Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1178754
22 The Costume Designer Fall 2019 Mandi Line In Conversation: T he atmosphere was buzzing as fans of all ages gathered in The Atrium at Westfield Century City for "BH90210: Now Wear This!" the fourth in a line of Costume Design conversations in partnership with the CDGA. Reverberant applause greeted Costume Designer Mandi Line and execu- tive producers/actors Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling for a lively conversation spotlighting the importance of costumes for the new Fox series. Moderated by the bubbly Nischelle Turner from Entertainment Tonight, co-creators Garth and Spelling revealed their concept was not a continuation of Beverly Hills 90210, but rather a fun romp of a show within a show, where the cast play fictionalized versions of themselves 19 years later, trying to get a revival show on the air. Of paramount importance was the costumes be stylish, innovative, and on-point. Line's niche of creating characters through her unique blend of high and low fashion with acute attention to detail, made her the perfect choice. With no prep at all, Line started work at the end of episode one, and overnight made sure each character had their own distinct, bold identity. "I love all these approach- able characters," says Line. "I design them as a heightened interpretation of their real-life selves. Tori is vintage/high- end, and dresses to her surroundings … she dresses for the moment! In contrast, Jennie is chic, fun, in clean lines with amazing accessories to pump up each look! No prints and nothing too loud. Shannen is my rocker-boho chick, super eclectic, with sexy undertones. Gabby is a major departure from the character we used to know. Now she is light- hearted sophistication with an edge, and major accessories!" Giving equal attention to the men in the cast, Line describes, "Jason is James Dean meets Christopher Nolan, sexy, edgy, and when directing, he's an on-the-nose cliché filmmaker. Ian works hard for that physique! He's very, very high-end, clean, and tailored. Brian is young, wild, more is more! He can wear anything. I love going over the top with him!" Line, who has participated in many interviews and events over the years, was extremely impressed with the attention to detail demonstrated by Westfield Century City and CDGA executive producers, Jumpline. "Every aspect was well thought out, from the 90210 signature theme of beachy pastels and palm trees, to the food and milkshakes. Mannequins, impeccably dressed in costumes for each char- acter, were on display with placards that gave me credit as Costume Designer—recognition we should be receiving for all costume exhibits." The event evoked a true feeling of family. Showrunners and co-creators/executive producers Chris Alberghini and Mike Chessler, along with actresses Gabrielle Carteris and Christine Elise were also in the audience, often calling out comments confirming their support and admiration for Line's costumes. "This show is my dream job," says Line, "it's every- thing I wished for … I just forgot to add to shoot in LA!" By Bonnie Nipar at Westfield Century City Gabrielle Carteris, Tori Spelling, Mandi Line, Jennie Garth, Christine Elise, Nischelle Turner (L-R)