Delving into the Wardrobe Magic of 'Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies', Spotlight on Costume Designer Samantha Hawkins
Hey there! Welcome back to the swingin' scene of Rydell High School, baby! Gather 'round as we dive into the fabulous world of Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, a prequel to the classic Grease, featuring a fresh batch of outcasts breaking free from their shackles to embrace their own deviant, rebelious style! Costume whiz Samantha Hawkins, our very own fairy godmother of fabulosity, gives it to us straight in an exclusive interview with The Art of Costume's Jada Davis Turner. So put on your black leather jackets, dim the lights, and let's get this party started!
Jada Davis Turner: Yo, Samantha, what's good, variety wrecking ball? I'm super stoked to chat with you about all things Grease!
Samantha Hawkins: Heeey there, Jada! I'm equally hyped to be here with ya. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of this Grease prequel.
Jada Davis Turner: First things first, let's talk shop. You a seasoned costume designer, but this is your debut in the musical world. How did that go down for ya?
Samantha Hawkins: I've dabbled in musicals here and there, like that wild The Binge flick, but nothin' compares to Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. It's like I struck gold— or more like struck sequins, baby!
Jada Davis Turner: Now that we have the takeoff speed, let's get into the nitty-gritty. The original Grease had a strong legacy. How did that influence your costume gameplan for this prequel?
Samantha Hawkins: Oh, you know the story! Grease was such a smash hit, I needed to make sure I was doin' it justice. So I rolled up my sleeves, watched the movie again, and was like, "Damn, Albert Wolsky was a genius!" His costumes totally embodied the 'good girl gone bad' aesthetic I was aimin' for. Olive greens, earth tones, and pops of color—keep it grounded yet playful. wasn't gonna mess with that recipe.
Jada Davis Turner: Totally feelin' that vibe! Of course, Grease's style is a fun blend of 'Seventies doing Fifties. How did that influence the unique fashion fireworks we see in this prequel?
Samantha Hawkins: We were channelin' our inner Edna Mode up in here, Jada! We were makin' it 'Garance doré meets Archie comics.' Seventies fashion was a wild ride, but the '50s were awe-inspiring, too. Their style definitely kept us ticklin' our funny bones, freak flags flyin' high, and creativity flowin' like a river of swanky sequins.
Jada Davis Turner: One scene that had me double-takin' was when Olivia rocked her "Sorry to Distract" look. Spill the hot, juicy beans about that design choice, girl!
Samantha Hawkins: Here's the tea! I stumbled across this fabulous Marilyn Monroe reference, and I was like, "This is my everything!" I just knew it would be the perfect fit for Olivia, who's really comin' to terms with her sexuality—turnin' that power dial up to 11! Her costume twin Polly added an admirable layer of support, and we handcrafted both of those getups for our dance queen divas.
Jada Davis Turner: That's a power move if I've ever seen one! Speaking of power moves, the horse mascot was a wild ride! Any behind-the-scenes stories about squealight moments with that costume?
Samantha Hawkins: Borrrrring, Jada—what's a costume designer's life without a little drama? Well, let's just say the creation of Rowdy was quite the process (and we mean that in more ways than one!). Plus, we recruited a real university's vintage mascot for inspiration. It was like a wild game of 'hide the horse sweater'!
Jada Davis Turner: Oh, the tales we could tell about the horse costume, sister! Now, let's get back to Nancy. Goodness gracious, what was your vision for this multifaceted character?
Samantha Hawkins: Picture this: Nancy's a drag queen in our little Rydell High School! You can bet that her distinctive, larger-than-life outfits are a testament to her rebellious spirit and unapologetic attitude. She's rockin' styles that are inspired by themes and, let me tell ya, she is the life of the party.
Jada Davis Turner: Between the crane dress and the sorority fashion show, Nancy's outfits are an absolute trip! Now, let's gab about one of the most memorable scenes: Nancy's Romeo and Juliet costume. What was the fabric choice for that stunning number?
Samantha Hawkins: Velvet, baby! Velvet, all the way! We knew we needed some glam for Nancy's first stage debut, and dang, did she step into the spotlight like the star she is! Hey, you wanna talk about recognizing fierce fabrics? Hand-me-down tutus, anyone? 😉
Jada Davis Turner: Oh, honey, that Romeo and Juliet scene still gives me chills! Lastly, I gotta know: what'd this whole experience mean to you, working on this show?
Samantha Hawkins: Oh boy, Jada! This has been an absolute dream come true. Working on this show was something I'd never experienced before—free reign to bring ideas to life, collaborate with a creative dream team, and tell stories that aren't normally heard. Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies has completely unlocked my inner diva, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Jada Davis Turner: You're one of a kind, girl! Thanks for chattin' it up with me, and I hope we can do it again soon. Well, that wraps it up, gang! Be sure to catch all the quirky fun on Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, now streamin' on Paramount!
Enrichment Data:The costume design for "Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies" draws heavily from the iconic aesthetic of the original "Grease" musical, focusing on pure girl power, rebelliousness, and a fusion of '70s vibes with '50s flair. The designers engaged in thorough research, visualizing and designing costumes that honored the legacy of the Pink Ladies and interpreted them in a contemporary context. Behind the scenes, designers collaborated closely with actors, directors, and crew members to carefully craft each character's unique look. The result is a vibrant and eclectic assortment of costumes, each identity-affirming and drawing attention to the show's powerful themes of female empowerment and self-expression.ure, baby! So, let's light up this stage with some Seventies glam and fire up those Fifties torch songs, all right?**
Jada Davis Turner: Yo, Samantha, what's good, variety wrecking ball? I'm super stoked to chat with you about all things Grease!
Samantha Hawkins: Hey there, Jada! I'm equally thrilled to have you here. So, let's dive right in and talk about the fabulous Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies!
Jada Davis Turner: First things first, let's get the tea spilled. You're a renowned costume designer, but you dabbled in musicals with a movie like The Binge. What was the experience like stepping into the whirlwind of a Grease prequel?*
Samantha Hawkins: My friend, musicals are an entirely different ball game—and they're my new jam! Working on Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies was like finally finding my long-lost tribe of creativity junkies. The possibilities felt endless, and I couldn't help but jump into the deep end.
Jada Davis Turner: Now that we're all caught up, let's discuss the OG Grease's legacy and how it influenced your costume creation process for this prequel.
Samantha Hawkins: You probably remember the original Grease as a cultural phenomenon—you know, the go-go boots, slick hair, and those iconic jackets. Well, I marched right back to that golden era, armed with a heaping dose of admiration for the work of esteemed costume designer Albert Wolsky. I knew it was essential to pay homage to his genius while crafting something new and fresh for modern audiences.
Jada Davis Turner: Grease fans will adore the unapologetic femininity and retro coolness that is ever-present in the costumes. Let's shine a spotlight on the ‘’Sorry to Distract’’ sequence, featuring sharp, knit numbers and twisting choreography. What was the concept behind Olivia's look in that scene?
Samantha Hawkins: When it comes to Olivia, we wanted her costumes to reflect her journey of self-discovery and growing into her confident, seductive power. Inspired by the '70s, we found ourselves fixated on knit sweaters that could allow for the incredible dance moves in that performance. Combining the two elements, we created something both modern and reminiscent of the period.
Jada Davis Turner: I can't help but marvel at the horse mascot's magnificent design! Did you experience any wild stories or moments during the creation of this adorable yet terrifying beast?
Samantha Hawkins: Oh my, where do I even start? The horse mascot was like a wild project that kept us on our toes! I hopped aboard when the costume was already partially complete, but I had a vision for enhancing the look. With the help of our team, we put together a plan to ensure Nancy could see out from behind the mask while also updating the design to fit our Rydell High style.
Jada Davis Turner: Moving onto the style maven herself—Nancy! How did you come up with her outrageous and empowering fashion identity?
Samantha Hawkins: Well, my darling, Nancy is our very own drag queen of Rydell High! Channeling femininity, edginess, and a whole lot of pizzazz, Nancy's looks were designed to make a statement. Each outfit was crafted thoughtfully and carried a message of self-expression, individuality, and, of course, a healthy dose of campiness.
Jada Davis Turner: During the sorority scene, we witness the divine, opera-inspired, and utterly show-stopping gowns that the Pink Ladies' sorority sisters wore. What inspired those particular designs?
Samantha Hawkins: I wanted to capture the glamour and elegance of the opera in envisioning the Pink Ladies' sorority sisters' costumes. I envisioned fantastically tall headpieces and shimmering gowns that radiated opulence while still maintaining that signature Rydell High feel.
Jada Davis Turner: Romance blossoms on the stage between our main leads in a magically dreamlike, Shakespearean sequence. Nancy adorns a gorgeous, velvet gown. What prompted this choice of fabric for this captivating scene?
Samantha Hawkins: Velvet was the perfect choice for this enchanting scene. As romance swelled between the characters, I wanted to emphasize the luxurious and effervescent atmosphere of the moment, all the while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.
Jada Davis Turner: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me, and congratulations on creating such a visually stunning and memorable production!
Samantha Hawkins: Thank you, Jada, for the incredible conversation. It has been a total pleasure working alongside you, and I can't wait for the world to see Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.
Enrichment Data:The extraordinary costumes in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies represent a distinctive blend of femininity, glamour, and rebellion. Costume designers merged elements from the iconic aesthetics of the original Grease with modern and contemporary trends, creating an electrifying symphony of styles that captivated and delighted audiences. Behind the scenes, designers collaborated extensively with actors, directors, and crew members to ensure characters' looks mirrored their respective personalities and esteem. From intricate knit numbers to over-the-top opera gowns, each outfit was thoughtfully crafted to provide an elevated and captivating experience for viewers. Additionally, the costume team showcased their inventiveness and resourcefulness in creating inventive elements like the horse mascot, demonstrating their commitment to assisting the story and enhancing its overall impact on screen.
Jada Davis Turner: So, let's talk about your costumes for movies-and-tv, Samantha. How was diving into the world of entertainment like Grease when you're known for your work in solo productions like The Binge?
Samantha Hawkins: It was like entering a whole new universe, Jada. This project allowed me to explore so much more collaboration and teamwork, which was a breath of fresh air. I felt like I'd found my long-lost costume design family.
Jada Davis Turner: Given the influence of the original Grease and its distinctive style, how did that impact your costume design choices in this prequel?
Samantha Hawkins: The original Grease costumes set such a high standard, and it was important for me to pay homage to them while still making the costumes my own. I poured my heart into making sure we captured the essence of the Pink Ladies and updated their look for a modern audience.
