Having a great script and cast are just part of the success of a TV show especially when you are doing a period piece.
Circa 1963
“Pan Am” the new series on ABC is one where the script, cast along with set and costumes are all in sync, one that takes you back to the 1960’s. As someone who grew up in the 60’s, I can tell you that dressing like Jackie O was essential. My mother dyed her shoes to match clothing, always wore a girdle and looked amazing even for the grocery store. Here’s a photo of my mom, two of her younger sisters and myself (youngest) dressed for the zoo.
My mother also used to like to accessorize me (or maybe that was me wanting to be like Barbie?) with gloves and purses and shiny shoes. Either way, it was a way that a girl (woman) dressed and felt confident in herself as she went shopping, out to dinner or even to work.
Circa 1964 - Dressed up for Skipper Chuck's Popeye Playhouse TV show audience
I remember the first time I flew in an airplane was 1972, we went to the Bahamas from Miami where I grew up. They had champagne on the flight for the passengers and it was so much like you see on the show Pan Am, very put together flight attendants and one young girl who dreamed about traveling the world watching them during the flight.
Back to the reason for posting this story on the costumes of Pan Am.
Tomorrow is Halloween – and although this is a little late in coming out – so you might not have time to get all the details right, I thought you’d like to know what they are for the uniform:
- Blue Suit with a Jacket and Skirt – The “Pan Am Blue” is close to a Royal Blue. Suits can be found at your local thrift store. If you’re handy, you can tailor your jacket to make it fit your ladylike figure and shorten the sleeves. Similarly, the skirt length is acceptable just to your knee.
- White Collared Shirt – Spread the collar over the lapel of the suit jacket.
- White Gloves – Gloves should reach the middle of your arm. Opera length gloves are too long. In a pinch, use shorter gloves, not longer ones.
- Nylon Hosiery – In the ‘60s, hosiery was not as sheer as today. Emphasize that you’re wearing hosiery by wearing a less-sheer style.
- Short-Heeled Black Pumps – The stewardesses of Pan Am were on their feet all day, so find a sensible, lower heel.
- Pan Am Wings Lapel Pin – A pattern is available for you to download at http://cdn.media.abc.go.com/m/pdf/shows/pan-am/PA_Hat_.pdf. Simply print it out, cut it carefully and attach it to a piece of heavy paper or thin cardboard (like that of a milk carton). Then, affix a safety pin to this and wear your wing on the left side of your jacket (over your heart).
- Pan Am Stewardess Cap – A pattern to create your own paper cap is available for download at http://cdn.media.abc.go.com/m/pdf/shows/pan-am/PA_Hat_.pdf. There’s a pattern for the Pan Am cap pin provided as well.
- Pan Am Flight Bag – If you haven’t yet ordered your own bag, you can create your own by modifying a bowling bag or other similar large bag.
Interview with Ane Crabtree
"Pan Am" on ABC
This week, I got to sit in on an interview with Ane Crabtree, who is the costume designer for “Pan Am” and learned some very interesting facts – like the costume blue is not the same – for camera they punched the color up a bit so it wouldn’t look so dull.
The female cast members were introduced to original “foundation garments” i.e. girdles and pointy bras, which they say makes them feel different in their clothes.
Perhaps that’s what the women of Jackie O’s time period like my mother felt – pulled together.
More About Ane
"Pan Am" on ABC Sunday Nights
More about the TV show: “Pan Am”
Passion, adventure and espionage… They experience it all – and they experience it at 30,000 feet. The style of the 1960s, the energy and excitement of the Jet Age and a drama full of sexy entanglements deliciously mesh in a thrilling and highly original new series.
PAN AM stars Christina Ricci (“Penelope”) as Maggie, Margot Robbie (“Neighbours”) as Laura, Michael Mosley (“Justified”) as Ted, Karine Vanasse (“Polytechnique”) as Colette, Mike Vogel (“The Help,” “Blue Valentine”) as Dean and Kelli Garner (“Going the Distance”) as Kate.
Series creator Jack Orman (“ER,” “Men of a Certain Age”), Thomas Schlamme (“The West Wing,” “Parenthood,” “Mr. Sunshine”), Nancy Hult Ganis (“Akleeh and the Bee”) and Steven Madea (“Lie to Me,” “Lost”) are executive producers. “Pan Am” is produced by Jack Orman Productions, Out of the Blue Entertainment and Shoe Money Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.
Be a Fan – follow Pan Am on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PanAmABC
Catch up on clips and episodes here: http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/pan-am
Radio Disney will be airing Cody Simpson’s Jam Session with Season 4 “N.B.T.” artists THIS Friday, Oct. 28thas part of round 2 later that evening (he will be featured with the remaining 4 artists).
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