A word from our Costume Director, Angela Hoerner

If you Google 1980s fashion, most often the images will be of neon, bold prints, massive shoulder pads, and loud color combinations. For 1984, and beyond, that is accurate, but Steel Magnolias is set in 1981/82. The early 80's is actually much more of a carry-over from the cleaner, more classic and much more natural silhouette of the late 70's. I remember 1981 very well, but I was 13 years old and lived in a small Pennsylvania town, so my point of reference was fairly narrow. To broaden my horizons and refresh my fashion memory I watched the original Steel Magnolias film (released in 1989), the 2012 Lifetime version to get a vibe on an African-American Annelle, 9 To 5 (released in ’81), Designing Women (for the southern point of view), and The Cosby Show (for the AfricanAmerican point of view). I also spent hours combing through Google images searching for the right looks for each of these women. When I finally pinned down each characters’ style, it was then time to find the clothing in reality. Working within a costume budget regularly requires that I find the wardrobe in second hand stores. I enjoy the challenge, but sometimes the hunt can be more challenging than others. When I can’t find the vintage clothing I need, in the appropriate sizes, I then have to find suitable alternatives in contemporary clothing. Fortunately, it seems highwaisted ‘mom’ jeans are back in style and available at Target! Another aspect of costume design is wigs. Steel Magnolias revolves around the relationships forged whilst the ladies get their hair done. Throughout the show, the ladies have their hair washed, set, styled and cut, by actors who aren’t actually cosmetologists, on a stage, in front of one hundred people, all while remembering to get their lines and blocking straight. We achieve this through creative use of water for washing so that, hopefully, M’Lynn’s hair will be damp enough to set, but dry enough to be styled for the next scene, and using wigs for the fancy updo and short haircuts. There’s a little placard that I’ve seen in a salon that says “I’m a cosmetologist, not a magician.” Well, my placard should read “I’m a costumer, therefore I AM a magician!”

Angela working on Truvy's wig