Cate Blanchett’s character, Catherine Ravenscroft, in the Apple TV+ series “Disclaimer” had a distinct look that was carefully curated by costume designer Jany Temime. Despite playing a wealthy journalist, Blanchett wanted Catherine to exude a boho chic vibe rather than a typical sophisticated appearance. She would send Temime pictures of bohemian society women as inspiration for the character’s wardrobe.
Temime focused on making Catherine’s look not only feminine but also sexy. Blanchett insisted on incorporating touches of red in every outfit, whether it was a scarf or a ring, to add depth to Catherine’s character. The use of colors played a significant role in reflecting Catherine’s evolution throughout the series.
In the story, Catherine’s life is turned upside down when a novel called “The Perfect Stranger” is published, portraying a controversial event from her past. As the narrative unfolds, Catherine’s wardrobe transitions from bold and strong colors to more subdued tones, mirroring her loss of control over her life.
In flashbacks, a younger Catherine is seen wearing a red bikini and a sheer cover-up on the beach. The bikini had to be minimal yet suitable for the camera, so Temime had a custom two-piece made in the perfect shade of red. The sheer cover-up underwent several adjustments to achieve the desired look of a casual yet unknowingly transparent garment.
The character Stephen, played by Kevin Kline, blames Catherine for the tragic events in the novel. He wears his late wife’s worn-out pink cardigan as a symbol of grief and resentment towards Catherine. The cardigan was meticulously crafted with various wool blends to achieve the right color that conveyed Stephen’s emotions.
Throughout the series, subtle details like the color of Catherine’s dressing gown and the hidden red fabric sewn into her coat collar serve as symbolic connections to the events in Italy. These wardrobe choices add depth to the characters and their intertwined stories.
As Catherine confronts Stephen towards the end of the series, she dons a thick winter coat that symbolizes protection from the world. A red piece of fabric sewn into the collar, as per Blanchett’s request, signifies Catherine’s resilience and strength amidst adversity.
Overall, the costume design in “Disclaimer” played a crucial role in portraying the characters’ emotional journeys and adding layers to the storytelling. Temime’s attention to detail and Blanchett’s vision for the character’s wardrobe created a visually captivating representation of Catherine Ravenscroft’s complex narrative.
