Visual Storytellers: Beyond The Words

8/10/2015

There's another story being told that you're probably not paying attention to.

Rebekka Sorenson.

You probably don't know her by name, but you've seen her work hundreds---if not thousands---of times (the number of times is a function of how often you're binge-watching SSD! haha).

If you've ever wondered who styled our POstables into their signature wardrobes, costume designer Rebekka Sorenson is the answer. Each necklace, sweater and pocket square is in her purview, telling a visual story behind every word of dialogue.

Her professional website describes her as "specializ[ing] in designing costumes that visually reflects the individual character's traits, which adds another important layer to the story being told." It's no wonder Martha, master storyteller on all levels, chose her to clothe these characters. In turn, Martha trusted her to tell a side of Martha's story that reaches beyond the dialogue. And when one reads between the lines, they find out quite a bit more than they anticipated---trust me!

In an interview with Zap2It back in 2014, Rebekka revealed not only a few of the Canadian hotspots that she shops for Oliver, Shane, Rita and Norman, but also reveals that Shane's look, with it's modern "business-chic" style, is meant to reflect the, "strong, confident and very caring" women she is. Sorenson shares a few tidbits about Rita and Oliver as well.

Yet while Sorenson focuses on character traits, this week on the blog we'll be looking at wardrobes from a narrative perspective. What does it mean when Oliver's without a suit jacket? Did you miss Shane's transition from pants to pencil skirts? Does Norman's new look mean he's planning to takeover the DLO? Will there ever be a time Rita might no longer sport her trademark owl accessories?

Indeed, there's a host of stories being told with each dress, pinstripe, loafer and every hue of fabric.

Have your attention now, don't I?

Come back all this week to see the stories you might have missed!

Making It Work,
~C

Wardrobe Week: Introduction | Norman | Oliver | Shane | Rita

10 Comments

Diane

8/10/2015 05:27:28 am

When Oliver is without a suit jacket it means one of two things :
1. He's getting ready to work.
2. He's getting ready to dance.

Shane transition to dresses - love it !

Norman's new look - he would not be Norman in a suit, that's all I can say.

Rita - I hope she never gives up her owls.

One other thing I've noticed is that while Shane has transitioned from pants to skirts/dresses, Rita is always in a skirt or dress. There was one exception in Episode 8 (The Dark of Night). While seated in front of Oliver's desk, reading part of Melissa's letter, she in in pants. Barely noticeable but it's definitely pants. That is the only time I've ever seen her in pants. Interesting.

Chandel link

8/10/2015 06:28:19 am

You're definitely right about Rita only wearing pants once. It was definitely an outlier---at least from what I can remember off the top of my head!

As for Rita's owls, there's a character development reason she could get beyond owls. But, like you, I'm kinds hoping she doesn't! Friday is definitely another way to look at the week as a whole!

Cameron

8/10/2015 06:09:11 am

I never really paid close attention to the details of the postables wardrobe, overall, until "A Thousand Words: Examining SSD Posters", with the exception of Oliver. It always kind of stood out when Oliver was without his suit jacket (The Masterpiece being an obvious example), because it seemed like it was, somewhat, a physical representation of his level of comfort. It showed he was able to relax and "let his hair down" given the circumstances of the situation. I'm very interested in hearing your genius take on it, Chandel! However, I've always admired their wardrobes (specifically Shane's) and thought they suited their character's personality very well. Rebekka Sorenson does her job very well!

Also, I 'lol'ed at your closing.

Chandel link

8/10/2015 06:21:50 am

You better be careful, Cam. At this rate, I'm gonna make you start blogging for me lol. You're definitely onto something, though. There's a little more to it, but you're onto something....see you Weds. :)

Also, I'm glad someone picked up on the closer haha

kathy

8/10/2015 03:42:21 pm

I agree with Diane in regards to Oliver. Would like to know if Rebekka would ever consider putting him in fashion jeans with a checked shirt.Remember when Shane was talking to Becky about Oliver? " He talks like he expects us to be better, 'by taking pride in their job, and all they do . I also think she has become Oliver's right hand , an extension of him. She's a take charge , independent woman who could deliver just as well as he can! Love Rita just the way she is... owl's and all. Norman is Norman, and I don't think he wants to be in charge of the dlo. He just wants to be with Rita, and the rest of the "family."

Diane

8/11/2015 02:07:42 am

I would love to see Oliver in jeans - taking Shane on a date to a baseball game or a picnic in the park. <3

kathy

8/11/2015 03:40:51 am

Me too!

8/11/2015 12:14:35 pm

Oliver without a suit jacket is rare. Oliver without a tie is even more so. Can anyone think of an example of him without a tie outside of the Christmas movie? I can't off the top of my head...

Tara

5/3/2019 09:48:52 am

When Oliver went camping with his dad, he was not wearing a tie.

5/18/2019 01:30:35 am

Truth Be Told - Oliver wears a checked shirt and casual pants to fix the porch swing at Shane's house - no tie here that I remember - bit dangerous anyway, he was using a skill saw! He then wears the same thing to go and visit his Dad Joe at his house.

Higher Ground - Oliver wore a blue jersey over a shirt and no tie to go to the Blues concert at the MailBox Grille where they thought Gabe might come. But this was a Saturday night and then the next morning he is wearing the same thing with a jacket when they find Gabe on the steps - but again this is now a Sunday,

Seeing Oliver without a tie and his shirt unbuttoned in To the Altar was strange - so not used to it, but I guess he couldn't keep wearing the green tie after promising not to!

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Visual Storytellers: Beyond The Words

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