How to get the Mad Men inspired vintage bridal look

For those of you who haven't seen it, the US television drama Man Men is set in 1960s New York and follows the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue adverting, an ego-driven world where key players make an art of the sell. But the fashion is what has got us talking and catching up with the shows costume designer Janie Bryant was a real treat.

Do you think Mad Men can in some way be credited for the new interest in all things vintage?

Oh yes absolutely!

With vintage being huge in the bridal world at the moment how can a bride create this look?

A lace gown always harks to vintage and lace is so romantic, feminine and classic. Also beautiful headpieces that have that vintage flare are little pill box hats with a veil or a decorative fascinator.

What style of wedding dress would you choose for a curvy bride?

One that accentuates her waist. I always believe in showing off your curves rather than trying to hide them. Shapewear - especially waist nippers and thigh slimmers can smooth and contour the body, creating a gorgeous and feminine hourglass shape - the perfect complement for a mermaid, sheath, column or any silhouette. Maidenform's Flexees ® Easy Up® Pull-on Waistnipper is the perfect undergarment to achieve this look.

How did you get involved with Maidenform*?

During shooting Season ll of Mad Men there was an episode that included a Maidenform ad campaign, it inspired me to look at some of Maidenform's iconic ads for my book "The Fashion File". I've also always loved intimate apparel and shapewear. I contacted Maidenform's PR agency and after meeting with Maidenform and discussing our shared passion for intimate apparel, a partnership just made sense.

How important are the under garments in terms of creating that silhouette?

Very important. It's an intricate part of every costume. It really is the foundation of a look.

A bride wants to be ultra comfortable on her wedding day. Can she be wearing Maidenform?

Absolutely. Their Custom Lift® bustier is one of my favorite pieces - I wear it almost every day - and it's perfect for brides. It's strapless convertible, sexy and cinches the waist - I love it!

How can we average girls get the Mad Men style without looking like we're wearing a costume?

A sheath dress is a perfect way to go. It is the most flattering silhouette. It hearkens back to the period but always looks modern.

What's the biggest challenge of your job?

There are so many! I would have to say when designing Mad Men in particular it's about merging the progression of the years seamlessly from season to season.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from so many different places but for me it's mostly about the research and totally immersing myself in a period.

Do you have a favourite designer and why?

I always have many favorites! My "Tried and Trues" are Christian La Croix, Valentino, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce and Gabanna and Marchesa. All of these designers have a true understanding of the female form with a bit of whimsy, elegance, and femininity! All of my favorite things!

Which Mad Men character is the most fun to dress?

People always ask me this question. For me it's more about what's going on with the character in the script that excites me more than just a single character. I do have favorite costumes though. Some of Joan's costumes in season four are some of my favorites like her blue and white dress with the navy and cream ruffle and I love Betty's gorgeous costume at the end of season two- a beige brocade dress and matching jacket with mink trim, just to name a couple.

There are a lot of strong female characters in the series so how do their clothes reflect them?

It is my job as the costume designer to tell a story about each of the characters through their clothing. Each piece of their costume tells a particular story of who these characters are.

Were any/many of the clothes & accessories originally sourced or did they all have to be specially created/designed?

When costume designing the show I design and build from scratch, do rentals from the costume shops in Los Angeles, buy and redesign vintage and buy vintage. The shoes are purchased in vintage stores and/or rented and that goes for the accessories as well. All of this cannot be done alone! I have an amazing costume department that works with me.

In terms of the men's costumes, how do the suits of the era differ from todays off the rack suits?

The suits of that period have a very narrow collar and lapel. The rise of the trousers is much longer and is made to sit at the natural waist. The materials are very different as well. Most of the suits of that period were wool blends creating that permanent press effect to always look neat and perfectly wrinkle free.