"Fashion Meets Road Aggression: Costume Designer Helen Huang Discusses the Wardrobe of TV Series 'Beef'"
Sheltered in Style and Unhinged Fashion: A Deep Dive into the Costumes of Netflix's 'Beef'
Welcome aboard, enthusiasts of style and drama! We're here to spill the tea on an unexpected treat that's taken the streaming world by storm: Beef. This badass comedy-drama, starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, is all about the consequences of a simple road rage incident and the surreal journey that ensues. But whose wardrobe has been getting the most attention? Let's talk costume design with the talented Helen Huang, who put the threads on these characters' backs.
Interview with Helen Huang
Spencer: Hey, Helen! It's a pleasure to have you on here today to discuss Beef. I'm still reeling from this wild ride of a series and can't forget Amy's delightful hat!
Helen: laughs Yes, the hat has become quite the sensation, hasn't it? But let's dive into the story and hear your thoughts. I was attracted to it, like many others, since it was a story being led by an Asian showrunner and predominantly Asian cast. I loved the second season of Dave, and I found it intriguing that Beef had this excellent balance of humor, emotion, deep questioning, and a philosophical feel, much like its predecessor. There's an essential relevance to the themes in today's world, and it's a fascinating exploration of what these characters are going through and the questions they ask themselves.
Spencer: Let's talk costumes. Based in L.A., I could immediately relate to Amy's upscale, sophisticated wardrobe and her preference for light colors like whites and creams, reminiscent of the stylish plant store owners I'd bump into at Trader Joe's. You can tell she is very aware of herself and the taste level she's projecting, but this conflict with her emotional turmoil under it is fascinating.
Helen: Absolutely! I developed Amy's wardrobe based on the types of people I know who boutique shop and have a specific aesthetic. It's important to show that Amy is in control, yet out of control at the same time. I wanted the creams, neutrals, and curated, relaxed clothes to contrast with her actions and emotional turmoil. The styling also juxtaposes her with Danny, who dresses in a completely different way. I worked closely with Ali to create fun, creative, and artsy outfits that highlighted her personality.
Spencer: Ah, yes! Amy's hat has become quite the talk of the town. It was such a surprising addition to her character, and fans are absolutely obsessed with it! What inspired you to use a hat in the costume design for her?
Helen: Accessories like hats can be powerful in directing the character in one way or another. When we found the right hat; it spoke to Amy's aesthetic sense, yet contrasted sharply with her rage in that particular scene. I also love the texture and warm optimism of the knit, which differs from her cold and raging demeanor at the time.
Spencer: Time to shift gears and talk about Danny. It's refreshing to see a character that feels relatable on a more personal level, like many people I know growing up in the L.A. area. What was your inspiration behind his style?
Helen: For Danny, I drew inspiration from the men I grew up with in the San Gabriel Valley. I wanted to create a character that represented a subculture in which he once belonged. Steven and I worked together to create a wardrobe that showed his evolved, albeit limited, taste. We used goodwill shopping, costume houses, and vintage fashion to bring Danny's look to life.
Spencer: I was also a big fan of George's cozy sweaters and chic style. The dressing for the character is a perfect representation of a quiet yet still passionate Asian man with an interest in fashion.
Helen: Thanks! We wanted to showcase George's artistic background while also highlighting the quiet wealth aspect of his character. We incorporated Comme des Garçons, Palais, and other unique finds to create Fumi's style icon looks.
Spencer: The breakdown of costumes in the final episode was exhilarating. The transformation of the characters as they go through trauma and suffering was fantastic. What inspired the idea to devote so much attention to their outfits in that episode?
Helen: When designing for Beef, I wanted the costumes to represent the characters' personalities, their relationships, and the cultural context in which they operate. In the final episode, we wanted to show the physical and emotional toll the characters faced through their costumes. Each character wore multiple outfits, allowing us to tell a story through their clothing. I took inspiration from brands like Tory Burch for Amy, and we carefully considered aspects like color, texture, and fabric to create a worn, lived-in look for the characters.
Spencer: What did working on Beef mean to you personally?
Helen: Beef was a truly special project for me. It was one of the most personal projects I've ever worked on because it gave me the opportunity to explore different aspects of the Asian American community and break down the monolith stereotype. I felt that I had a lot to say with this project, and I was excited to tell a story that represented the barriers and misunderstandings in the community while showcasing the diversity of the Asian American experience.
Spencer: Beef is now available to stream on Netflix. I can't recommend it enough! Thank you, Helen, for an enlightening discussion about Beef's costumes!
Beef's intricate costume design plays a crucial role in character development, setting, and thematic narrative. It joinsthe cast, script, and cinematography together, immersing viewers in the raw, emotional journey of two strangers caught up in a game of revenge. Helen Huang's imaginative and heartfelt designs breathes life into an already engrossing series. Don't miss out on Beef - it's a must-watch!
TheCostume design in Beef serves as a powerful tool in character development and thematic narrative, merging seamlessly with the script, cinematography, and charismatic cast. Helen Huang's innovative work captivates viewers with engaging designs that portray the raw emotional journey of Danny and Amy.
Entertainment enthusiasts exploring Fashion-and-beauty, Movies-and-TV will appreciate Helen's designs as they illuminate the lifestyle of the characters within Beef, offering a captivating window into the surreal world of drama and intrigue unfolding on screen.
