HBO’s new series, The Chair Company, has impressed viewers with its unique story and a remarkably realistic look. Often, TV shows feature characters’ clothing so glamorous that it overtakes the story. However, The Chair Company completely overturns this notion. The purpose of the clothing in this show is not to project glamour, but to reflect the true identity of the characters.
The Costume Designer’s Perspective – “Simplicity is Real Style”
The show’s costume designer explained in an interview that she prioritized “practicality” over “fashion” for this project. She said, “We didn’t want the audience to see the characters’ clothes; we wanted them to feel the characters.” This approach became the hallmark of the series.
A Glimpse of Humanity Over Fashion
In this show, each character’s clothing reflects their social class, profession, and lifestyle. A professor’s shirt appears slightly crumpled, an office worker’s pants appear slightly loose—all of this was done intentionally to maintain authenticity. The designer says, “Not everyone is perfect in life, so why should they be on screen?”\
New Thinking in Old Clothes
Many of the costumes for The Chair Company were made from second-hand or recycled fabrics. This not only saved the production budget but also promoted sustainability. The team sourced fabrics from local shops and thrift stores to maintain authenticity in the characters’ looks.
Characters’ Clothing Reveals Their Story
Each character’s wardrobe is like a book—each outfit holds a chapter in their life. For example, the show’s main character’s blouses and cardigans reflect her experience and maturity. The younger characters’ T-shirts and jeans convey their confidence and sense of change. This detailing is what sets The Chair Company apart from other shows.
“Not the runway, but real life” – that was the mantra
The costume team’s goal was that when the audience saw the characters, they felt, “Hey! I’m wearing that too.” This connection connected the show to the ground. This approach made The Chair Company not just a story, but a real-life experience.
Backstage Hard Work – The Importance of Every Button and Fold
Often viewers don’t notice, but the costume team worked on every little detail. It took days to find the right shade of blouse for a scene. In some cases, buttons needed to look worn, and in others, a slight wrinkle needed to be added to the fabric. These small details together bring the show to life.
The Power of Simplicity
In today’s era, when every TV show is competing for fashion and glamour, The Chair Company has turned simplicity into its strength. Audiences are able to see themselves in the characters because these clothes are not “runway-ready,” but “real-life-ready.” This is why the show’s costumes are ordinary in appearance, yet profound in impact.
Audience Reaction – “This Show Is Like Our Lives”
After the series’ release, viewers praised its costumes on social media. Many commented that the characters’ outfits reminded them of their college or office days. Someone even jokingly wrote, “I think I wore this same sweater last year!” This is true success—when the clothes become more a part of life than the story.
A New Direction for the Future
The Chair Company proved that a TV show doesn’t have to be high-fashion to be a good show. Sometimes simplicity is the most appealing. This show has opened a new path for future projects—where clothing isn’t just decoration but the soul of the character.
Conclusion: A Story of Simplicity That Touches the Heart
The Chair Company’s uniqueness lies in its realism—the characters, the story, and the clothes. The show reminded audiences that true style isn’t about what shines, but about what’s authentic. The costume designer’s philosophy is an inspiration for today’s fashion industry—that true beauty is never artificial; it lies in simplicity.
