Let's talk threads—Emmys to highlight outstanding outfitters

And the Emmy for "Lead Actor in a Comedy Series" goes to....


Not to say this and other similar categories aren't of the utmost importance because they are. However, before we can even look at the acting, directing and writing, we as an audience are drawn to the presentation—the set design, makeup, hair and, most importantly, wardrobe. With innovation and energy nearly busting this envelope open pre show, let's take a closer look at the creative geniuses nominated for their costume work on a series.


Don't forget to weigh in with the poll at the bottom.


1. Mad Men

(Episode: "The Beautiful Girls")

Mad Men's costume designer Janie Bryant has made the public croon for the retro style of the 1960s for four seasons now. The cast always looks nothing short of sharp, polished right down to the last pleat, pearl and glove. It certainly makes for a vibrant slice of life, showing viewers the colors, patterns, textures and combinations of the romanticized era. The public fascination with the show's costumes has pushed Bryant to partner with Banana Republic and create a 65-piece Mad Men-inspired clothing collection. We are salivating and waiting with baited breath for the return of the show in 2012 so we can get re-inspired, fashion-wise, that is.


2. Boardwalk Empire

(Episode: "Anastasia")

HBO's series Boardwalk Empire is making waves in the Emmy pool, or at least the pool betting that Mad Men has the costume race sewn up. Before you re-fit your closet with everything 60s, indulge yourself in the flavor of the roaring 20s. BE's costume designer John Dunn operates a well-oiled machine, something he refers to as "department store-worthy." This series is set in the 1920s in Prohibition era Atlantic City, so the look is over-the-top with shawls, hats, tailored suits, extravagantly-beaded dresses, handmade fishnets and sparkling accessories. It is decadent to say the least. Dunn extensively researched the period for months, so the look is just that—well-thought out with no detail spared.

3. The Borgias

(Episode: "Lucrezia's Wedding")

Gabriella Pescucci, costume designer for Showtime's hit The Borgias, says she draws her inspirations from period paintings. It was from such works that she was able to learn the finite details of how people dressed in such a far-off era. Set in 1492, the show centers around the politics of the Vatican and the rise of the Borgia family. Many of the costumes were rented from outlets in Rome where they still make uniforms for the Vatican. She was challenged to find antique fabrics and turned to factories in Northern Italy, Sicily and London. Pescucci's creations are highly ornate, complex and grandiose, with rich color palettes encompassing orange, red and gold. They leave you wanting to go back to the day to wear a corset.


4. Game of Thrones

(Episode: "The Pointy End")

Costume designer Michele Clapton scoured R.R. Martin's fantasy novel to get the lay of the mythical land and find inspiration for costuming. When inventing a theme and concept, she wanted to ensure the clothes would accurately reflect the characters' culture and lifestyles. What made this difficult was the fact that the series was not set in a specific time period or country. She was essentially starting from scratch. Clapton's job required and continues to demand that she be resourceful, research and draw information from other early peoples like the Vikings, Native American Indians, Moguls and Scots. Perhaps her work does not get enough credit because she's compared to vibrant retro styles of the 20s and the 60s.


5. Glee

(Episode: "New York")

Glee's costume designer Lou Eyrich is proud of her "New York" episode. She says the blocks of color and energy from shooting in a new city are what made it a memorable experience. However, it wasn't all play and no work. Eyrich told Deadline magazine "...we had just one day to dress, fit and alter everything and get it boxed up by midnight and sent overnight to New York. So it was one of the most challenging episodes. And we pulled it off." The cast's look is fun, happy and youthful, consistent with the feel-good feeling that Glee emits. Take note of Lea Michele's Mary Tyler Moore-inspired look: a bright-striped vintage jacket, yellow shoes and cinnamon-colored tights topped off with a beret. Eyrich's work also included outfits for three different show choirs! Wow! What a job.




And the winner goes to....


John Dunn, "Anastasia," Boardwalk Empire. Tune in and you'll see why.

• Mad Men- "The Beautiful Girls" (0 votes)
• Boardwalk Empire- "Anastasia" (0 votes)
• The Borgias- "Lucrezia's Wedding" (0 votes)
• Game of Thrones- "The Pointy End" (0 votes)
• Glee- "New York" (0 votes)