How 1923 used fashion to show Jacob and Cara Dutton’s pain

One of the reasons 1923 became such a compelling watch wasn’t just its storyline or ensemble cast, but the way it used fashion to bring the characters’ hardships to life. The outfits of the characters denoted the situations that they were going through. It helped in adding a layer of complexity and realism to the storyline, making the show such a huge success.

The gritty storyline would have been incomplete without the proper fashion choices. Especially if we focus on Jacob and Cara Dutton’s outfits through the episodes, each outfit holds a deep meaning and helps in depicting their internal struggles and battles in life.

How 1923 used fashion to show Jacob and Cara Dutton’s pain

Cara and Jacob go through numerous difficult situations in 1923. From familial struggles to how they handle the impact of the Great Depression, we see them go through a lot. The storyline of the series does not shy away from showing gritty realism. In an interview with Gold Derby, costume designer Janie Bryant discusses dressing Harrison Ford’s Jacob and Helen Mirren’s Cara Dutton, saying,

“their story really is about having a palette of darker clothing because they have gone through the turmoil and the stress of having this ranch and going through the journey of living on the ranch. That's also in contrast of Alex [Julia Schlaepfer] and Liz's [Michelle Randolph] palette, because when I talked to Taylor about those two characters, they're really the eternal brides. Their palette is quite light.”

Fashion plays a vital role in depicting the deeper meaning that the show tries to convey. Through Jacob and Cara’s fashion choices, which methodically go darker and darker, a clear indication of their difficulties, this show has captured the meaning with perfect nuance. It captures their pain. While discussing the inspiration for the outfits of the show, Janie Bryant also adds,

“I do a lot of research from online to different stills and photographs and newspapers from the 1920s. I put the whole design book together for each character. That is really helpful for me. I love to share it with my crew, with Taylor and of course, with the actors.”

It cannot be denied that she and her whole team did a commendable job in bringing out the era through the fashion choices of the characters.

Apart from the lead characters of 1923, the other characters also bring out the significance of fashion through their outfits. There were about 5000 extras in the show.

Every one of them was perfectly dressed according to the era and the timeline. Through Alexandra and Spencer’s outfits, the show also depicts the difficulties that they have been through.

1923 is a show worth investing your time in. From the Great Depression to the throes of Prohibition, this show takes us viewers on a journey where we get to see the character going through these difficulties and handling the situations in a nuanced manner.

The meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the show reflects the creators’ sheer dedication. The drama carries an almost watchful, surveillance-like tension that keeps viewers on edge. Striking the right balance of violence, loss, and betrayal, it crafts a raw and gritty narrative that’s impossible to look away from.

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