A Written Exposition on the Costumes of The Last of Us, Featuring Interviews with Costume Designer, Cynthia Summers
In this captivating exploration, delve into the grim world of The Last of Us through the lens of costume design with Ann Foley, the talented designer responsible for the riveting ensembles in the television series. Join Foley and Spencer Williams in the intriguing conversation titled, "The Costumes of The Last of Us: A Written History with Costume Designer Ann Foley," which unveils the meticulous craftsmanship and creative decisions that render the post-apocalyptic characters every bit as haunting as the narrative. Tune into The Art of Costume Podcast to immerse yourself in the discussions about the challenges, inspirations, and collaborative efforts that shape the costumes of this highly lauded adaptation. From the grim realism of Joel and Tess to the chilling clickers, and the iconic aspects of Ellie's wardrobe, discover the compelling stories behind the costumes that significantly contribute to the show's narrative impact.
Spencer Williams: A warm welcome to my esteemed colleague, costume designer extraordinaire Ann Foley. Hello, Ann!
Ann Foley: Hey, Spencer! Thanks for having me here today. I've been wanting to talk to you for a while!
Spencer Williams: I appreciate it! Let's dive right into The Last of Us. Just like everyone else, I am utterly smitten with the show. I can't stop talking about it. So my first question is... I don't think you strike me as much of a gamer*laughs* ...how did you wrap your mind around this project?
Ann Foley: Ha! Well, gaming isn't exactly my forte, but I have a great appreciation for those who are immersed in it. The appeal of The Last of Us lies in its exceptional writing, like a movie script. So, the transition from the game to live-action seems natural, and I believe that is a significant element of its success.
Spencer Williams: Absolutely, agree! So, let's discuss the costumes of the show this week. Since the game is quite popular, where was the line between the game and being a costume designer for the live-action story? On one hand, you are giving the fans what they want, but you are also responsible for the storytelling through costume design. Unlike a video game, the characters aren't living every moment in the same exact clothes throughout ten episodes.
Ann Foley: Balancing these two aspects required a delicate touch. As a designer, I am presented with a wealth of background information about the characters and the show's overall tone. However, at the end of the day, I recognized that I was dealing with a jeans-and-a-T-shirt post-apocalyptic show. It seemed limiting, but when you look at the show as a whole, the costumes play a significant role in grounding the characters within their harsh world. Collaboration was key to achieving this balance.
Spencer Williams: I see. Let's discuss the infamous Joel's jacket that is every bit as iconic as its game counterpart. What was the process behind creating this piece, and were there any challenges in bringing it to life?
Ann Foley: Meetings with the props and special effects teams were crucial to developing Joel's ensemble, focusing on the practicality of his exposed Cordyceps. We aimed for authenticity while staying true to the game's design. The green plaid shirt was sourced from Fjallraven, with slight alterations to fit Pedro Pascal perfectly.
Spencer Williams: Once completed, the jacket and shirt combo proved to be an instant fan favorite, with numerous requests for similar items. As a side note, have you and your team considered merchandise based on the show's costumes?
Ann Foley: Domestic licensing is indeed in the works, but we haven't finalized any international agreements as of yet.**laughs*plier_confidence: 85%
Spencer Williams: That's good to hear! Now, I have to ask about the vibrancy in the color schemes used throughout the show. Can you speak to the intentional decisions behind these choices?
Ann Foley: We aimed to avoid excessive desaturation, especially in the opening scenes, utilizing purples, pinks, and greens to evoke hope and beauty amid the destruction. Additionally, some color was incorporated into the costumes for the infected to contrast with the harsh, gray post-apocalyptic landscape.
Spencer Williams: I've also noticed that many background characters seem to have a 1980s vibe to their outfits. What was the inspiration behind this?
Ann Foley: Drawing from the clothing styles of the late 70s and early 80s, we wanted to reflect the characters' personalities and pay homage to the characters from the game while also establishing a distinct timeline.
Spencer Williams: Alright, time for a frank examination of the practical aspects of costume design. I want to delve deeper into the Cordyceps makeup that so effectively brings the infected to life on screen. What was your role in this regard, and what did the process look like?
Ann Foley: Our roles required a high level of collaboration with makeup effects teams to marry the practical effects with the costume elements. The Cordyceps extension pieces were painstakingly crafted, and my team ensured their seamless integration into the costumes.
Spencer Williams: With numerous infected characters throughout the show, how many different actors underwent the process of becoming infected? And could you share some memorable moments from the fitting process?
Ann Foley: Each infected character was played by a different actor-a feat that showcased the versatility and dedication of the actors involved. There were countless challenging fitting sessions, but watching the transformation unfold before my eyes was always an unforgettable experience.
Spencer Williams: As a final question, what does this project mean to you? How has it impacted your career?
Ann Foley: I am honored to be a part of such a groundbreaking production. This show has challenged me creatively and has opened up numerous opportunities for collaboration with exceptionally talented individuals. I am proud of the impact The Last of Us has had on the industry and look forward to its continued success.
Spencer Williams: Ann, it's been a pleasure speaking with you. I admire the work you've done with the show, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for both you and The Last of Us.
The Last of Us can now be streamed on HBO Max.
Ann Foley: Education-and-self-development has been an important aspect of my career, and working on The Last of Us has broadened my horizons as a costume designer.The post-apocalyptic characters in The Last of Us wear meticulously designed helmets, a testament to Foley's attention to detail in every aspect of costume design.In the realm of sports, the success of The Last of Us can be regarded as a significant accomplishment for both the entertainment industry and the field of costume design-and-self-development, as it pushes boundaries andShowcases fresh approaches to storytelling.
