Exclusive: Janie Bryant on 'Mad Men,' Banana Republic and Dressing Joan

(Andrea Alberts)
Exclusive: Janie Bryant on 'Mad Men,' Banana Republic and Dressing Joan

January Jones and Janie BryantJanie Bryant, the genius behind Mad Men's costume design, has brought her '60s vision to Banana Republic for a fabulous new fall collection. Along with the BR team, Janie has modernized the era's iconic style with chic, wearable pieces in an affordable price range. Those expecting to see dated, vintage pieces can think again. Janie says, "The show is a period show and that is about creating a world that's in that time period, but I think the thing about this collection is it is so modern and so elegant and so versatile. The collection is not about buying a vintage piece, it's about having something that is extremely modern, contemporary and chic, inspired by the show.

When we chatted with Janie, she was happy to fill us in on everything from her tips for building the perfect '60s wardrobe, her favorite pieces in the capsule collection and the era she'd love to design costumes for next. She even clued us in on the secret to dressing a woman with curves.

SB: What pieces should every Mad Woman have in her closet?
Definitely a sheath, that's the total classic style. Of course a very chic pencil skirt is always very important. A trench coat of course and I'd have to say I do love a great, beautiful matching handbag and shoes, I love that. I think it's time to bring that back.

SB: Did you design the pieces with particular characters in mind?
I think that's the fun thing about the collection that you can definitely see the different characters.I think people really are going to respond so well to that, since the audience identifies with what character they are. I have people ask me all the time, 'Who are you? Who do you identify with most?' And I'm like, well probably every single woman that's ever been on the show! I definitely have my Peggy pieces, my Betty pieces, a little bit of Joan. There's some Midge in there too.

SB: What are the tricks to dressing a curvy Joan figure? You know it's all about the foundation that you wear and for Joan I build almost everything for her. It's about finding the right designer for your body.

SB: If you had the chance to design for an era other than the '60s, which would you choose?
I'm itching for a French Baroque period piece right now, I'm totally obsessed. I can say it's consistently been my favorite period probably since I first saw Dangerous Liaisons. I love any period where guys are just as fancy as the girls are.

SB: What are your personal favorite pieces in the collection?
I love the leopard trench, I also love the black-and-navy houndstooth sheath–I love that dress! I also love the black sheath with the lace and it also comes in dove gray. I love the matching leopard print handbag and the pumps! You can wear these pieces casually and more edgy and more funky. I love pieces being timeless, versatile, beautiful and feminine. These are silhouettes that are never going of style, ever.
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