A Mabel Mora Fashion Post: Only Murders in the Building's Costume Designer Explains her Inspiration
Costume designer Dana Covarrubias gave Us the lowdown on how she dresses Selena Gomez, Martin Short and Steve Martin in Only Murders in the Building. https://t.co/rZbygmrzZb
- Us Weekly (@usweekly) September 26, 2023
Costume designer Dana Covarrubias says the stars are all "very involved" in their characters' wardrobes and that during fittings Selena Gomez will sometimes say "this feels too Selena" or might put something on and decide "this feels very Mabel".
Covarrubias notes that even though Mabel has access to her aunt's wardrobe, "we can't have her wearing too high-end things" because she doesn't have a job, so she looks to second-hand and vintage for inspiration.
On-screen, Howard Morris may covet her wardrobe, but Mabel's outfits have also become popular with fans of the show. Here are some of my favourite Mabel looks and the designer's inspiration behind them:
Teddy Coat with White Boots (S1, E6)
Despite wanting to keep Mabel and Selena's fashion separate, one thing that crossed over from Gomez's personal style is hoop earrings. Mabel wears hoops of all sizes throughout the series, most of which come from jeweller Jennifer Fisher. Another crossover is Gomez's love of comfort, a concept perfectly embodied in this teddy coat.
Colourful Confetti Sweater (S1, E2)
Covarrubias found this piece while vintage shopping Brooklyn, and names it her favourite out of Mabel's extensive sweater collection. Apparently she regularly searches NYC thrift shops and luxury resale sites, “it’s amazing for film because we’re on a tight budget". The costume designer said she chose a lot of chunky knits to look like items Mabel could have made herself.
Blue Sweater with Plaid Skirt (S2, E6/7/8)
This top and skirt combination remind me of Liv Tyler in Empire Records, but apparently for season two, the costume department drew inspiration "from Hitchcock, using Grace Kelly and Tippi Hedren as influences". Covarrubias says while the show is a comedy, it still needs to be “balanced in a way that it’s not too over the top or not too silly”.
Green Coat (S3, E7)
According to Covarrubias, season three's wardrobe is influenced by musical theatre, with each of "Mabel's costumes directly inspired by one or two musicals" including Guys and Dolls, Chicago and Little Shop of Horrors. Guys and Dolls, she explains, is "all about New York City gangsters and they all wear these really loud, brightly colored, plaid suits."
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This post is an excuse to discuss our favourite fashion moments from the show, please share yours in the comments :)