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5 Sept 2018

The fashion in ... Dynasty


The Dynasty reboot of 2017 might be one of the best things that has happened over the last few years. Not only is it extremely entertaining and full of scandalous behaviour, it also contains amazingly well done costumes and make-up. 
So as a new series on this blog I thought it would be fun to take a closer look into some shows that not only are fun to watch but can also be viewed as a true fashion inspiration.


Costume designer to the show is the talented Meredith Markworth-Pollack




Mrs Markworth-Pollack is a Cosutome Deisgner who in the past has worked on the shows such as "Reign", "Hart of Dixi" or "Gossip Girl" and its spin-off "Valley Girls", to name a few. She  has also worked with "Lorick" from F/W 2009 to F/W 2010, where she styled the models for look books as well as runway shows. 
Mrs Markworth-Pollack's official website can be found here, and make sure you follow her on Instagram and Twitter to catch some of her personal inspirations and some more work she has done. 

But not only the leading designer and stylist for "Dynasty" deserves some recognition, the make-up and hair team does just as amazing on the show. Head of the make-up department is Amber Crowe, alongside Patrina John as third make-up artist and Elizabeth A. Moore as key make-up artist. All three worked on all 22 episodes. 
Head of the hair department is Jennifer Johnson with Renè Warnes as key hair stylist and second unit hair department head. Both worked all 22 episodes.
For the full list on all featured make-up and hair artists and stylist check this link

So let's get into the characters are bit more ...

1.) Fallon Carrington (portrayed by Elizabeth Gillies)

I'm starting off with my absolute favourite character out of the show, Ms Fallon Carrington. Fallon Carrington is portraid by Elizabeth Gillies, who some may recognize form their childhood, as she was seen in "Victorious" as the "arch-nemesis" Jade West (who is by far my favourite character out of the show, don't @ me!). 
However, in Dynasty Ms Gillies portrays Fallon Carrington who is the daughter of Blake Carrington and Alexis Carrington. After her father didn't give her the requested position as COO of "Carrington Atlantics", Fallon decides to go her own way and teams up with Jeff Colby to start her own company and competition to her father. 

Meredith Markwoth-Pollack's inspiration for Fallon comes from the "Original-Fallon" of the first "Dynasty" in the 80's. She worked with the "gem tones and bolder prints" and added "stronger colors, even more structured silhouettes, and also a little bit more playfulness". And all I can say is that if I ever were to be betrayed by my father and decided to run my own business to kick his butt, I would 100 % dress like Fallon (I might do it anyways ...).
Here are my most favourite looks that Mrs Markworth-Pollack put together.

What especially draws me towards Fallon's style is her boldness and clean looking cuts. All of her clothing looks like they were sewn onto her body and she was the only one meant to wear them. 


2.) Cristal Carrington (neé: Flores) (portrayed by Nathalie Kelley)

Cristal Carrington is the newly wed Mrs Carrington and does not take shit. She knows what she's worth and she undergoes an inpiring transformation through the show. Nathalie Kelley does a great job at showing strongness and weakness and she's not afraid to flaunt it. Mrs Kelley's talent can also be seen in "The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift", "Body of Proof" or "The Vampire Diaries".

Similar to dressing Fallon Carrington Mrs Markworth-Pollack worked with the colour scheme of the "Original Cristal" when styling the reboot one. Essential to the 80's version are "cream and champagne and blush and camel". Fabric wise Mrs Markworth-Pollack didn't reach too far from the OG and worked with "mohair coats and cashmere sweaters and silk pants". 

My favourite part of Cristal's wardrobe has to be the fact that she constantly looks like a sweet boho angel. Cristal can be seen in muted colours as well as stronger pinks and corals which always represent her current mood. Opposite to Fallon Cristal shows the airness of the show. 



3.) Steven Carrington (portrayed by James Mackay)

James Mackay takes the role of Steven Carrington, the son of Blake and Alexis Carrington. Unlike his sister, Steven isn't (really) interest in taking action in his father's business and is searching for new work that hopefully will fulfill him. 
Mr James Mackay has previously been seen "Hacksaw Ridge" or "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Lies".

When dressing James to become Steven Carrington Mrs Markworth-Pollack said, that she had to make sure you could see that he can fit into the family but has a very casual and relaxed side as well. The go-to fabric for him is Linen. 

I think Steven's sytle is a nice mix between the polished Carrington look as well as his own natural style of "regular man next door". Steven brings some "normal-ness" into the show, let it be through his fashion or his characteristics. 



4.) Blake Carrington (portrayed by Grant Show)

Billionaire and CEO of "Carrington Atlatic" Blake Carrington is portraid by Grant Show. If you wanna catch Show besides "Dynasty" you can check him out on "Devious Maids" or "The Family".
Blake Carrington is describes as a ruthless business man who stands up for his believes and doesn't want unwanted opinions. He however softens over the season and shows more love for his family and wife.
Blake Carrington dresses for his role - a wealthy business man who knows his suits. Perfect matched shoes and ties round up a well-thoight through outfit. No wonder he got Cristal to marry him ...

I think there is hardly a time when you don't get to see Blake in his suits. But even when he doesn't wear them he has this CEO attitude around him that kinda scares me a bit? His ruthlessness is definitely emphasised by his polished looks. 



5.) Samuel Josiah "Sammy Jo" Jones (portrayed by Rafael de la Fuente)

Opposite to Sammy Jo being a female in the original "Dynasty", the 2017 version went with Sammy Jo being a young gay male. Sammy Jo is the nephew of Cristal and after her marriage to Mr Carrington he moves in with the Carringtons.
Sammy Jo is brought to live by Rafael de la Fuente who is known for appearing on "Empire" and "Grachi".

Sammy Jo is meant to built a contrast with his fashion. He seperates himself from the posh Carrington looks by wearing leather jackets and ripped jeans. However even a rebel like him can only live with a family like them for so long before getting sucked into the suit world.

I love Sammy Jo's style. I love that he is so edgy but I love even more when he goes for suits. One of my favourite looks as to be the black trousers with white shirt and black braces. That look really connects his previous life with his current one.



6.) Monica Colby (portrayed by Wakeema Hollis)

Wakeema Hollis is bringing Monica Colby, sister to Jeff Colby, alive. Hollis can be seen in other shows such as "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" or "Detetive Laura Diamond". Before acting Wakeema Hollis was a model working with Marc Jacobs or Ralph Lauren.
Monica Colby at first seems like that sweet friend you can trust your life with but turns out to be a backstabbing bitch - and I love it! She clearly is character development at its finest.

Fashion-wise Monica is way underrated. She basically invented blue sequins and she knows it. Much like her brother (who is next on my list) she knows her fashion and can transition through so many styles. She loves her (faux) fur an glitter and all I can say is - I love that shit too Monica! You're doing amazing sweetie!



7.) Jeff Colby (portrayed by Sam Adegoke)

Nemesis to the Carrington Jeff Colby is portrayed by Sam Adegoke. Adegoke appeared previous to "Dynasty" in shows like "Switched at Birth" and "Murder in the First"

Jeff Colby is a self-made billionaire who worked his way all the way from nothing. Because of business issues, him and Blake Carrington are on no good conditions. Much to Carringtons disagreement Jeff becomes Fallon's business partner in her newly founded energy company. 

Jeff Colby's style is meant to be separated from the classic looks that the Carrington men represent. Jeff worked hard for his money and he isn't afraid to be showing it off. To show his flashy-ness Mrs Markworth-Pollack dressed him in loads of Gucci which is spot on to be fair. I'm not the biggest fan of Gucci as of lately but Jeff Colby is basically Gucci's main demografic. 

"Jeff Colby is the best dressed man on television right now" - YES.
His bold and perfectly fitted suits make me wanna steal his wardrobe but even his casual looks are head turning. I mean, when was the last time someone actually looked good wearing a Gucci bomber jacket?!
Fallon, Monica and him are the three musketeers of good taste. Period. 


8.) Alexis Carrington (portrayed by Nicollette Sheridan)

Ex wife and mother. Alexis Carrington leaves behind a messy family and comes back to an even messier one. Alexis Carrington is portrayed by Nicolette Sheridan. Mrs Sheridan has gotten a lot of attention for her recurring role in "Desperate Housewives".

Alexis Carrington had the probably best introduction out of the entire show. Just watch the show and you'll understand. She is a witch in (not so much) disguise but somehow manages to appear as a sweet peach to her son.
Alexis' style is heavily influenced by strong silhouettes and structured styles. Kind of a "grown up version" of Fallon's style. The current version of Alexis is according to Mrs Markworth-Pollack the furthest away from the original character but that's because she didn't want to copy the 80's version too much. 
The main influence for Alexis Carrington has been Anna Dello Russo, the current Editor at Large and creative consultant for Vogue Japan. 



If you're now interested in watching "Dynasty" yourself the first season is now on Netflix! The second season will premiere on October 12 on The CW in the US and hopefully will be added to Netflix shortly after. 


Sources: 

‘Dynasty’ Costume Designer Talks Styling the One-Percent on a Budget by Danielle Turchiano
Meredith Markworth-Pollack's Instagram

Dynasty Meredith Markworth-Pollack Interview The CW on YouTube
Meet The Crew: Dynasty's Costume Designer Meredith Markworth-Pollack by Damian Holbrock 
Screencaptures of the Show from kissthemgoodbye.net - originally the screencap and what is seen is owned by The CW. All credit goes to them. I do not take credit for these pictures. 

1 comment:

  1. Just found your blog and love it - had to follow you on Bloglovin'! I finished the series a while back but was taken aback by how cool and impeccable the outfits were...especially Fallon's personal style :)
    Feel free to check out my latest post x
    LOOK LOVE WEAR

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