“If you’re a girl boss in Los Angeles in modern times, what would you wear?” This was the question posed by Salvador Perez Jr., the costume designer for the Netflix series “Running Point.” In the show, Kate Hudson portrays Isla Gordon, the new president of the fictional Los Angeles basketball team, the Waves. Inspired by the real-life Los Angeles Lakers and team owner Jeanie Buss, the comedy series explores Isla’s journey as a powerful woman in a male-dominated industry.
In discussions with Mindy Kaling, who co-created the show, Buss revealed that she prefers simple, understated looks and doesn’t typically dress up. Perez wanted to steer clear of conventional “corporate boys-town wear” and instead highlight Isla’s femininity as a source of strength. With Hudson’s fashion-forward sensibilities and the expertise of stylist Sophie Lopez, the team aimed to showcase Isla as a confident and stylish leader who embraces her femininity.
When Isla first takes on the role of CEO for the Waves, she relies on pieces from her existing wardrobe rather than going on a shopping spree. Her initial outfits, such as a tweed suit by Generation Love and a corset top paired with a suit, reflect her playful approach to dressing up in her professional attire. As Isla transitions into her new position and gains credibility, her wardrobe evolves to include power looks from designers like Gabriela Hearst and Favorite Daughter.
Perez intentionally incorporates the team colors of blue and orange into Isla’s outfits as a nod to the Waves. Contrasting with the dark and neutral tones of the previous president’s office, Isla’s vibrant ensembles serve as a visual representation of her presence and authority in the workplace. As she navigates the corporate world, Isla adds elements of vinyl and leather to her wardrobe, maintaining her individuality while adapting to her new role.
One standout moment in Isla’s sartorial journey is when she dons a pale pink suit by Sasuphi for a significant game, symbolizing her growth and confidence as CEO. Perez’s collaboration with Kaling extends to accessorizing Isla, with the character sporting a Birkin bag borrowed from Kaling’s personal collection. Despite budget constraints, Perez found creative solutions to ensure Isla’s style remained on point.
Reflecting on Buss’ reaction to Isla’s wardrobe, Perez shared that the Lakers boss expressed gratitude for how she was portrayed on screen. While Isla’s outfits were a focal point, Perez faced challenges in creating the team uniforms and costumes for the Waves girls, requiring meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.
In conclusion, Isla Gordon’s journey as a girl boss in Los Angeles is not just about her professional growth but also her style evolution. Through thoughtful costume choices and collaborations, Perez and the team behind “Running Point” have crafted a character whose fashion reflects her confidence, individuality, and success in a competitive industry.
