Interview with Costume Designer of “The Starter Wife” – Agata Maskiewics
Just how does a costume designer develop a character’s wardrobe? Agata Maskiewics, the lead stylist of Debra Messing’s character, “Molly Kagen,” shares her experience with Agenda . Styling a top actress like Messing on a hit mini-series that received 10 Emmy Award nominations, well, this Polish costume designer is fulfilling her dream. With her own unique “start” in the fashion industry, from the bottom up, Maskiewics talks about her inspiration, the role of a costume designer, and two common sense fashion philosophies to live by.
Where do you get your inspiration in styling Debra Messing’s character on “The Starter Wife?”
A lot of my inspiration for Debra’s character comes from fashion magazines. I look through
just about all of them and try to find a way to incorporate those pages and the runway looks into the wardrobe of Debra’s character, Molly Kagen. I also love watching women in Beverly Hills; Molly’s character is a combination of the many varieties of shopping and lunching ladies of Los Angeles. And since our production is in LA, I’ve had the incredible privilege to create Molly’s look by pulling from the latest offerings at high-end designer boutiques and upscale department stores.
How involved are you with the script for each episode? How far in advance do you plan Messing’s outfits?
Making a TV show is a very collaborative experience; I usually get the script for an episode two weeks in advance of filming. After reading through the script and making notes, we typically have a few meetings with the producers, director, and writer so we can discuss how best to get their ideas across. Some outfits I have in my mind for weeks, just waiting for the right scene and occasion to use them. I also have photos from earlier fittings and pick up different pieces of clothing a few days ahead of time, but the complete wardrobe for the episode pretty much comes together at the last possible moment.
What type of satisfaction do you get from being the lead stylist on such a popular show?
I must say my job is a tremendous amount of fun, even though there are certainly times of chaos. I love working with beautiful clothes and shopping, so that alone is a wonderful perk of the job. I really like seeing my ideas visualized on the screen and take a lot of satisfaction from that. And being able to design a show like “The Starter Wife” has been an amazing experience because I’ve had the opportunity to create fashionable looks along with a range of costumes for the many fantasy scenes Molly has throughout the season. Those are always a lot of fun and a challenge to figure out with each new script.
How has your education and experience led you up to this point?
I started working in the film & TV industry after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where I studied fashion design. Before that I went to art school in Poland, which is where I was born and raised. I started as an intern on a feature film and worked my way up holding various positions in the costume department. I think the experience of starting at the bottom and working my way up the ranks through the years has taught me just as much as my schooling. There is definitely something to be said for on the job training, and sometimes the best thing is to just get in the trenches and get that experience.
What other television shows or events have you worked as a stylist?
I have worked as an assistant designer on many different projects, the most notable being “CSI.” I then was the costume designer for “CSI: NY” and “Close to Home.”
What type of advice would you give someone who wants to be a celebrity stylist?
I’m not really a stylist; I am a costume designer. Although the two are often confused, there
is quite a difference between them. As a costume designer my challenge is to help create a character through what the actor wears. I don’t actually style celebrities. However, my advice for either area would be to make sure you have a passion for this line of work, the hours are long, and it’s not a glamorous lifestyle. It can be rewarding, however, and I am lucky enough to love what I do.
What are your fashion philosophies?
There are two main philosophies that I preach when it comes to fashion. One, make sure that whatever you are wearing fits you properly; nothing ruins an outfit faster than a bad fit. Luckily, it’s easy and relatively inexpensive to get the necessary fix, as any good dry cleaner can easily make basic alterations that will make all the difference. And two, always wear your clothes with confidence. Whether you are dressed in high-end designer pieces or a great find from the thrift store, walk tall and with a dazzling smile. Nothing sells a look better than confidence.
Elana Pruitt
