Discussing Fashion and Fortitude: Whitney Anne Adams Shares Insights on Passion and Persistence in 'The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat' Play
In an engaging interview, costume designer Whitney Anne Adams delved into the creative process behind the vibrant and emotive costumes of "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat." The talented costume designer meticulously crafted clothing for three Supremes—Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean—to reflect their individualities and strong bond. From the eye-catching zodiac-inspired attire of Miss Minnie to the examination of the challenge of designing over a thousand period costumes, Adams divulged how she brought the beloved characters and their world to life.
"Welcome back to The Art of Costume," announced Spencer Williams, warmly greeting Adams for a delightful discussion about the film's costumes. Adams returned the sentiment, expressing her excitement.
As they delved into the conversation, Williams pointed out Adams' impressive range of projects, from "The Great Gatsby" to horror films. Adams explained that despite variations in genre, her costuming approach remains consistent. She devotes time to reading scripts multiple times, understanding visual references, character development, and conducting thorough research.
For "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat," this extensive research was crucial, as the film spans four decades—1950, 1968, 1977, and 1999. To accommodate this broad historical context, Adams had to immerse herself in research to develop realistic and cohesive costumes.
The interview highlighted Adams' approach to historical accuracy while allowing creative freedom—an essential balance for tackling a deeply emotional, character-driven film like "The Supremes." Adams emphasized that full historical accuracy may not always be possible due to logistical considerations, such as actors' sizes, filming locations, and safety concerns.
Adams discussed her strategy for crafting a cohesive visual progression for Odette, Barbara Jean, and Clarice by starting with the adult cast. By initially establishing their looks, she created a foundation for their younger selves' costumes, ensuring that wardrobe choices evolved naturally.
When questioned about color and how it communicated the characters' journeys, Adams shared her insights. She explained that vibrant hues reflected the youth and optimism of the young women in 1968, while mature characters wore deeper, richer tones, representing their life experiences.
Collaboration was another significant aspect of the project, with Adams working closely with the film's director, Tina Mabry, and other departments. Adams provided a detailed PDF packet each week, offering a visual map of the film's costumes, including fitting photos and suggestions.
Eager to delve into specific costumes, Williams asked about Odette's infamous "ugly dress," also known as her "virginity insurance." Adams revealed that the fabric's fiery orange hue and intricate pattern were carefully chosen to embody Odette's fiery personality.
"The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" is now streaming on Hulu and Disney. Adams, who has made significant strides in the industry, including fighting for pay equity for costume designers and creating The Tales from a Costume Designer podcast and column, expressed her pride in this project, which pushed her to grow as a designer.
In the course of the discussion, Whitney Anne Adams disclosed her involvement in costume design for various movies-and-tv shows, such as "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat," emphasizing her approach to entertainment costuming. In this project, she displayed her talent in costume design, creating vivid and poignant costumes for the characters, reflecting their individualities and the period setting.
