the lady in green

Being someone who never watches TV, I shocked myself by actually getting into the HBO series Deadwood (of course viewed from a friend’s DVD, not the actual television).

The last episode I’ve viewed (haven’t yet acquired the third and final season) was Episode 24 of Season 2 - an eventful one to say the least. There were a few fabulous fashion moments and bridal superstitions to note.

In this episode, former NY Society Lady Alma Garret agrees to marry rough-and-ready Ellsworth, the gold prospector overseeing her highly profitable claim (but mostly to “explain” her otherwise out-of-wedlock pregnancy due to her steamy romance with Sheriff Bullock). Anyway, somehow the tailor convinces Ellsworth that it is proper to wear lavender gloves to the ceremony, which I have to agree with Ellsworth, is indeed ridiculous.

Joannie | Jane | Alma | Ellsworth | Bullock

Meanwhile at the Chez Amis brothel, “high-class” and well-dressed prostitute Joannie Stubbs has taken in “boozer and browler” Calamity Jane, and is instructing her on attire for the wedding (which happens to fall in the same week as the funeral for Bullock’s son). She warns that the “same clothes worn to nuptials the week of a funeral curse bride & groom forever.” And when Jane begrudgingly asks about wearing undergarments, Joannie’s reply is: “Undergarments - yes! Over privates, in layers, or bride & groom are doomed.”

So, as if all that wedding etiquette wasn’t enough already - you can now throw in some superstition!

The show’s website has interesting coverage of costume designer Katherine Jane Bryant’s inspirations and design process, including sketches and fabric swatches.

*images and quotes from the HBO website