Staging Fashion Spectacle: Crafting the Country-Chic Costumes for George and Tammy Series
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Taking a Dive into Country Glamour with Mitchell Travers
Ever wondered if country glamour could be the Label of the Year? Well, if there was any doubt, Mitchell Travers, the costume designer, ended that discussion real quick with his blingin' rhinestone tour de force in the American drama television miniseries George & Tammy. This eight-part series, helmed by John Hillcoat and brought to us by Abe Sylvia, showcases the stunning talents of Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon portraying country music legends Tammy Wynette and George Jones.
Feeling completely captivated by the stellar performances, music, and costumes, I simply had to dig deeper into Mitchell Travers' mind and find out what kind of magic he cooked up for this miniseries. Before George & Tammy, Travers worked on quite a diverse portfolio, including Rosaline, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, In The Heights, and Hustlers.
"I thrive on delving into uncharted territories and figuring out new worlds or periods," shared Travers. "I don't like to revisit work. Once I've done something and I really understand it, I like to do the opposite!"
So, what gets this designer's creativity flowing? According to Travers, it's a passion for tackling unique and exciting scripts that offer something brand new.
With The Eyes of Tammy Faye, George & Tammy marks Travers' second project with Jessica Chastain. I was curious to chat with the costume designer about how their collaboration may have prepared him for this new project and his thoughts on working with Chastain again.
"We've developed a terrific partnership," Travers noted. "We create in similar ways, which makes it a fantastic collaboration. We brainstorm, exchange ideas, and always push each other to find the best solution for the character."
When it comes to country music legends, George Jones wasn't as notable in the fashion world as peers like Elvis and Johnny Cash, but Mitchell Travers was determined to showcase Jones' style in all its glory. In the research and references for the miniseries, our team discovered a treasure trove of unknown fashion gems, ultimately proving that Jones had style that deserved to be celebrated.
"Michael Shannon was ready and keen for the transformation into Jones," revealed Travers. "There was a moment when we put rhinestones on him for the first time, and he lit up a bit. Wearing a rhinestone suit is hard to be upset about, isn't it?"
The suits were crafted by a talented costume designer who once interned at Nudie's Rodeo Tailors in Nashville, giving them an authentic and distinctive touch. We even had an exciting scene in the series where George and Tammy visit Nudie's Rodeo Tailors, a treat for any costume enthusiast like me!
Tammy Wynette's style was just as iconic as Jones, and Travers did an incredible job capturing that vibrant energy in Jessica Chastain's portrayal. The use of color was key in creating the balance between the public and private sides of Tammy Wynette's persona.
"Embracing the blonde and yellow palette was the quickest way to get into Tammy Wynette's essence," shared Travers. "The optimism, cheerfulness, and country vibe of those shades just felt right for us."
As the series progresses, the focus shifts to glamming up George and Tammy for a big performance in Las Vegas, where Elvis reigned supreme. Travers described the challenge of elevating their country style while staying true to their characters.
"In Las Vegas, the duo was overwhelmed by the spectacle they had to deliver compared to small-scale performances they were accustomed to," explained Travers. "There was tension between George's discomfort with dressing up and Tammy's determination to get it right."
One of the standout scenes in the series is the breathtaking red gown worn by Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette. From the jumpsuit initial design to the final beaded dress, it took some creative brainstorming to find the perfect outfit for the iconic performance.
"The lighting was going to be a warm yellow glow, which complemented the primary red, yellow, and blue color palette," revealed Travers. "I learned so much about the power of color during this project, and I'm incredibly grateful for my collaborators who encouraged me to break out of my comfort zone and experiment with bold hues."
In the end, George & Tammy was more than just another project for Mitchell Travers; it was an opportunity to collaborate with an incredible team and flex his creativity muscles.
"I've truly enjoyed my time working on George & Tammy, and the connections I made with my team are priceless," said Travers. "The level of talent in this group has forever raised the bar for me, and I've grown so much professionally and personally during the project."
Want to dive into the world of George Jones and Tammy Wynette? Catch George & Tammy streaming now on Showtime and Paramount+!
In the realm of entertainment and fashion-and-beauty, Mitchell Travers' costume design for the American drama television miniseries George & Tammy showcased a stunning portrayal of country glamour, rivaling any popular lifestyle trend. As the project unfolded, Travers' exploration of the unique fashion-and-beauty style of country music legends, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, underscored the significant impact fashion has in movies-and-tv.
