In the Apple TV+ series “Disclaimer,” Cate Blanchett showcases a wardrobe that is steeped in ambiguity, and costume designer Jany Temime is at the helm of this artistic vision. As viewers dive into the escalating intrigue of the show, Temime reveals how each costume not only enhances the narrative but also layers it with meaning.
With each passing episode, the tension surrounding Catherine Ravenscroft, played by Blanchett, grows alongside the mystery of her buried secret from two decades ago. The show’s intricate storytelling mirrors Temime’s costume choices, which are designed to provoke analysis and elicit various interpretations. “There are a myriad of puzzles within the series,” Temime notes, indicating that each viewing offers fresh insights.
Catherine’s wardrobe is an elegant mix of high fashion and artistic flair reflective of her life as a successful journalist. Set against the chic backdrop of affluent London, the character’s style oscillates between sophisticated and bohemian. In one example from episode four, she dons an Isabel Marant blouse paired with raspberry-hued trousers, an outfit that melds opulence with a relaxed, creative vibe. However, as the narrative intensifies, so does the darkness of her attire.
Temime discusses the show’s symbolic elements, particularly how Catherine’s pink wardrobe provides thematic depth. “Pink has a dual significance,” she explains, noting its associations with flesh and rebirth, especially as it appears in key moments throughout the storyline. One striking piece is Catherine’s velvety pink robe, which simultaneously evokes elegance and foreboding as she grapples with her tumultuous emotions.
In a flashback sequence set two decades earlier, a younger Catherine, played by Leila George, captures Jonathan’s attention in a flowing pink floral dress that dances with the wind on a Tuscan beach. The garment captures the essence of romantic nostalgia, reflecting Temime’s intent to channel the allure of classic Italian narratives and evoke a sense of longing.
A pivotal element of Catherine’s wardrobe is her striking red bikini, a symbol of both seduction and motherhood. Temime meticulously crafted multiple versions of this suit, seeking the perfect shade of red to complement Blanchett’s character. The bikini’s design was born from an intricate blend of sporty and seductive elements, heightened by the need for it to resonate with the show’s nuanced exploration of femininity.
The narrative threads of the show also weave into the attire of other crucial characters, including Stephen Brigstocke, played by Kevin Kline. His late wife’s cardigan becomes a significant symbol of grief and vengeance, embodying the complexity of relationships and past traumas. Temime’s deliberate color choices link this garment to Catherine’s attire, further binding the characters through a visual narrative that transcends dialogue.
With every costume choice, Temime enriches the show’s layers, inviting viewers to explore deeper meanings beneath the surface of the story. The connections between characters are visually articulated through their wardrobes, making each piece a crucial aspect of the unfolding mystery in “Disclaimer.”
