The Chair Company: A Costume Designer’s Take on Practicality in HBO’s New Show

The Chair Company, HBO's new workplace comedy, has captured attention for its unique approach to costume design. Nicky Smith, the show's costume designer, emphasizes practicality in her creations rather than high fashion.

Smith aims to reflect the authentic Midwestern life through thrifted and imperfect clothing. She believes that a character's wardrobe should tell a story, with wrinkled shirts and stretched collars enhancing the realism of the setting. "If the clothes were wrinkled or had stains, we said, 'let's wash them', but not completely get the stains out," she explains.

In the show, Tim Robinson's character, Ron Trosper, navigates chaotic scenarios in an Ohio customer service office. Smith's designs ground this madness in reality, showcasing how the characters evolve visually alongside the plot. As the story shifts from mundane office life to bizarre developments, the wardrobe subtly changes too, introducing more variety in styles.

To achieve this authentic look, Smith diligently researched how real Midwestern office workers dress. She shopped at thrift stores and scoured social media for inspiration, ensuring the costumes reflect a true socioeconomic background. This commitment to realism extends to sourcing every piece; nothing is tailored to perfection.

Overall, Smith's approach to costume design in The Chair Company highlights the beauty of imperfection, connecting directly to the show's core themes of flawed humanity and humor.