a lot like John Hamm...At the beginning of Summertime Katharine Hepburn is a middle aged woman on vacation in Venice. She flirts briefly with Rosanno Brazzi at a sidewalk cafe. Later they have an affair.

  • @historyofsloths
    @historyofsloths7 ай бұрын

    I know it may not be possible, but I'd love to see a video analysis of the children's looks throughout the show. I was always struck by Sally Draper's look in Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency right before the scene where the merger is celebrated and the guy loses his foot to the lawn mower. In any case, love your videos, Mad Men is one of my favorite shows of all time and your videos are an excellent dive into the intricacies of the costume designers and wardrobe department.

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @historyofsloths the evolution of Sally's fashion style is a great video idea! thank you

  • @julijepp
    @julijepp7 ай бұрын

    Joan's pen reminds me of the Game of Thrones universe and a character I cant remember for the life of me has a brooch or necklace that resembles a sword or dagger and thats exactly what Joan's necklace evokes for me, not only is it her badge for being the head secretary (so much more time period and setting appropriate than say a name tag with her status) but it also symbolizes her ruthlessness in knowing how to play the game, as it dangles right between two of her best assets. She uses her sex appeal to her advantage, unlike Betty who sees her sex appeal as her meal ticket or "earning [her] keep" ofc it goes deeper than that too but I cant just recap all of Mad Men even if I want to 😅

  • @hicksabelle24hicks57
    @hicksabelle24hicks577 ай бұрын

    Betty’s Rome look is the best ever costume on mad men (accessories and make up outstanding too)! And there have been loads of amazing garments on the show 😊

  • @sykoelf
    @sykoelf6 ай бұрын

    Loved this! Would also love a style analysis of Peggy. I know it’s been done to death but I love how she grows and how that’s shown in her clothes! I also LOVED that you covered Trudy! She’s an under appreciated gem!! Do Anna too!!

  • @sydneyturack7063
    @sydneyturack70637 ай бұрын

    I could watch 100 videos of this series! Please continue!!

  • @108south
    @108south4 ай бұрын

    Trudy Campbell is probably my favorite character on the show. Alison Brie is just a delight, and I love how Trudy is so much more than she initially seems to be. And Joan's pen necklace: I viewed it as both a status symbol (she's the head secretary at a Madison Avenue advertising firm) but also as a symbol of her own insecurity. Joan desperately wants to be more than just a secretary; she wants to be someone important at the firm--and the necklace is the visual equivalent of someone with an honorary doctorate insisting on being called "Dr." (also: I love Joan and I was extremely satisfied with the way her arc plays out in the series)

  • @peach560
    @peach5607 ай бұрын

    Please do as many Mad Men style analysis as you can handle! I’m dying to hear about the side characters, especially the mistresses. Once again, a treat. Thank you Kasia!

  • @marydarko3380
    @marydarko33807 ай бұрын

    i just finished the series for the first time last week, it’s one of my fave shows ever now

  • @otilialampman7850
    @otilialampman78507 ай бұрын

    Please do a whole video on Joan. She’s my favorite.

  • @gretaenglish3519
    @gretaenglish35197 ай бұрын

    Bring on anything Mad Men! I will certainly watch! I never noticed the blending with the background for Trudy. That was a great call. I love Betty's Italian look the best, too. It's definitely my esthetic and I recreated that outfit for my friend's Mad Men themed party a week or so ago.

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @gretaenglish3519 Mad Men-themed party sounds like so much fun!

  • @etherealmemory3960
    @etherealmemory39607 ай бұрын

    These are incredible! If you made videos analysing the costumes of every single character I would literally watch them all hahaha. Whatever you do next, I'll love to see it!

  • @leelahasan3988
    @leelahasan39887 ай бұрын

    I love this video. What a treat! Thank you so much. I had always appreciated that Trudy matched her outfits to Pete's, but I never realized just how and why her style evolved from early seasons. It was also fun hearing about Betty's special Rome dress. I liked the mention of the fall of the Roman empire being shown in contrast to Betty and Don's marriage.

  • @henriquejambu
    @henriquejambu7 ай бұрын

    I'm so happy Trudy got a section in this video, she's so precious!

  • @lynseybowe8693
    @lynseybowe86937 ай бұрын

    I am rewatching Mad Men again and love Trudy. She’s such a fun character with a great personality and style. So glad you are continuing this series!

  • @mayln163
    @mayln1637 ай бұрын

    I’d love a video about Rachel Menken. My favorite outfit of hers is the one she wears where she tells Don the origin of the word “utopia.”

  • @helenaqueiroga8091
    @helenaqueiroga80917 ай бұрын

    as someone who's currently watching mad men for the frist time (I'm on season 6 and not ready to say goodbye) this show is becoming more and more my new obsession, loving your analysis and YES! do one about Mona I think she is a really good character that not many people pay much attention on it so she deserver her flowers

  • @dressmaking

    @dressmaking

    7 ай бұрын

    Check out Tom and Lorenzo's recaps and analysis of the show. They bring so much history and context to the show, it made me appreciate it on a whole other level.

  • @helenaqueiroga8091

    @helenaqueiroga8091

    7 ай бұрын

    @dressmaking thanks for the tip, definitely will be checking that one too

  • @user-yv4rm2jw3d
    @user-yv4rm2jw3d7 ай бұрын

    I would ALWAYS take another Mad Men style analysis video!

  • @nicolehall694
    @nicolehall6947 ай бұрын

    Yes! We want more videos on all things Mad Men ♥️

  • @SsHartman
    @SsHartman7 ай бұрын

    I would love to see a video about the ancillary characters, specifically Anna and Francine. I love Francine's character and wish she had a bigger part in the show. Anna was one of my favorites too. I loved this video! Joan's pen, Trudie's blue dress!! It's all so great.

  • @me45116
    @me451167 ай бұрын

    Love your insight about Trudy blending into the background at home, never noticed that

  • @lyricsronen
    @lyricsronen3 ай бұрын

    Love this analysis - you really go deep, and pointed out things I never noticed after countless rewatches of this show. I would love to see more videos about side characters!

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I have a video on Rachel Menken as well, if you're interested

  • @lizzies4964
    @lizzies49647 ай бұрын

    Great video! Loved your analysis of Betty's Italy dress. A video on the costumes of Don's mistresses sounds so good! Please make it!

  • @lizzy2222221
    @lizzy22222217 ай бұрын

    I would love to see more Mad Men analysis! These are so fantastic.

  • @paulas2218
    @paulas22187 ай бұрын

    I love your videos. Mad Men is one of my all time favorite shows. I recently re-watched the entire series in just a few days. The fashion is one of the things I loved the most. I would never have noticed that Trudy matched her surroundings! Keep doing these! I will watch every one!

  • @Jules2439.5
    @Jules2439.57 ай бұрын

    I would love to see an analysis on the other characters, especially the similarities between his mistresses. You’ve just gained a subscriber 🫶

  • @amberjulia123
    @amberjulia1237 ай бұрын

    I’ve watched this entire series TWICE and would happily rewatch it a 3rd or 4th time. It’s stunning.

  • @Always_Sunny_Thrifting
    @Always_Sunny_Thrifting7 ай бұрын

    Love Mad Men and love hearing any dissection of the show. Keep hitting home runs with your insightfulness.

  • @annagatti5038
    @annagatti50387 ай бұрын

    Please make more these are so insightful and well made❤

  • @rebecca6503
    @rebecca65037 ай бұрын

    Love this series 😍 you have an incredible eye for these things in movies and mad men is one of my favourites anyway. I think I have watched it at least 4 times.

  • @DylanFeature
    @DylanFeature7 ай бұрын

    This was so phenomenally entertaining, thank you! Happy to see more 💙

  • @ameliefnlt
    @ameliefnlt7 ай бұрын

    Here for all your mad men style analysis ! Love it ! Good work

  • @nicolascarf117
    @nicolascarf1177 ай бұрын

    Such a great analysis! I love when so much effort goes into subtle character building

  • @lnevin8623
    @lnevin86237 ай бұрын

    Please never stop doing more of these ❤

  • @rileyvancleve
    @rileyvancleve7 ай бұрын

    oh my gosh I loved your analysis of Betty’s dress in Rome, so well written.

  • @dayschange2
    @dayschange27 ай бұрын

    Oh, I would definitely be open to more style analysis videos! I loved your insights here. Thank you for sharing!

  • @dude5336
    @dude53367 ай бұрын

    Love these vids! Keep ‘em comin!

  • @rebekkahill4664
    @rebekkahill46642 ай бұрын

    I see the pen neclace as a badge symbolising mother of the secretaries.

  • @animeaddict13
    @animeaddict137 ай бұрын

    Please keep doing these Mad Men style analyses! You cover everything so well!

  • @julijepp
    @julijepp7 ай бұрын

    I look forward to your next Mad Men vid!!! I've watched The Take's Mad Men videos over and over and the fashion cant be talked about enough

  • @frankf.m.
    @frankf.m.7 ай бұрын

    Wonderful video!! Wow I just love your analysis on Trudy’s outfits! Thank you!!

  • @victorthadeucoelho7375
    @victorthadeucoelho73757 ай бұрын

    Amazing, I didn’t know I needed this content! Please do more Mad Men!

  • @puffpuffjess
    @puffpuffjess7 ай бұрын

    i love mad men, i love style analysis, definitely looking forward to more of these videos!! i'm just gobbling them up

  • @StephanieBeitzel
    @StephanieBeitzel7 ай бұрын

    Thank you for your video. It’s a brilliant wrap up of key costume character overlays. How did you even narrow down the choices? Mad Men is wonderful. I’ll watch all of your videos now, and yes to all of the additional character videos, please! (Hi from Australia!!)

  • @Moon__Bunny__
    @Moon__Bunny__7 ай бұрын

    Been loving all the Mad Men outfit videos! Please do more!

  • @ManuelaPosadaSanta
    @ManuelaPosadaSanta7 ай бұрын

    I can't wait for another video!!! Mad Men is one of my favorite shows

  • @ebmosier1
    @ebmosier17 ай бұрын

    I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a whole Mad Men analysis series like you mentioned 💙💙💙💙

  • @nordette
    @nordette4 ай бұрын

    I seriously love your videos

  • @pimk2369
    @pimk23697 ай бұрын

    Love this series!

  • @anabriones2175
    @anabriones21757 ай бұрын

    LOVEEEEE IT!!! I always talk about the outfits on madmen !! Please keep these coming

  • @katmars3728
    @katmars37287 ай бұрын

    Excellent video! I knew the wardrobes were important in the show, but didn't realize how much detail went into everything. I can't wait to watch more from you!

  • @elizabethduplat5998
    @elizabethduplat59987 ай бұрын

    I always associated Joan's pen necklace with her projecting her power in the office. Sort of asserting her hierarchy.

  • @idilg5787
    @idilg57877 ай бұрын

    really loving this series, please keep it coming!

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @idilg5787 thanks, will do! xx

  • @AC-ze1nh
    @AC-ze1nh7 ай бұрын

    I think Joan's pen necklace was a gift. Maybe it was from the first job she worked or a treat for herself after finishing secretary school. I do think Joan is secretly sentimental.

  • @KateKatastrophe
    @KateKatastrophe7 ай бұрын

    More Mad Men content always! Excellent annalise.

  • @bluevol1976
    @bluevol19767 ай бұрын

    Joan’s pen reminds me of a coaches’ sports whistle. I always think she’d use it to put everybody on notice or to announce her arrival.

  • @magicknight13
    @magicknight132 ай бұрын

    Your videos are amazing ❤ love your analysis and your fashion history knowledge! and thank you for covering chic and incredibly beautiful Mrs Trudy Campbell 😍

  • @flowermeerkat6827
    @flowermeerkat68277 ай бұрын

    Love it! More Madmen analysis please!

  • @ericalane3916
    @ericalane39167 ай бұрын

    These videos are great, you point out such interesting details I've never noticed before. Thank you, I'm a new subscriber for sure!

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @ericalane3916 thank you! welcome on board xx

  • @carolannaitken5812
    @carolannaitken58122 ай бұрын

    Margaret Stirling's wedding head piece looks like a bandage wrapped around her head which mirrors the Kenny assignation

  • @karupe9982
    @karupe99827 ай бұрын

    Don's misstresses would be such an intresting one! Thanks for this one tho ♥️♥️

  • @lucymiller1126
    @lucymiller11262 ай бұрын

    I loved this video, thank you so much for sharing your skills. It's stuff like this that really enriches your viewing of the show, I was so blown away by your observation of Trudy's clothing and how initially when she's in the home setting, she blends in.

  • @theorderofthebees7308
    @theorderofthebees73087 ай бұрын

    Absolutely amazing - would love to see more videos - ❤❤ this was wonderful clothing tells the story

  • @cristinaalexe7454
    @cristinaalexe74547 ай бұрын

    I didn't watch the show, but watched both your videos on it, they are captivating!

  • @Pinkdiva-gv8lx
    @Pinkdiva-gv8lx7 ай бұрын

    i know this is gonna take a while, but I want every single video you mentioned at the end as possible future videos. Thank you kindly

  • @shellys6761
    @shellys67617 ай бұрын

    Keep these vids coming!

  • @Emthe30something
    @Emthe30something7 ай бұрын

    Interested in it all with Mad Men costuming. Please keep going! In whatever direction you like.

  • @TylaStark
    @TylaStark7 ай бұрын

    I'm really enjoying this series 😊

  • @doktorzhigonzo9165
    @doktorzhigonzo91657 ай бұрын

    i love this series

  • @joanasequeira6140
    @joanasequeira61407 ай бұрын

    Please continue to do these videos!!!!❤ you are amazing

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @joanasequeira6140 thank you

  • @rabblex3562
    @rabblex35627 ай бұрын

    Trudy is my absolute favorite 😍 this video was great 🎉

  • @jessh6504
    @jessh65047 ай бұрын

    I loved this! I would watch any mad men videos you want to make

  • @xdxoxo
    @xdxoxo7 ай бұрын

    Amo tu contenido ♥️ espero el análisis de vestuario de los Sopranos 💌

  • @QNPMEDIA
    @QNPMEDIA7 ай бұрын

    Just earned a subscription! This was fantastic

  • @verborragica5392
    @verborragica53927 ай бұрын

    please do more!!! god bless janie bryant

  • @hissingfauna7
    @hissingfauna77 ай бұрын

    this is so interesting 🖤

  • @RuinedStillWetMascara
    @RuinedStillWetMascara7 ай бұрын

    You are doing God's job, finally quality videos essays only about Mad men fashion!!!!! Thank u

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @RuinedStillWetMascara thank you for your kind words

  • @specteramber
    @specteramber7 ай бұрын

    I guess we know how often Matthew Weiner thinks about the Roman Empire

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    7 ай бұрын

    @specteramber this is my favourite comment

  • @adstruecrimeandfitness
    @adstruecrimeandfitness7 ай бұрын

    Please, another oneee!!!!

  • @rosemorgan4474
    @rosemorgan44745 ай бұрын

    I’d love to see you give an in depth analysis of One Tree Hill Season 1 and the show’s characters, similarly to what you did with The O.C.

  • @schokoladenbrownies
    @schokoladenbrownies7 ай бұрын

    More of this 😍

  • @paolaugo
    @paolaugo2 ай бұрын

    Please do more videos about side characters !!! This one and the two others are soooo good !!

  • @KasiaSopniewska

    @KasiaSopniewska

    Ай бұрын

    do you have any particular side characters in mind that you'd like to see featured in future videos? I'm always open to suggestions

  • @paolaugo

    @paolaugo

    Ай бұрын

    @@KasiaSopniewska I would like to know what you think about Megan’s style 💫 she was so stylish!

  • @carrieeldridge4240
    @carrieeldridge42407 ай бұрын

    Yes love them please do more Mad Men videos. :)

  • @a3j01x
    @a3j01x7 ай бұрын

    Love some analysis of Trudy. Fabulous character and performance by Brie

  • @SierahtheDaring
    @SierahtheDaring7 ай бұрын

    More Mad Men content please!!

  • @Amy_afire
    @Amy_afire7 ай бұрын

    Love this series! Would love to see a comparison of Don’s mistresses and Betty

  • @maiagrebr
    @maiagrebr7 ай бұрын

    great series