PS: When you’re working on a project where the storyline involves the fashion industry, how does that shift your perspective or “up the ante”?
AG: Any movie that has a storyline involving the fashion industry automatically makes it very exciting for different reasons. As someone who worked in fashion, these types of projects give me the opportunity to push the limits when it comes to costumes. It’s a great chance to be very creative and create looks that are both aspirational and one of a kind.
PS: In your mind, what are a few key elements of a fashion editor’s workday wardrobe, and how did you make sure to bring those into Jenna’s world?
“It’s important to me that I use these kinds of opportunities to select from underrepresented talent to showcase.”
AG: I think a key concept is defining a sense of personal style and owning it. Maintaining both comfort and elegance was important, as these are hardworking characters needing a sense of ease in their wardrobe. With Jenna having her own sense of style, and with Gabrielle really enjoying the outfits, she owned them perfectly.
PS: The movie is based on Tia Williams’s book. How closely did you work with the writing team to come up with looks that accurately depicted the storyline in the book?
AG: I didn’t work directly with the writing team but studied their work endlessly. Once I presented photos of the first fitting, the team knew I was representing a deep knowledge of their work, and a trust was formed.