The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards are rapidly approaching, offering a chance to celebrate the best in television, including the often-overlooked artistry of costume design. To gain insight into this year’s Emmy nominations for Outstanding Costume Design and the creative process behind these stunning creations, we spoke with renowned costume designer Resa McConaghy, whose career spans decades and includes work on iconic films and television shows.
McConaghy’s journey began with a chance encounter that led to her designing men’s dress shirts for an Arrow Shirts commercial. This initial foray into the industry paved the way for a prolific career in costume design, encompassing over 200 commercials, numerous films, and television series. Her extensive experience provides a unique perspective on the evolution of costume design and the challenges inherent in creating memorable characters through clothing.
Regarding this year’s Emmy nominations, McConaghy expressed enthusiasm for the breadth and quality of the nominated shows, highlighting the increasing competition in the television landscape. She offered her predictions for the winners in each of the five costume design categories, noting that her personal preferences might not always align with her predictions: Outstanding Period Costumes for a Series (Shōgun), Outstanding Period Costumes for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Mary and George), Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes (Fallout), Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for a Series (The Crown), and Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (The Regime).
McConaghy delved into the intricacies of costume design, emphasizing the meticulous research required for period pieces like Shōgun. She lauded the designer’s ability to recreate the clothing of feudal Japan with stunning accuracy, utilizing drawings, paintings, and historical texts to inform the intricate details of each garment, from the elaborate kimonos to the armor of samurai warriors.
Turning to another period drama, The Gilded Age, McConaghy expressed her admiration for the opulent gowns featured in the show. She highlighted a particular icy blue gown from Season 3, Episode 3, praising its intricate design, flattering silhouette, and the way it flowed gracefully on screen. She noted the challenge of capturing the full beauty of a costume on camera, emphasizing the importance of showcasing how a garment moves and interacts with the actor’s body.
McConaghy also addressed the absence of certain shows from the Emmy nominations, specifically mentioning Tokyo Vice. She attributed this to the sheer volume of competing shows and the limited viewing time available to Emmy voters. She acknowledged that personal preferences and advertising budgets can also influence nomination outcomes.
Discussing her own design process, McConaghy underscored the importance of understanding a character’s personality and how it informs her clothing choices. She cited her work on Recipe for a Perfect Christmas as an example, where she carefully selected trendy pieces from boutiques catering to younger women to reflect the youthful spirit of Christine Baranski’s character while ensuring the clothes remained flattering and appropriate for the actress.
McConaghy shared anecdotes about working with notable actors like Helen Mirren, Jeremy Irons, and Danny Glover, highlighting the collaborative nature of costume design and the deep satisfaction she derives from helping actors embody their roles. She also showcased some of her most cherished creations, including the iconic fringe jacket from the film Hendrix and period costumes from A House Divided.
