Fantasy Island: It’s an American classic, no doubt. When we think back to this 1970’s TV show, beyond the guests’ magical (and sometimes twisted) plotlines, we remember Mr. Rourke’s staple white blazer. The crisp white suit and cheerful island backdrop were in direct opposition to the show’s mysterious storyline.
What would the show look like in 2021? Luckily, it’s coming back for a reboot, premiering Tuesday 9/8c on FOX. We had the opportunity to catch up with the show’s Costume Designer, Allyson Fanger, to discuss how she drew inspiration from the original while giving the show new life.
Credit: Fantasy Island/FOX
RLL: The white suit is so iconic to the show. How much style inspiration did you draw from the original Fantasy Island series?
AF: I absolutely drew inspiration from the original Fantasy Island white suits. They are indeed iconic – everyone remembers those suits. I was so excited to recreate and reimagine those strong looks, now on two powerful women, especially at this moment in time. Womens’ suits are having a moment! When I looked back at the original series, I was struck by the contrast of all the lush greenery on the island set and the white suits. The suits stood in such sharp contrast to the island style, and yet still felt tropical because of their color. Also, it’s a respectful homage to the original and very beloved series.
RLL: This reboot centers on strong female leads – did that inform any of your styling decisions?
AF: Yes! My main job is to inform characters and propel the story and character arcs from the visual viewpoint. For me, there was no other choice but to use suits on these women because they needed to feel commanding and have impact and presence. Wearing a suit and pulling it off is the ultimate power move for a woman.
Credit: Fantasy Island/FOX
RLL: How do the wardrobes of Elena and Ruby differ from each other?
AF: They differ mostly in a way that helps to define the character arcs and personalities. Elena is older, more controlled, and closed off emotionally, and this is reflected in her costume choices. By wearing the white suit she is paying homage to the rich history of the island, her relative who left her the island, and all of the magic that happens on the island. For Ruby, this is a new world to her. Everything is unexpected, new, and a bit more fanciful. Ruby is recapturing her youth and embracing every moment life has to offer her. Because of these elements of her character, we added additional pieces to Ruby’s look so that she could be a bit softer and more playful.
RLL: What excited you the most about styling the reboot?
AF: Literally EVERYTHING!! It is a show that I remember watching so much as a kid growing up in Minnesota – one of my all-time favorites! The original show was so clever and magical. And then when I heard it was two female leads, I was like SIGN ME UP! I wanted to make amazing white three-piece suits for strong female characters. Also, I have worked with Liz Craft and Sarah Fain prior, and I already knew that I loved working with them.
Credit: Fantasy Island/FOX
RLL: Fantasy Island is all about escape. What about costume design provides that for viewers?
AF: When we create costumes for a world like the magical world of Fantasy Island, we deep dive into imagination, colors, shapes, and surrealism. We get to take some real liberties with the costumes on this one because of the nature of the storylines and it being a world that is happening in someone’s imagination. We did a lot of, “Well it IS Fantasy Island after all,” in order to take some leaps of faith. Costume design is absolutely a place of refuge and respite for those seeking escape, and we get to make the most visually pleasing world that we can, as we have full control of our message. And Fantasy Island is the perfect venue in which to escape, indeed.
RLL: We have to ask – is there a fantasy that you would love to experience on the island?
AF: This is a REALLY hard question! Since I work in a visual industry, I think a lot about the relationship between how people dress themselves and present themselves, and what their age is and how that plays into their choices or not. I believe that all people should dress to their character and personality and whatever it is they want to tell the world about themselves – not to their actual age, so to speak. My fantasy would be for a friend group of fabulous ladies in their fifties to go to the island and recapture their youthful bodies for a time, but maintain their wisdom and experience of age and time. Basically the idea that youth is wasted on the young, but with fabulous clothes involved.
Written By Rue Staff
