The Bristol Magazine May 2022

FASHION – GRACE AND MABEL.qxp_Layout 2 19/04/2022 16:07 Page 1

FASHION

AS SEEN ON SCREEN As Bristol’s TV and film industry continues to boom, a steady stream of acclaimed designers are arriving in the city, all looking to maintain their productions’ city links in the costume department. Most recently, BBC’s Chloe placed our much-loved local independent Grace & Mabel firmly in the spotlight. We chat to owner Daniela Benson about the creative collaboration and take a look at their distinctive designer collection...

• graceandmabel.co.uk; The Mall Clifton Village, 32 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4DS 42 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

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MAY 2022

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No 210

Erin Doherty wore Stine Goya’s Jasmine Dress in episode two of Chloe

Credit: BBC/Mam Tor Prodcutions/York Tillyer

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o matter how sophisticated your Google searches may be, it can be almost impossible to track down your favourite on-screen looks. Whether it be Daphne Bridgerton’s sparkling gown, Villanelle’s green furry blouse or Anna Delvey’s high-fashion ensembles, these looks (sadly) have often been hand-stitched by established costume designers who know exactly how to add a certain pizzazz to an actor’s outfit.

Much to our delight, however, this was not the case for the BBC’s recent six-part psychological thriller series, Chloe, which garnered outstanding reviews from critics and viewers alike. The makers and creators were determined to not only feature iconic Bristol locations but shine a light on local artists, musicians and talent, including that of Grace & Mabel. The much-loved local indie has attracted the attention of multiple award-winning costume designers in its time, including Charlotte Mitchell (Killing Eve, Harlots), who turned to Grace & Mabel when dressing the characters of Stephen Merchant’s The Outlaws.

The Clifton boutique’s hand-picked pieces from world-class designers are hard to refuse.

Chloe followed the life of a young woman (played by The Crown’s Erin Doherty), who became obsessed with one particular pictureperfect Instagram account. As her obsession intensified, drama very much ensued. With appearance at the heart of this story, costume designer Matthew Price (Catastrophe, Unforgotten, Behind Her Eyes) wanted a distinct look for the main characters. “[Matthew] knew exactly what he wanted for each character in the series,” says Daniela. “We made sure we were able to provide him with the pieces he needed, which meant ordering a few bits from designers like Baum Und Pferdgarten, Munthe and Stine Goya.”

Matthew’s outfit choices brought the designers’ signature prints and psychedelic shades to centre stage. Eager to see what more Grace & Mabel has in store, we took a closer look at its spring/summer collection...