A Q&A With ‘The White Lotus’ Costume Designer
Are you watching The White Lotus season three? I’m excited for the 90-minute finale coming up on Sunday. This week, I was thrilled to speak to Alex Bovaird, the brilliant costume designer behind all three seasons, about Parker Posey, boat shoes, and lots and lots of sweat…
Your career sounds like a dream! But of course every job has hard parts, often behind the scenes. What’s something tricky you faced?
All the sweat. A person is either a sweat-er or they’re not, and if you’re a sweat-er, you’re going to profusely sweat in Thailand. Walton Goggins, who plays Rick, was profuse. We brought Thompson Tees from the U.S. to soak up everyone’s sweat; we cut out the necks so you couldn’t see them underneath clothes. The armpit material looks like a sanitary towel — pretty gross!
What about Tim Ratliff? He seems sweaty, like, as a personality.
Tim was bone dry; we actually had to apply costume sweat.
My British grandfather always said that men sweat and women glow.
The women had ice packs; Parker [Posey] had one almost continuously between her thighs.
Was it fun to dress Parker Posey’s character, the Southern matriarch Victoria Ratliff?
Yes! We knew she and Timothy would open and close her bag a lot for the Lorazepam, so we had to find the perfect chic bag — the Gucci one with the bamboo handle is old-school and looks good with everything. In a perfect world, it would look more worn, but I borrowed bags from the brands and I have to give them back.
I love Piper’s dresses. She wears at least three from Ciao Lucia. Was that a choice, since she’s a recent college grad who might be loyal to a favorite brand?
We actually just found a collection that hit the right notes. Ciao Lucia dresses are whimsical, and Piper is ethereal — or at least thinks she is. You can style the dresses to make them sexy, but at Piper’s height, the length of the dresses felt chaste.
What about the boys? Saxon is so…that guy.
As a costume designer, you want to stereotype a little, so the audience can say, oooh I know who this person is. Particularly in the arrivals episode, we turned that up and made it louder. My husband and I live in the South, and there are brands that I’ve only seen there, like Southern Tide. We also dressed Saxon in Polo and Brooks Brothers. We wanted to make him cheesy — not like ‘dadcore’ but like literal dad.
That’s hilarious.
But we never want to go too far. After the first episode, I was like, let’s not do the sunglasses Croakies and the boat shoes, let’s take one element away. We’re not Zoolander. We want to be satire, not comedy.
Honestly, Saxon really grew on me. By the seventh episode, he almost seems sweet.
He has a journey, so his fits get slightly cuter; that was on purpose. We were like, Wow, you actually look kind of handsome.
What about Belinda? I loved her pink caftan with the green leaves and fish.
Belinda loves a good flow. She’s never been a guest at the White Lotus, so she wants to look like one as much as she can. She doesn’t want to look like poor Belinda. She wants to be Cinderella.
The three female friends are always together. How did you differentiate them?
At first, they’re all just cool girls. But as the season progresses, you notice that Laurie is more comfortable. When she goes out for the day, she wears loose traveler pants with her little backpack and nerdier hat. Kate is more prissy. And Jaclyn is the actress; she wants attention.
What’s an example of revealing those traits through their costumes?
When they come back after their big night out, Laurie peels off her clothes and jumps in the pool. Jaclyn comes out in a ridiculously flamboyant leopard-print suit with a robe — she has a big flouce-y look-at-me moment. And Kate actually puts pajamas on and gets MORE dressed.
Of all the characters, who do you dress most like?
I’m an older Chelsea. I’m British, she’s British; there’s an eccentric throwing-things-together panache that the Brits sometimes have. For her character, we shopped secondhand and chopped off her dresses to make them shorter.
Have people made any comments about the clothes that have surprised you?
I sometimes take a cheeky peek online when I’m on the loo, but mostly I stay off social media. We put many little clues in the costume design, but I haven’t seen anyone notice them yet. Maybe I’ll divulge them after the finale.
If you had a magic wand, what location would you choose for White Lotus’s fourth season?
The Swiss Alps. I wouldn’t mind getting people out of bikinis and into coats. We could have European royals in sweaters and furs and earmuffs. We could do a really mean aprés ski vibe.
Thank you, Alex! Follow her on Instagram, if you’d like; and she also has a ShopMy page with clothes inspired by each character.
P.S. Q&As with the costume designers of Fleabag, Girls and Crazy Rich Asians.
Comments
137 commentsWhite lotus debrief tomorrow? With all the spoilers? Live chat with Chelsea?! I’m not ready for white lotus fever to end yet.
Okay, I’m fully 100% on board the White Lotus train (I spent hours post-finale sobbing and scrolling discussion boards), but can we please talk about Dying for Sex and Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate’s amazing girl tribe energy?! I would love to see a full post on COJ!!
This post is incredible! Thank you. It’s my pipe dream to work on production for this series, just obsessed with it.
Thank you for this, what a delight to read!! And it’s so true how fun it is to watch a show in real time with the rest of the world! For a similar vibe, check out some of the videos in Variety’s ‘Behind the Seams’ series—the one with the designer behind The Perfect Couple (White Lotus lite!!) is a treat.
I love Parker Posey in this. The phrase “but are they decent?” in her voice replays in my head basically everyday now…
I never hearing about how costume designers approach a show I love—this was such a fun post!
Showing my age here- but I died when I saw Lochlan wearing an old First Union t shirt. The most North Carolina thing I have ever seen. Perfection!
YES! Come to the Swiss Alps White Lotus. We want you!
Loved this interview! But here’s what I’m dying to know: how did she end up putting Lochlan in a Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel t-shirt??? It’s such a niche reference, probably recognizable only to people who grew up near or travel to Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore. I was so tickled and surprised to see it in the show. I’d love to know the backstory!
I loved this, too! We lived in VA Beach for a few years and I had the same thought!
Love this! I haven’t been able to stop talking about Piper’s clothes since episode 1, so much so that my boyfriend has started teasing me about it. It’s so telling to me that she is trying so hard to come off as down-to-earth (at least in comparison to her family), but her dresses, while down-to-earth LOOKING, are usually pretty expensive (at least to me). Her outfits are costumes in the most basic sense of the word. She wants to walk the walk (dress in an understated way), but not talk the talk (willing to spend daddy’s $ to do so).
I don’t understand how down to earth conflicts with expensive…? Do you mean that money = tacky flashy? All the richest people I know are super low key but pay for quality. Tons of expensive clothes are ‘down to earth’ because they are the best value for money and last forever, thereby paying for themselves over time and saving money. That’s like, rich people trick number 101, lol, as old as time.
Ryan, you make a good point! Is Piper truly into bidding farewell to the ego / materialism and all about spirituality if she’s spending a lot of $$ on clothes? Although I’ll admit I have also spend outside of my means on stuff by Doen, etc., and then feel guilty.
@willa Piper wants to pursue Buddhism, which values modesty and letting go of materialistic things. While Piper picks seemingly simple dresses, they are all expensive, which makes her a little hypocritical.
Piper wants to be different from her family. The truth is, if you’re rich you can’t pretend you’re poor. You’re always going to have money. So even though she’s not decked in Chanel. She could be. I think that’s part of what she’s probably feeling now after episode 7. Now that lochlan wants to join her. She’s creeped out but also realizing how silly it seems.
This was so fun to read! I’ve been really noticing the outfits this season- I actually really love Victoria’s clothes 😍 Looking forward to Sunday’s finale :)
This story makes me think about how specificity in general is what makes a lot of life exquisite. My first job was at a rundown pizza place and the thing that remains fascinating is not what I learned about making pizza or corporate pizza chains, or even learning I was bad at waiting tables back then, but that there were single pre-packaged slices of flavored cheesecake in the walk in freezer for desserts, and the bosses were worked up because we kept finding empty cheesecake wrappers in the freezer. An employee, we never found out who, was getting their thrills from popping in the freezer — when someone could open the door at any moment — and scarfing a cheesecake, then ever leaving the wrapper behind. Who was it? Was it good? Only Oreo, right? How would they feel about it now? It feels like an unrepeatable, particular story, also somehow the employee getting away with something ridiculous, I think that’s why people are always invested when I tell it.
What a fun interview! Thanks so much, Cup of Jo! And so fascinating how they planned to put Saxon in better fashion as his character progressed. When the season started I thought I hate this guy SO much and he’s so blah / unattractive … and then somehow he was looking cuter! Re-clues in the costumes … I just saw an Instagram post where someone analyzed the necklace that Chelsea is wearing that says “STAY GOLD” a reference to The Outsiders. Copy/paste from sparknotes: “As he lies dying in Chapter 9, Johnny Cade speaks these words to Ponyboy. “Stay gold” is a reference to the Robert Frost poem that Ponyboy recites to Johnny when the two hide out in the Windrixville Church. One line in the poem reads, “Nothing gold can stay,” meaning that all good things must come to an end. By the end of the novel, the boys apply this idea to youthful innocence, believing that they cannot remain forever unsullied by the harsh realities of life. Here, Johnny urges Ponyboy to remain gold, or innocent.” I hope it doesn’t mean the Chelsea is going to die! But maybe Rick will die and urge Chelsea to stay positive? Hmm… Side note- in reference to the people saying they’re too sensitive for shows like this. Usually I’m in the same boat. I can’t handle violence, etc. But for some reason I started watching the first season and as much as the characters were awful, I couldn’t stop watching. I just recently binged Season 2 … but it put me in more of a bad mood … after watching certain episodes I felt so cynical, depressed and hopeless about love/monogamy .. I think Jo said in a comment on another post that she finds it better to watch White Lotus one episode at a time, that you don’t feel so down afterward. And I totally agree! After binging a few episodes to catch up on season 3, I’m really enjoying just 1 episode at a time. And it’s so fun to then enjoy the memes / commentary with the internet that evening/next day. Although some people have complained about this season being slow /the worst yet, I think it might be the best! Such intriguing characters & a beautiful location & lots of interesting dynamics going on. Also, for everyone saying it’s slow, A LOT has happened!? Maybe people just like complaining. Who knows. But yeah, I love how each season has focused on a different topic and this one is all about spirituality / meaning. Anyway, thanks again, Cup of Jo! Happy watching :)) Also, I really want that STAY GOLD necklace but alas, it’s $11,000. https://lunaflolondon.com/products/the-stay-gold-necklace
I love how perfectly each theme is relative to it’s location! Hawaii: race/class/social bubbles Italy: sex Thailand: spirituality/meaning What would Swiss Alps be? Privacy?
I read an interview with Mike white months back where he said season 1 is money, season 2 is sex & season 3 is death.
Oh noooo! And that she tells Rick she’s going to be with him in her many reincarnated lives! *wide eyes*
Willa — that’s so true! Good point about how the themes have matches the locations so well! This show is just so dang smart.
Jeanne! You’re right … Chelsea totally mentioned something about being Rick’s soulmate in multiple lives. Aiiii! Also, I just came across another possible clue in regards to another necklace! https://www.nme.com/news/tv/white-lotus-fans-believe-simpsons-reference-reveals-who-the-killer-is-3850862
I have to agree with you about this season! Last season was very dark and had it’s pretty funny moments, but something about the characters this season I really love. Chelsea is such a fun interesting character, her reactions to stuff are just so funny to me. Victoria, the accent, everything, perfect. And look, I actually love Laurie a lot!! I know most of these characters are supposed to be bad people but I would love to hang out with Laurie.
Favorite post … ever? And I’ve been a reader since before Toby was born.
Yess! Honestly in my top 5 of all time. Joanna, what ARE the most popular posts of all time? 🥰
aww thank you!!!!!! and such a fun question, bekah. I’m not sure because we’ve changed blogging platforms and analytics services, but I’d guess these might be around the top five? I started the site 18 years ago, which is so wild!!! https://cupofjo.com/2020/03/23/slow-parenting/ https://cupofjo.com/2016/03/10/lucy-kalanithi-home-tour-makeover/ https://cupofjo.com/2021/10/28/favorite-experiences-nyc/ https://cupofjo.com/2020/10/07/my-boyfriend-weighs-less-than-i-do/ https://cupofjo.com/2010/09/20/our-birth-story/ https://cupofjo.com/2022/02/02/found-easy-same-day-peasant-bread-recipe/ https://cupofjo.com/2017/05/11/thoughts-on-aging/ https://cupofjo.com/2023/03/16/joanna-goddard-house-tour-2023/ https://cupofjo.com/2023/06/21/best-vanilla-ice-cream-supermarket/ https://cupofjo.com/2022/01/18/life-lessons/ https://cupofjo.com/2023/01/05/best-therapist-advice/ https://cupofjo.com/2014/08/13/how-to-make-english-jacket-potatoes/
Thank you, Jo!! I’ve been here since the very early days and I’m so excited to go poke through this list!
I love what I’ve seen referred to as “re-cap culture” – articles, think pieces, interviews like this one, and especially podcasts about TV shows, movies, books, etc. I love treating a piece of pop culture as a text and examining it from all angles, those of the writers/creators, crafts people, actors. I think it really enriches the viewing experience! For anyone else who enjoys this, The Ringer and HBOMax are both doing high-quality re-cap podcasts with journalists, creators and cast members (highly recommend HBOMax’s with Jia Tolentino!)
YES! I love the podcast, and I LOVE the Reddit threads for each episode!
I love this too. For Season 3 of White Lotus I’ve been reading along with New York magazine’s TV Club. The analysis is so good and brings out things I overlook while watching the show.
Fwiw, I’ve not watched any season of White Lotus, yet I loved this post! Why? Well just because I’m not experiencing something myself doesn’t mean I can’t exhibit curiosity about it. This was fascinating look into a very niche job. I don’t understand why we feel entitled to complain about anything and everything these days. Just don’t read it if it doesn’t interest you or isn’t relevant. Some people are just so grumpy!
Stop what you’re doing and watch season 1 & 2 immediately! Haha but for real, they are so good! Season 3, you can take your time on. Watchable but not as great.
I love costume design of all kinds, but something about contemporary “prestige” TV costumes is just extra special. I think it’s the prominence of brands in the United States, but I always like to see how costume designers interpret characters’ budgets, brand loyalty, etc.
Interesting. I’ve barely noticed the costumes this season. Different strokes, I guess.
LOOOVE this interview, thank you!!
Oooh, I love the clothes so this was such a fun read! And I am totally here for the clues after the finale if that is possible! Also, “a person is either a sweat-er or they’re not” has answered a lot of questions for me! Why do I look like a hot mess if I dance? On a warm day? If I do anything physical whatsoever? But everyone else still looks fine? I am just a “sweat-er”!
Disappointed to see an Amazon link in this post : ( I was really encouraged to see that you’ve stopped using Amazon links for books and wonder if you could extend this to other categories, too? Thanks, COJ!
oh yes, I’ll swap out to the Thompson tees site: https://thompsontee.com/ thank you!
I’m so happy I can talk about White Lotus on the internet! lol I love all this content b/c my husband does not like White Lotus, so I watch alone. Some of his complaints are “but who are we rooting for”, or “the rich are such assholes”, “why is it so slow”, etc. and I GET when he’s coming from but I love the writing, the outfits, the people! The cast this season is top notch. I did not love 2nd season at all. Being European I was a bit meh about Italy/Sicilia no offense to gorgeousness of Italy, just that Hawaii and Thailand are so much more exotic. I also did not vibe with the American cast of second season besides, of course, Jennifer Coolidge. The Italian cast ruled.
I had to screenshot part of this to send to my husband — he is a sweaty guy and I am not. He wears Thompson tees under his shirts! He is so self-conscious about it, and I don’t get it! Sweat is natural!
My White Lotus cocktail party anecdote… a friend recently went to a wellness spa type resort in Mexico. When I said it sounded just like the WL, she said yeahhhhh Mike White was in residence the week she was there (!!) Location scouting, who knows?! And she happened to be reading the New Yorker profile of him at the time (which is definitely worth reading whether or not you’re a fan). This was a fascinating read, thank you Jo and Alex!
Yea season 4 is supposedly going to be in Mexico or Egypt
Loved this so much! I’m way behind but White Lotus is everything.
This post!! Amazing!! My husband and I actually both commented on Saxon’s attire in the newest episode saying that he seems more genuine and that we loved his blue batik cardigan top (which I think is Brooks Brothers)! So it’s fascinating to read this interview. Love White Lotus, the whole show is just genius.
Loved this interview!! And DYING to know all the easter eggs!
I second this!
I was just thinking last week that I wished someone would talk to this costume designer! The Ratliff kids especially look soooo true to life I think. I loved when you interviewed the Fleabag costume designer too. This kind of peek behind the curtain is so fun!! (Similarly the interview with the magazine photo editor – maybe it was the New York Times Magazine? – was one of my all time favorite pieces! It pops into my mind so often.)
Alex! Your costume design is one of my favorite parts of the show. Even though it makes me a little sad that I could never afford any of these outfits, HA. I love Jaclyn’s style, her swimsuits are the best. I love trying to learn more about the characters through what they wear. It’s so funny, even before this article I had multiple tabs open searching White Lotus outfits and then trying to find some of them for resale on ebay! Even the resale is out of my budget, but a girl can dream!
this is SO COOL. I have absolutely loved the costumes and I love a peek behind the curtain at how deliberate all these choices were.
Obsessed with the show and this interview. I already feel pre-sad for my Sunday nights after this week’s finale.
Omg yes to pre-sad!
This sort of behind the scenes looks – whether I watch the given show or not – are so fun to me! I love learning more about how someone does their job so damn well in a field so different from my own. The sweat proof shirts and fake sweat especially got me. My husband’s a stage actor who is SO SWEATY on stage, so I immediately sent him the callout on Walton Goggins. “See?! Some people are just sweatier!”
I wish I had the stomach and fortitude to handle shows and movies but I’m just an absolute wimp. All I can watch is period dramas and take romcoms and everything else makes me crawl out of my skin and haunts me for weeks! But content like this lets me contribute to the conversation amount friends and even with my husband! It’s the best, lol. Cup of Jo covers shoes and I glean the fun stuff and skip the humans behaving badly parts! I even listened to the two different songs from white lotus so I knew what the fuss was about. Thank youuuuu!
Hahaha me too! I say I get too emotionally involved! However, season 2 of white lotus was so shallow I enjoyed it happily lol. Season 1 I could only watch visually and season 3 I started in memory of season 2 but I’m just going to have to skip to the last episode. Cromwell though has been good so far, a little tough but good! Just wanted to say HI and Me Too!
The podcaster Kate Kennedy describes this as having an internal shelf, whereas others have a window. Those of us with shelves read a book, see a tv show or movie, or take in a news story and put it on the shelf. We take it off again and again, examining it, reliving the tension we felt on first watch/read. Then back on the shelf and repeat, ad nauseum. It’s why a scene from The Exorcist still comes into my mind, unbidden, multiple times a year, in spite of having seen it decades ago, and it never loses its potency. People with windows watch the thing, it passes through the window, and then it flies away. Once the initial emotional reaction is over, it’s gone. It has taken me a looooong time to learn to edit my consumption to avoid things I don’t want on my shelf, and not to feel that I am a wimp or a baby. There is plenty of suffering to witness in the world, and I think it’s okay to choose entertainment that is tension-free (but I do also feel left out with all the conversation about “prestige” tv when I’m over here rewatching sitcoms from the 90s!)
HARD SAME. The way I articulate it is that I have a hard time choosing entertainment that uses anxiety or suspense as drivers, or explores humanity through characters being awful people or just their worst all the time. I get enough of that in the 2025 of it all, every day in real life, thank you! But to your point, I also realize what a cultural touchstone White Lotus is, maybe especially around fashion, and I want to participate in that discourse!
I can’t even handle period dramas or romcoms because watching people make totally preventable bad decisions and unnecessary miscommunication makes me want to die from embarrassment and frustration. Even the character arcs in Disney are too emotional for me hahah I have found the antidote, though, fellow sensitive viewers: action movies! I know, I know. But it is true. You know which characters you never emotionally bond with? Tom Cruise in mission impossible type of characters. You know which moves never show blood or gore? Action. You know what scenes are entertaining to watch but you can still sleep soundly at night? Completely staged explosions where the main characters somersaults out of the way, unscathed. I recommend.
I’m with you guys! I can only handle Great British Baking, All Creatures & period dramas. The Black Mirror of our current state of affairs is enough reality drama for me! Ironically I’m watching White Lotus right now because I’m in a watch party (haven’t seen season 1 or 2). It’s been very good and there’s so much to discuss, but I confess I do phone sudoku at certain scenes. Glad it’s about over because I don’t think I can handle more than 8 episodes.
Ad: Madeleine, this is fascinating, my partner is ecaxtly the same! This is the first time I ´m hearing this is a thing. He occassionaly watches the shows that I like, but otherwise is basically just rewatching action movies like Missiin impossible, James Bond etc. He saus he has enough shit in his real lufe and doesn ´t need to seeother people ´s shit in his free time :D.
Can someone please explain why Brooks Brothers is considered cheesy? I’m so curious about this.
Yeah I don’t think it’s inherently cheesy! I have a thrifted men’s brooks breathers sweater that I love, for example. But for some people, it fits the bill of a southern luxury stereotype and a certain canon of identifiable fancy brands. Went to school in the south and it’s like, you could tell a bit of “who’s who” (though of course not entirely) by who wore boat shoes and khakis and brooks brothers versus who didn’t have that (appearance-wise) cookie cutter profile.
Would love other POV’s too, but I see it as personality / archetype dependent? For a character like him, it’s TOO perfect. It’s like a scene kid at Hot Topic. A suburban mom with a Stanley. A finance bro in a Patagonia vest. It gets so stereotypical that it becomes cheesy. Too “on-the-nose”
Thank you, LLL and Kiki! I would love to hear other POVs as well and hear about other “types”. I have not watched White Lotus. I’m aware of the the polos/khakis/boat shoes stereotype. But why is that considered a Southern thing? I’ve seen that everywhere :)
Because it represents the ‘old guard’; spiceless white men who want to appear wealthy.
Kiki, to me it’s part of Saxon’s character that it’s SO on the nose! I’m only on ep 4 but I’m thinking a lot about how self-aware or un-self-aware or self-conscious he is in different ways. He’s kind of a try-hard in terms of the image he wants to project, and sucks at nuance (though maybe this changes as the season progresses?). So it makes sense to me that he is aiming squarely at presenting a certain archetype to be accepted as that type of guy, without any real personality or reflection behind it. It’s like any quirks are in spite of himself, and he just wants to be seen as a narrow type of successful, rich, built, attractive to women, etc but he’s too insecure to do anything outside of that prescribed role. Does that sound right? Like yeah it’s over the top, but imagine a kid who only shops at Hot Topic out of a panicky status anxiety. I love this article and this convo! <3
I had no idea about costume sweat, btw! Genius! Also, so appreciate Alex’s sense of humor – it shines through the interview.
It’s fun to spot in other shows/movies! Soon you won’t be able to unsee the glycerin & water spritz 😅
This just reinforces what an ART FORM being a costume designer is! I’m WOW’d!!!
I love this! I’m absolutely hooked on White Lotus. I’m not a big TV watcher and usually only watch happy things since becoming a mom. I am who I am! But with WL, I just want to discuss theories and understand all the nuanced details that make this series so smart. I would love a follow-up post so we can know about all the fashion clues after the season finale!
“usually only watch happy things since becoming a mom“ YES TO THIS. I had no idea this was a phenomenon and I thought I was just a wimp post childbirth… but I see now I am not alone. But fwiw this show doesn’t bug me at all… because I’m not really emotionally invested in anyone… so I find it entertaining in a remote way, plus it is serious travel porn.
My husband and I have watched from the first season and continue to marvel at the writing! Casting ensemble always thrills. But it’s the fashion that enhances both so beautiful. Those clothes speak!
Alex seems excellent at her job — and funny! thanks, so enjoyable to hear the behind the scenes intel. More like this!
Moira, I agree! I ADORE this kind of behind the scenes peeks into someone who is REALLY good at something!
“He seems sweaty, like, as a personality.” This has got to be one of the best things I’ve ever read and when I tell you a certain image popped in my mind. I. Am. DEAD. I love hearing the behind the scenes wardrobe/design decisions of shows. A well dressed cast gives so much to the show, underlying themes, nuanced nods to certain elements… it can definitely make or break a show. Reading how Alex used certain elements to give more development of the characters over the episodes is interesting and makes me appreciate how every decision is important. I can’t wait to watch in a couple weeks post 4/15 to celebrate the end of busy season and Q1!
Hahahahahahaahah
We have a group chat at work specifically for those of us who watch White Lotus, and we were all LOLing about “he seems sweaty, like, as a personality” – I feel like this is going to be my new dig if I don’t get good vibes from someone.
Eli, it makes you realize how nuanced and complex making TV/Movies is! And, how much work!
I am LIVING for all this costume content. As a former theater costumer I am SO into the stories that get told through the clothes – thank you for this feature!! I absolutely love that she mentioned there are some hints via the clothes. This is every costumer’s bit of fun: cheeky hat tips to plot points or a characters development. I was also SO intrigued by something mentioned in the linked post shared last week(?) re: Chloe’s clothes and how they seem like a bit of a costume/she may not be who she says she is. It’s opened up a whole new line of speculation for me! (And from the most recent episode it is SO true).
This is truly the celebrity content I need right now. I want to know who is sweaty and who is not. I cannot tell you why this is so funny to me.
I have never seen White Lotus (I am just not much of a show/movie person) but these clothes are amazing! Being a costume designer might be my (completely unattainable) dream job. The idea of telling the story of a character through their clothes is fun to think about. I would love to think about this more in the way I dress myself, but not a lot can be said through sweatpants! 😂
Oh my gosh, Sis! Sweatpants say SO MUCH! Most people see someone in sweats and think “lazy, slob, low-productivity, lack of care, etc.” BUT… Think about the style, the silhouette, what are you wearing them with, what is the brand, how do they fit, where are you going? You can absolutely create your character and tell your story even if you wear sweats – it’s part of you! Maybe it gives the feeling that you don’t take yourself too seriously, or that you are serious about what you do and your energy is put into your product/creativity and the sweatpants allow you to create a cocoon of comfort to be your most genuine self in creation of said product. Maybe it gives you are sporty and active and your health is important. You lean into streetwear style and vibes. Or maybe it’s the weekend and you just want to be comfortable. :) Don’t sell yourself short.
I feel similarly! I am usually behind the curve of popular tv and movies. In this case, I actually did watch seasons 1 and 2 of The White Lotus and was slightly compelled by the first one, but somehow both repulsed AND bored by the second. Won’t be watching any further seasons, but I love love love hearing costume artists talk about their craft, the way they build characters’ personalities and stories, the subtle hints that sway us as viewers that we feel but probably wouldn’t notice. I’m sure these interviews are a big deal to get, but would love more!
This comment is the most real and cracked me up in its honesty: “I sometimes take a cheeky peek online when I’m on the loo.” We’re only on episode 4, I think, this season, but I so enjoy this show and I loved this inside look. I am also here for WL Swiss Alps!
yeah, a winter location would be a bit more interesting. the first season was good but now it’s way too trashy.
I live for cold weather dressing – this would be cat nip for me! Plus, I’ve always fantasized about a trip to the Alps.
Mike White abhors the cold so Swiss Alps isn’t likely.
Amen to the sweat-ers and not. Unfortunately I come from a long line of sweaty women and there’s nothing you can do. Humidity!
Same here. The good news is when we’re all together, noone is bothered or self conscious about the sweat! Although, no one is in linen, silk or light colored clothes, either. LOL
Is anyone else tired of all the white lotus content? I feel left out! I don’t have the bandwidth for a new show so Not understanding anything here!! But love all the other content Joanna! Just a smidge confused – it’s not just you, everyone seems obsessed with the show
Oh don’t worry, we have only done two posts!
I don’t watch White Lotus either, but I’m not bothered by this at all! Not everything is written / meant for me, and that’s totally okay. I still find a post like this interesting (love costume design!) even when I’m not invested in the subject, and I can also still be excited for people who are invested! The finale of a gripping, zeitgeist-y show is exciting!
??? I’m vegan but never entertained the thought I’m being left out bc recipes are featured here that include animal products … I don’t have toddlers or teens yet not confused or feel left out when content covers them. In fact my favorite post is on teenage boys by Catherine Newman (https://cupofjo.com/2018/12/03/raising-teenage-boys-advice/). I watch so few current TV shows or streaming content that White Lotus and Black Dahlia both sound like true crime docs. Yet when I see some topics, I realize, as the gifted writers of Frasier wrote, “Copernicus called… You are not the center of the universe!”
@Anon I get what you mean especially across the entire internet. It is everywhere and it feels like a lot of money is being spent to get influencers to talk about it. It feels very controlled. Especially as none of the influencers who are pushing it seem to be talking about the fact that this season really isn’t very good.
A lot of money? Not at all! We wouldn’t be paid for this type of content at all, and if it were sponsored it would be clearly marked. When I saw that Alex handled her own social accounts, I reached out to her on Instagram DMs and asked if she might be willing to jump on a 15-minute phone call with me on Monday. She was on set for a different production but at 6pm she was kind and generous enough to give me her time and insights. That’s all! Straight editorial. Hope this helps! I love being part of a cultural conversation about a show like white lotus — or the Olympics or a big new novel or movie, etc. I think it’s fun when lots of different people are weighing in from their specific POVs xo
It’s not just posts — it’s comments and mentions in blog posts, too.
Anon, you’re not alone. I am not interested in that show.
I haven’t watched this show and probably never will, but I thought this interview was fascinating! Both from the perspective of thinking about how our clothes reflect our personalities and from the perspective of learning about a job very different from our own. Plus a little bit of Hollywood insider info on dealing with sweat! The ice pack things is hilarious.
I don’t watch the show, but I also don’t feel ‘left out’ and I still read the posts or comments about it. It’s just like listening to a friend share something they’re excited about, but maybe isn’t for me. It’s still my funny, interesting friend so I listen! But also you could just as easily totally ignore the posts and go about your day – easy peasy
I mean, not all content has to be for you. I’m not a parent and I don’t get upset at all the parenting content on here–I just skip it.
I’m not into fashion or makeup and Ive never seen White Lotus but still enjoy reading the content because its smart and fun and well done by Joanna and team. And of course there’s always some gem in the comments, no matter what the post! CoJ readers are the best.
this is kind of odd, especially considering it’s been exactly two posts. people, come onnnnn.
You’re just really self-centered, that’s all. Not all content matches each person – who wants to live in that kind of bubble. Don’t you naturally want to experience other people’s interests? Learn something new? Try something different? See life through another’s eyes for a moment? Experience someone else’s joy? Remember, ‘tailored’ content is created by marketers so they have a hold on your head, thoughts, etc, so that they ‘own’ you and your wallet. Try to break free, it’s worth it! There’s a whole world to explore outside your algorithm.
Ususally this is a sign that a show is GREAT. I’ve discovered so many shows from COJ – and even the shows I don’t watch, I appreciate getting where the zeitgeist is
If it seems like it’s everywhere on the internet, it’s because it’s a buzzy popular show released once a week, so unlike the full season dumps you’re going to see more coverage. Same with The Pitt. I can’t have kids and don’t get annoyed at all the parenting content, I just…skip it.
Hey Anon, This show is one of the most meticulously thought out that we’ve all come across. The director, Mike White, puts an incredible amount of detail in that has led to full podcasts and fun YouTube to watch on the details. I understand you don’t have the bandwidth for it, but those of us that are making time for it likely choose to do so because it’s a break from the harsh reality of news and other things going on in our country right now. The show is a Slow Burn where episode 6, 7 and 8 really take off- it’s a nice feeling on Sunday night to have something new to watch that will leave us with new thoughts for the week. As others have said, not all of us are parents so we skip over that content. I’ve been reading this blog for over a decade and it was hard when it seems like I was the only one going through a divorce and it wasn’t a topic here. Ebbs and flows! Be well~
“Copernicus called… You are not the center of the universe!” Spot on!! No one is forcing anyone to read content that is not relevant to them.
This blog is marketed as — and reads like — an online magazine. If you do not like “an article” (or post) turn the page (wait for the next post!). Not everything resonates with me either — I imagine that is true for everyone except Joanna! But I continue to read b/c I like the style, the author, the mix of content, waiting to see what else is posted, the comments, and the community.
For Anon: Such a condescending comment, I wish Joanna would not bother replying to these……
Hi ANON – as someone who works in digital marketing, I’ll chime in that you might just be getting targeted at White Lotus content, based off your other interests. I just did a poll in my group text- very few of us are seeing much White Lotus content in our feeds this season, so it could just be the internet vortex you’re in right now. Sorry you feel left out. This too shall pass! PS. LOVED this interview! In another life I’d be a costume designer. I haven’t watched yet but you know I’ll be looking out for those easter eggs when I do!
I think you all are taking Anon’s comment in the most negative of ways, and no matter what, you’re actually giving her comment so much more traction by responding to it. It does say “Comments”, so I personally like it when someone has a different point of view and makes me think. I don’t think it’s necessary to shame people for their points of view. My point of view is that “The White Lotus” is a fun soap opera that offers a much needed escape from reality. This post introduced a new perspective which was very interesting. Now let’s all get off our devices and live our lives.
@JoannaGoddard The point isn’t whether you personally are being paid the point is that there is a lot of money being spent to place White Lotus in the line of influencers. You say that you like to discuss culture like books or shows but the question that would be interesting to discuss is who gets to choose what the cultural references of the moment are? Because it isn’t us!! The fact that you aren’t being paid for a post doesn’t mean that money isn’t being used to influence your posts or what we are all being exposed to every day. If I click on your post then I will automatically be exposed to more White Lotus content elsewhere online etc. We are all just pawns and the world is burning while we discuss TV shows and books that are picked and pushed on us by much bigger power players to keep us in line and occupied.
I hear you, Philippa, and I see marketing and PR efforts for sure; but there are also so many small things we write about, too, like small plays or little discoveries. that’s part of our job too, to talk both about the big cultural moments AND find lots of little treasures. like this recent off-broadway play: https://www.instagram.com/cupofjo/p/DEslUWnPuHV/ my favorite foreign film: https://cupofjo.com/2022/05/26/force-majeure-movie-food-candles/ books that didn’t get nearly enough press for how incredible they were! https://cupofjo.com/2021/05/11/sorrow-and-bliss/ https://cupofjo.com/2022/01/27/best-memoir-woman-mother-marriage/ same with the Netflix show Mo — everyone should watch: https://cupofjo.com/2025/01/28/pointelle-sweaters-mo-netflix-show/ loved these three short films (josh O’Connor!) https://cupofjo.com/2023/09/21/josh-oconnor-short-film-best-man/ and ofc Stella’s beautiful film: https://cupofjo.com/2021/12/07/stella-blackmon-short-film/ the list goes on, hope this helps! we try to both 1) discover small gems and b) enjoy the cultural conversation when things are big/buzzy.
Studying this like a holy text
hahahah same, dying to figure out the costume clues!!
agreed–Joanna please follow up so we get those costume clues!
BEST COMMENT. Ditto.
I LOVE the idea of the Swiss Alps/cold weather vacation for next season!!! I hope Mike White is reading this!
he better be!!!!
Same, PRAYING for a St. Moritz-set season with a bunch of bitchy Germans.
YES a ski resort in the Swiss alps would be incredible! And there can be wealthy guests who just hang there and never ski!!! that is such an archetype that you could play with as a writer.
YESSSS!!! I was thinking somewhere cold, but you still need to get people in cool bathing suits, LOL. Swiss Alps with a hot tub would be awesome.
I think the cold weather idea is better in theory than in practice. People in puffers on ski slopes are not sexy and they look alike. Not as much fun for the costume designers or us.
ps can’t wait to hear what and where the clues are embedded!
it’s like you read my diary — i woke up this morning thinking about white lotus clothes, in particular belinda’s gorgeous caftan. also that white shirt with the big blue shapes on it that loch wears on (and off) the boat…
oh yes! that’s from here: https://tombolocompany.com/products/reptile-dysfunction
I just learned about this site and its user experience is so seamless! You just pick the show, pick the character or episode, and boom! https://wornontv.net/
I ordered that shirt for my husband for our anniversary. It’s such a fun vibe!
https://patriciafield.com/collections/scooter-laforge-for-patricia-field T-shirts for sale
Oh yay! I was able to find Kate’s swim suit look from ep6!! https://wornontv.net/502741/ Unfortunately her cover shirt is vintage – it matches seamlessly, I love that whole look so much! My favorite outfit so far.
Belinda’s kaftan! Too bad it’s $1200… :-) https://wornontv.net/503741/
Yes, I loved that blue shirt Lachlan wore! Such a cool vibe.
I want to know more about the hand painted tees. Is that by an artist in Thailand? Or a designer? Thx!!
here’s more about those cool tees! https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-artist-scooter-laforges-clothing-designs-featured-the-white-lotus
https://patriciafield.com/collections/scooter-laforge-for-patricia-field
This was such a fun read, and I haven’t even watched the show (I know, I know! It’s on my list!). (A friendly heads up – there are different spellings for Laurie/Lori and Jaclyn/Jacqueline in the middle of the page :)
thank you, Alyssa!