The Good Wife’s Costume Designer Is Going to Miss Kalinda Almost as Much as You Are

Published

9 years ago

May 11, 2015

Last night was The Good Wife‘s season finale, which means a lot of us are experiencing what is commonly referred to as Florrick Withdrawal. Luckily, you can channel your inner Alicia while you await season seven with a little help from the show’s costume designer, Daniel Lawson. He shares with PEOPLE his favorite looks of the show (it’s actually not one of Alicia’s stunning suits!) and his tips for dressing stylishly to the office, whether you’re a classic Alicia or an edgy Kalinda.

Jeff Neumann/CBS

The veteran costumer designer (he also worked on shows like Lipstick Jungle) and clothing designer (he has his own line of business attire, 35DL), has created such a stylish character in Alicia that even the First Lady has taken wardrobe tips from the fictional lawyer! But out of all the character’s structured jackets and killer skirts, Lawson has a special place in his heart for an outfit in season four. “I do have a favorite look, but it’s atypical to the show, so maybe that’s why it stands out to me,” he says. “I put her in the most magnificent [Lanvin] ballgown. It was really comfortable for her, she wore it for like nine days straight. I will say by the ninth day she was like ‘Get me out of this dress!’ but she just looked so beautiful.”

Considering it’s torture for many of us just to wear a gown for a few hours, Lawson explains that the inner structure is key to strapless success. “So often, people make the mistake of wearing strapless evening gowns really tight through the torso, and instead you want to make it really tight around the waist to hold it up,” he advises.

As for the show’s other memorably fashionable character, Kalinda Sharma (played for the last time Sunday night by Archie Panjabi), he’s taking her departure as hard as you are. “I will really miss playing with that sporty-hard-soft thing that we did with her. I really will miss it,” he tells PEOPLE. “We really created sort of an iconic look with her.”

Kalinda’s look, Lawson says, was really a collaborative process with Panjabi herself. When Panjabi arrived for the pilot episode, she insisted on wearing jeans and a black leather jacket, while Lawson fought to put her in a skirt. “We worked together to combine a strength and femininity and we really created this look that utilized chiffon and georgette and we put them right next to leather,” he says. “And you know she’s a real sort of dichotomy, you never knew what was coming with her.”

No matter which character’s style you identify more with, Lawson has three style tips to help channel the impeccable detail he brings to all the characters. First, it has to fit well (“that’s huge”), it has to be age-appropriate (“If you’re 40 years old, your skirt shouldn’t be up to your thigh”) and you should follow the adage to take one thing off before you leave the house. “For women, I think that if a big day is ahead of them, they armor themselves and put on a strong suit that’s loud in color, or a big necklace and big earrings and a bracelet,” he says. “They put these things on that try to make them look powerful. It just looks chaotic and sort of out of whack. I think it’s better to have just that one strong piece that says ‘power,’ and then let everything else support it. I think when they do that, it ends up actually creating a stronger presence and a more unified look.”

Which character’s style is your favorite? Will you stock up on Lawson’s style staples? Share in the comments below.

–Colleen Kratofil

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Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

Published

41 mins ago

April 25, 2024

TGR Media

The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.

Audio

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single “Green A Go”

Published

1 hour ago

April 25, 2024

Nancy B

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single titled “Green A Go.” Listen below via Spotify or on any music platform. You can also follow him on IG.

Artist

Derek2ILL Slays In “Magic Box” Ft. Biggz x Zero 610

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2024

MJ HipHop

Derek2Ill is busting out the hinges of a “Magic Box.” The new single, presented by Digital Dynasty Music Group features Biggz and comes with production by Zero 610. Listeners will get minutes of in-your-face bars that will keep whack rappers on the sidelines. Classic cuts and scratches heighten the duo’s performance and message. Stream “Magic Box” and connect with the Bethlehem artist below.