Pass The Pen: Cameron Dale
I am so excited to introduce you to our February Boss Babe, Cameron Dale! Cameron is the mastermind behind the amazing costume design for Sweet Magnolias. Since I have had so many questions from you all about Maddie’s style, I thought it would be fun to share a little inside scoop directly from her.
Cameron has also worked on some other incredible sets including, Pretty Little Liars and Hart of Dixie!
So, Happy Placers, meet Cameron!
Xx,
Jo
How would you describe the overall aesthetic of Sweet Magnolias?
I would describe the aesthetic of Sweet Magnolias as Southern comfort! While I always want the costumes to look amazing and aspirational, I never want them to look out of place.
All of the Magnolias characters' style is so different! Can you explain what your goal is with each of the three characters' looks?
Sheryl, our genius leader and producer, and I spoke at length about the different styles and aesthetics of each of the ladies before we started Season 1. Maddie is a busy Mom, so we wanted to be sure to see her in casual looks like jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. When she falls in love with Cal, I added subtle romantic blouses and skirts. As a restaurant owner and chef, Dana Sue has an edgier style — I also looked to her wild-child past for clues. Brooke also looks so great in jewel tones, so that guided her style choices. As a former big-city dweller and high heel shoe lover, the goal for Helen was to have fun with dressier looks. She has her wardrobe from being a lawyer in San Francisco that she brought with her to Serenity.
What would be your number piece of advice for someone who is looking to step up their style?
There are so many amazing TV shows, style blogs, and influencers on Instagram and Tik Tok these days to pull ideas from. Find someone with a similar aesthetic and body type as yours and be guided. Or forge your own path!
Is there a spring item or trend that you feel is a ‘must have’?
The gen-Zers will tell you low-rise pants but I'd rather drink bleach. I love platform shoes and sandals for spring.
Can you spill any style secrets? Something the people at home would be surprised by? Kind of like how you made a giant terry cloth towel look like a sexy mini dress in my shower scene? Ha!
Haha! The towel! A simple towel worn on TV has so many alterations and fittings! You would think that you could just throw one on the day of but there's so much to it. We rig them with snaps and alter them to be more flattering. Even the background actors in Dana Sue's kitchen need to be dirtied up with fake food products to get an authentic look. We also dye all the white chef coats a light greige color so they don't look brand spanking new.