Costume Critique, Lauren Hadley

A new Netflix sitcom I have fallen in love with is Parenthood. It follows four siblings, and watch as they handle the craziness of parenthood, relationships, and careers. The cast is over 15 people and one may think it would be difficult to dress a cast so big, however, each character has been able to remain individual and unique in their costumes. The costume designer on the show is Diane Crooke. 

The show is set in present time and I would say Crooke has done an amazing job at keeping the styles and clothing on the show current and trendy. As I have watched the show, I have observed that each character has their own color palette and style. For example, Julia Graham is a career-forward woman, who is also a mother. She wears darker shades of blues, grays, and maroon. She can always be found in a form-fitting business suit and if and when she is a home, she is still dressed professional. In contrast, her older sister, Sarah Braverman, is a single mother, and works as a bartender to pay the bills, dresses more casual and following the latest trends. One may say she dresses young for her age. Her color palette would be red, purples, and light blue. Sarah can also be found wearing leather whenever possible. 

 

Because the cast is so big, I would think that the characters could disappear from one another when all in a scene together. However, Crooke was able to create unique styles for each character which helps them to stand out from one another. An additional way I noticed Crooke was able to set characters apart from one another and help them to stand out as individuals, is through accessorizing. Even a simple statement necklace or ring can help bring a character to light. 

As I think back on past episodes, there is only one specific costume that I have envied and coveted. It was worn by a minor character, Jasmine, who married into the family. It was her wedding dress. Her style is very bohemian chic. She wears very light textures and natural colors. Her wedding dress fit her character and style perfectly. It was a light cream and very simple, yet elegant. 

One character on the show who I have yet to connect with and whose wardrobe I haven’t enjoyed is the daughter of Sarah Braverman, Amber. Amber is a rebellious young adult. Her hairstyle is continually changing from colors, texture, to cut. One word which someone may use to describe her style is, Punk. She has multiple piercings and dresses very grungy. She wears a lot of black and dark colors, baggy, dirty looking clothes. Although I do not connect with her character, and wouldn't personally wear anything in her wardrobe, the clothing choices Crooke has made for Amber suits and compliments her stubborn, punk personality.