In the days before streaming giants took over our tellies, TV shows were distinctly unglamorous. Small productions meant small-screen stars and small budgets to match. But in this era of the super-streamers, the TV show has been elevated to blockbuster standing, with everything turned up several notches, from casting to costumes.
Netflix’s The Politician declared its fashion intent in the pilot episode. Gwyneth Paltrow poolside in a flowing emerald green kaftan and wrists heavy with gold and turquoise jewellery, or gardening in a scarlet red gown, matching gloves and ruby earrings the size of boiled sweets. Lucy Boynton in mourning in a frill-fronted white blouse layered under a pinafore dress, a bow tied at the collar. Julia Schlaepfer scheming in a coral twinset and pearls. Jessica Lange making a scene armed with a power blowdry and oversized Jackie-O-meets-JLo sunglasses.
The plotlines, which follow Ben