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Nina Azarova, a.k.a.
the OA (all played with gusto byBrit Marling) is serving some Extremely Good Looks.
), the OA undergoes a serious, rom-comesque makeover.
This total transformation is so well-done that even Marlings co-creator Zal Batmanglij was stunned.
(This particular pair is silk.)
We talked about Frida Kahlo.
Its mysterious, its attainable, its desirable, its classic.
Theres a level of chic and sophistication in there, as well.
(Zal is actually really super into fashion, adds Kasperlik.
I was so surprised.)
We really dove deep and took an immense amount of time for each thing, she sayd.
It was the darkest thing about Nina, and a real blood-red.
I think theres something symbolic about that.
I know people will remember this dress.
The spaceship embroidery isnt a coincidence, because nothing on this show is a coincidence.
(Again, yo keep up.)
Personally, I wasnt going in thinking about that when we saw it, says Gray.
I was like,Oh my gosh, Im destroying this beautiful dress.
You dont want to look at a huge slab of mud across someones chest.
I believe we only have two that are perfectly clean at this point, adds Gray.
Her character wouldnt have what we would consider sweatpants, confirms Gray.
Her loungewear would be something thats more comfortable in … adifferentway.
For Nina, everything was about touch and presentation.
It was fun to create something with a little lightness and humor.
Kasperlik and Gray werent just tasked with building out Ninas underwear drawer.
Every single drawer was immaculate and perfect.
We had a lot of amazing pieces that we called for that, Gray says with a sigh.
It was a really good closet.
I was really sad when they took it down.
McQueen has always been very cinematic to both Meghan and myself, as well as Zal, says Gray.
His designs were on our mood board from the beginning.
The two also agree it was one of the most significant outfits of the season.
In this outfit, we see OA/Nina embody her true self, says Gray.
Its sensual yet mysterious.
Shes there for a purpose.
Water like in life itself has a pivotal role inThe OA, she says.
If you pay attention, youll find water all around you in the series.
But Gray wont go so far as to reveal what the water means.
What it exactly symbolizes can be left up to interpretation, she says.
The answers lie in the minds of Brit and Zal.
Gray says that thanks to the crocheting, the dress survived the aquatic trauma.
The fabric was perfect for this jot down of water work, she explains.
It wasnt ruined after the scene a little stretched out, but still wearable.
Unfortunately, this perfect white suit is unavailable for purchase because Kasperlik designed and made it herself.
The pants are of a similar design to those Marling wears on the ferry.
As for the bold choice of shade?
A lot of times, in stunt sequences, designers will put characters in black, because its easier.
It was very simple and chic and just right, just enough.
Gray says it was important to Batmanglij and Marling that Nina feel beautiful and exotic, but also attainable.
You dont feel separated from her, even though shes a character who has everything.
On certain occasions, the hair and makeup team amped up the glamour to match the couture.
she whispers, her voice wavering.
Everything about this scene was completely recreated for itsPart IIrepetition.
But Zal very much wanted it to be exactly like the last part.
To really know everything thats in their head?
I think its not possible, says Gray.
Im sure their brains are going a mile a minute.
Theyre such an insane raw talent and storytellers, I think they take inspiration from everything theyre around.
