Actress Christina Hendricks shares insights on how her role as Joan Holloway and other characters have influenced her personal style and understanding of fashion.
Christina Hendricks, renowned for her iconic role as Joan Holloway on the acclaimed television series “Mad Men,” shared insights into her evolving fashion sense that have been shaped significantly by her experiences on the show. In an interview with Sunday Times Style magazine, the 49-year-old actress reflected on how her portrayal of a character dressed in quintessential 1960s fashion has informed her personal style choices.
Hendricks noted that the costume design team, under the direction of Janie Bryant and series creator Matt Weiner, crafted a distinct vision for each character, which influenced her wardrobe considerably. She explained, “Most of the time I was told what I was going to wear, but at the same time that taught me a lot. I would say I learnt almost everything I know about tailoring from that show.”
The impact of playing Joan Holloway, characterized by her stylish and tailored ensembles, has remained with Hendricks, prompting her to dress “very differently” since the show aired. She described the experience as enlightening, stating that it not only enhanced her understanding of fashion but also brought her joy due to the fabulous costumes associated with her character.
Beyond her time on “Mad Men,” Hendricks acknowledged that other roles have also influenced her fashion sense. She mentioned her collaboration with Ryan Gosling on the film “Lost River,” where the costume design leaned heavily into an Eighties aesthetic. “I became super-Eighties after that,” she shared, highlighting how immersing herself in a character’s wardrobe can lead to shifts in personal style.
Her recent work on “The Buccaneers,” filmed in Scotland, has also made its mark on her fashion choices. “Every time I do ‘The Buccaneers’ in Scotland, I come back dressed a little more Victorian,” Hendricks said. After returning from filming a few months ago, she has embraced high-neck lace collars, indicating how these experiences continue to resonate in her wardrobe.
As a seasoned actress with a firm grasp of her style, Hendricks often participates in the styling process and provides her own fashion advice. When asked for her best piece of fashion guidance, she emphasized the importance of understanding personal body proportions. She noted a specific preference: “I know to always wear a skirt of a certain length, for instance. I can’t wear a skirt that ends just above my knee — two inches below my knee will make all the difference.”
Hendricks described her approach when working with stylists, often illustrating the benefits of her preferred styles. “Sometimes, when I have to convince a stylist or a designer I am working with,” she mentioned, “I will say, ‘I promise you, just give me a little bit more length, and it is going to lengthen my entire silhouette.'”
Overall, her journey through various characters has undeniably enriched her experience with fashion, equipping her with knowledge and confidence in her personal style choices.
Source: Noah Wire Services
