Costume designer Shiona Turini, known for her work on Issa Rae’s Insecure, took on the challenge of designing the costumes for Lady in the Lake after setting a goal to design a ’60s period piece in her journal. The show, loosely inspired by the real 1969 deaths of Esther Lebowitz and Shirley Parker, required Turini to delve into the styles of the 1960s and the birth of futurism through the perspectives of the characters Maddie and Cleo. Turini spent over eight months researching and developing a wardrobe that reflected the characters’ unique interpretations of futuristic fashion.
Rather than solely relying on era-relevant magazines for costume reference, Turini sought to create a more realistic portrayal of what women in Baltimore would actually have been wearing during the 1960s. She explored old nightclubs, inquired about Baltimore’s betting system (a key plot point in the show), and observed what people wore to horse races in order to better understand the local fashion scene of the time. By immersing herself in the community and working closely with the crew and cast members who had ties to the city, Turini was able to create a more authentic and grounded depiction of the era.
Turini’s research process was extensive and thorough, drawing inspiration from various aspects of Baltimore’s history and culture to inform her costume designs. This attention to detail and commitment to authenticity is evident throughout the show, as Turini aimed to capture the essence of the time period and the characters’ individual identities through their clothing. By understanding the nuances of the local fashion scene and incorporating input from the cast and crew, Turini was able to create costumes that not only reflected the style of the 1960s but also resonated with the audience on a deeper level.
In addition to her work on Lady in the Lake, Turini also had the opportunity to design costumes for Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour, a project that allowed her to put her research on futuristic fashion into practice once again. This experience, which Turini describes as a “full circle” moment, further solidified her passion for combining historical research with creative vision in her costume design work. By drawing on her extensive knowledge of fashion history and her ability to bring characters to life through clothing, Turini has established herself as a talented and versatile designer in the entertainment industry.
In collaborating with director Alma Har’el and the rest of the creative team on Lady in the Lake, Turini brought a unique perspective and a deep commitment to storytelling through costume design. By going beyond the surface-level aesthetics of the 1960s and delving into the local culture and history of Baltimore, Turini was able to create costumes that not only looked authentic but also captured the essence of the characters and the time period. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to bring characters to life through clothing have earned her acclaim in the industry and solidified her reputation as a talented and innovative costume designer.
Overall, Turini’s work on Lady in the Lake showcases her ability to blend historical research with creative vision to create costumes that are not only visually stunning but also serve a vital role in storytelling. By immersing herself in the culture and history of the time period and collaborating closely with the cast and crew, Turini was able to bring authenticity and depth to the characters through their wardrobe choices. Her attention to detail and passion for her craft shine through in every costume she designs, making her a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.
