Last week, ARTINFO style editor Ann Binlot and deputy managing editor Sarah Kricheff offered thoughts on some of the standout costumes in the much-anticipated season five premiere of “Mad Men.” The style rundown continues here with notes on six of the looks from last night’s episode.
SARAH’S PICKS
Episode three fell flat for me. The storyline was bland and oddly disjointed, as if the writers had a number of random of ideas – a cancer scare, a Rolling Stones concert, a neurotic Jewish copy writer who wears bad ties (as Ann notes below) and channels Woody Allen – that they attempted to link together until they amassed 45 minutes worth of script. The Betty weight-gain-cancer plot felt forced, vapid, and transparently manipulative. It was a disservice to one of the show’s most fascinating characters, who has been portrayed as vain, spoiled, controlling, and “profoundly sad” and who, I believe, would never have allowed herself to gain an ounce no matter how bad things got. The best part of the episode was Roger’s already-famous, heart-breaking question, posed to Don: “When are things going to go back to normal?” I was wondering the same thing.
In keeping with the tone of the script, the costumes were similarly disappointing. But since it is still “Mad Men,” even the dullest episodes have notable fashion highs and lows.
Most Incongruous Look
In the opening scene, Sally struggles, unsuccessfully, to squeeze Betty into heavy, gaudy, blue-and-silver patterned dress that looks like something she borrowed from her mother-in-law. The frock, with its bejeweled neckline and cuffs, is worlds apart from some of my favorite Betty looks, like season two’s pink silk taffeta halter dress and chiffon polka dot spaghetti strap number.
Hottest Summer in the City Look
Megan’s floral-print bikini top and high-waist white shorts were a much-needed shot of smart summery fashion. She wore the outfit with ease – providing sharp contrast to the scenes with Betty in her pink and floral-print housecoats – and it was a fun look for the ferry ride to Fire Island. I just wish they’d been more specific about which town they were going to (I’m guessing Saltaire).
Best Bedclothes
Betty had one redeemable fashion moment in this episode – her dusty purple, ruffled silk nightgown was spot-on. The character’s bedtime ensembles, including some amazing '60s maternity lingerie, have been big hits with audiences throughout the show, and this episode did not disappoint.
ANN’S PICKS
For me episode three was like drinking gin at a party not because you like gin, but because it’s the only option available. I was amazed at the detail they put into creating Betty Draper’s weight gain, from the stretch marks on her arms to her fuller face. If this was the way they wanted to hide January Jones’s pregnancy, then it left me with a lukewarm feeling. I wanted something more believable, even another bun in the oven! The contrast between her girth and Megan’s slim figure and effortlessly put-together look made me feel sorry for Betty. Copywriter candidate Michael Ginsberg’s ensemble made me want dislike him more, despite the fact that he’s a qualified candidate for the job. The show’s fashion, meanwhile, had its hits and misses — my favorite being Peggy Olson’s forest green office ensemble.
Most Likely to Cause an Acid Flashback
The punchy blues and purples of the print on Megan Draper’s dinner dress were so '60s. It almost had me going on a psychedelic trip
What Not to Wear to a Job Interview
Michael Ginsberg arrived at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce for a copywriter job interview in a loud ensemble. Not just loud – screaming. The white, orange, and turquoise plaid blazer with that dotted button-up white collared shirt and clashing patterned forest green, burgundy, and gold tie just did not go together. Luckily for him, Peggy and company weren’t so concerned with the appalling outfit, and he got the job anyway.
Best Unexpected Element
Peggy Olson looked minimally chic at the office with that sleeveless forest green dress. The white Peter Pan collar and green-and-bright-orange tie accent made the piece feel like a refreshing break from Peggy’s usually dowdy wardrobe.