Janie Bryant Vintage Costume Designer

WWDMAGIC is known as a destination for some of the hottest brand launches – from celebrities to bloggers to emerging designers. This year will be no different when renowned costume designer, Janie Bryant (previously of Mad Men) launches her latest collection with Unique Vintage and chats vintage and trends in the WWD Social House. 

Apparel Search has been lucky enough to gain access to an interview with Janie which was a quick Q&A.

You’ve been busy! Tell us about your new capsule collection with Unique Vintage and the upcoming series, The Last Tycoon?

I was so excited to discover Unique Vintage as they have beautiful retro-inspired styles in everything from wiggle dresses to sexy swimwear to chic prom looks. Their customer base is so engaged and loyal and we wanted to bring them something special. Working with Katie (the CEO) and the team there is amazing as we all have such a love of vintage and period design. This first collection is inspired by one of my favorite periods – the 1950’s – and includes inspirations from some of the favorites in my personal collection. I’m excited that the capsule is accessible to all at a great price point and available in sizes from XS to 4XL. 

The Last Tycoon just premiered on Amazon in July and the production is gorgeous – 1930’s Hollywood glamour with a terrific cast in Kelsey Grammar, Lily Collins and Matt Bomer. I was so fortunate to work with the creators, Billy Ray and Chris Keyser. I get my inspirations for all shows in three ways – the script, research and collaboration. The writers develop the characters, and through costume, I help bring them to life. My team and I do a lot of research in prep for any project, including old magazines, movies, newspapers, historical documents, catalogs, museums, biographies, photos, etc. We search on Etsy, EBay and Ruby Lane for ideas. Then, it is ultimately  a collaboration in design, along with the hair and makeup teams, the set design, and the creators of the show. I buy  from vintage stores, have the garments re-made or create my own designs to be accurate of the time period. 

How does your approach with The Last Tycoon differ from your work on ‘Mad Men’? 

It’s the same approach, just for different eras with a different script, different research and a different team of collaborators. Matt Weiner had an amazing story to tell and the costume design of the series became such an important part of telling that story. 

You’re making an appearance at MAGIC this year. Tell us a bit about what you’ll be doing there? Is this your first time to the show? 

I’m delighted to be launching my line, Janie Bryant for Unique Vintage, at MAGIC this year. Come by and see me on August 14th from 12:30pm to 4:30pm and I’ll show you the collection. I’m also speaking on a panel that morning in the WWD Social House on vintage and its impact. 

Why is MAGIC such an important event within the fashion industry? 

MAGIC is a great place to see emerging designers, new trends and discover new brands. I have been here several times before and enjoy exploring the venues. 

What are some of your favorite styles at the moment?

I always love dressing up! Give me a glamourous evening gown and beautiful heels and a chic clutch and I’m happy to walk the red carpet! 

Anything else you’d like us to know about your upcoming projects? 

I’ve been very busy in my costume design work. Since Mad Men, I designed the remake of Stephen King’s “IT” the movie which premiers this fall, as well as The Last Tycoon, and I’m currently working on a new series. And of course designing the new retro-inspired capsule with Unique Vintage that I hope customers will love! I’m hoping to continue with both parts of my career as a costume designer for TV and film, and a designer of a line that can bring my inspirations to the commercial market! 

You may also find the following news article to be of interest:

LV MAGIC August 2017

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope that you have found this fashion blog post to be enjoyable. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.