Remember those classic 80s and 90s romance films that felt so real, like ‘When Harry Met Sally’ or ‘Love Jones’? They had characters you could truly connect with. While the golden age of romance films might feel like a distant memory, every so often, a movie comes along that captures that same lived-in, accessible magic. ‘Love, Brooklyn’ is one of those films.
A Visually Stunning and Linguistically Rich Rom-Com
Director Rachael Holder’s ‘Love, Brooklyn’ is officially out nationwide, and it’s a beautiful dreamscape that also packs a powerful narrative punch. The film adds a substantial and eloquent voice to the rom-com genre, thanks to its incredible cast, including Nicole Beharie, André Holland, and DeWanda Wise. Each actor brings a unique depth to their characters, making the story truly resonate.
But beyond the compelling story and performances, the film’s fashion is a character in itself. The clothing is so perfectly curated that it immediately caught the eye of writer Morgan Grain, who texted the author about it after seeing the premiere at Sundance. Spearheaded by costume designer Missy Mickens, ‘Love, Brooklyn’ joyfully showcases Brooklyn’s unique fashion scene.
Capturing the Essence of Brooklyn’s Black Creative Style
As a Brooklyn resident herself, the author notes that ‘Love, Brooklyn’ masterfully captures Black creative style in an almost effortless way. There’s a certain slickness and subtle confidence to the way people dress in the borough, highlighted by thoughtful details like striking jewelry and impeccable shoe choices. Mickens perfectly encapsulates this ‘fly’ aesthetic.
Missy Mickens: A Designer with a Vision
Missy Mickens is far from a newcomer. She brings a wealth of experience to ‘Love, Brooklyn,’ having previously worked on the award-winning play ‘Hamilton’ with Oscar winner Paul Tazewell and the acclaimed ‘Slave Play’ as a wardrobe supervisor alongside Dede Ayite. These experiences, along with inspiration from stylist Misa Hylton and early work at fashion shows since 2006, have shaped her creative process.
For ‘Love, Brooklyn,’ Mickens focused on the wardrobes of creatives, opting for memorable and slightly funky pieces. For Nicole Beharie’s character, Casey, a quirky art gallery owner with Caribbean roots, Mickens selected statement items like Maison Margiela Tabi shoes, Prada boots, an Esteban Cortazar dress, and a Victor Glemaud piece. The vibrant colors, like orange reflecting her heritage and green symbolizing her love for nature, were intentional choices.
Dressing Characters to Tell Their Stories
For André Holland’s character, Roger, a Black writer in Brooklyn, Mickens aimed to reflect his creativity through his wardrobe. He’s seen in a Zegna suit in an early scene, paired with laid-back yet sophisticated pieces, including a Johnny Nelson pendant. Roger’s tendency to mirror the colors of the person he’s dating, like Casey’s affinity for orange, symbolizes his search for love and self.
DeWanda Wise’s character, Nicole, a massage therapist and single mother, also incorporates orange, signifying her rebirth after widowhood. Her wardrobe features natural tones and pieces like orange Haram pants and a blue dress, symbolizing new beginnings. Jewelry for Nicole is sourced from Gwen Beloti, adding another layer of authenticity.
Mickens emphasizes that the distinct wardrobes define each character, ensuring they don’t all look alike – a reflection of the diverse Brooklyn she knows. “We’re not cos-playing Brooklyn,” she states, noting that each main character has lived in the borough, just as she has for 20 years. Her goal was to create a film that felt familiar and authentic to both long-time residents and newcomers.
‘Love, Brooklyn’ stands out as a new-age rom-com worth supporting, not just for its visual beauty but for its honest portrayal of a real, lived-in Brooklyn. Through thoughtful styling and a blend of character-specific wardrobes with curated pieces, Mickens tells the stories of individuals often overlooked.
What did you think of the fashion in ‘Love, Brooklyn’? How important is costume design in telling a film’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
