In just four weeks, costume designer Colin Wilkes masterfully crafted approximately 92 looks for Netflix’s acclaimed film People We Meet on Vacation. Her effort became a collaborative endeavor, inspiring a global quest for the ideal attire that reflects the free-spirited elegance of the main character, Poppy Wright. This search spanned across cities such as Los Angeles, London, Germany, New York, and Barcelona. Each piece was designed to embody the essence of Poppy’s character.
Wilkes drew influence from diverse locales including New Orleans, Tuscany, and Barcelona, resulting in stunning outfits that seamlessly balanced bold colors and statement pieces with an understated elegance. Her designs provided a visual narrative that resonated with both fashion enthusiasts and rom-com fans.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Netflix)
In the film’s opening scene, Poppy talks about the liberating experience of vacationing and transforming one’s identity. How did you convey this spirit through the costumes, and how can our readers channel that energy for their own trips?
I approached each vacation as if Poppy were creating her own identity. She drew inspiration from books, films, and music. For example, a movie set in Italy influenced her wardrobe, reflecting the elegance of Italian fashion. Additionally, a painting could inspire the color palette. My goal was to explore “who is this persona she wishes to embody?” Poppy is a free spirit who uses clothing as self-expression, allowing her to paint a picture of herself through her wardrobe.
What’s exciting about vacationing is the opportunity to reinvent yourself; it’s a premeditated adventure in self-expression. You can experiment with accessorizing or opt for a simple dress as your statement piece. By the film’s conclusion, Poppy has fully embraced her unique style and self-expression through fashion.
It’s interesting that you mentioned a statement piece can be anything from jewelry to a striking gown. The chartreuse dress she wore for the rehearsal dinner caught my eye; it felt remarkably elegant with just the dress alone. What’s the story behind that specific choice?
This moment in the film was significant, leading me to consider if adding accessories would detract from its impact. Sometimes, less is indeed more. The script called for a green dress, but I aimed for a shade distinct from stereotypical greens. This chartreuse hue didn’t have its place in cinematic history, making it a perfect choice. The wrap design suited Poppy’s movements beautifully and complemented Emily [Bader]’s figure perfectly.
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Poppy’s effortless style is accentuated by thoughtful accessories, like the seashell necklace in the opening scene and the charm necklace during the camping trip. Each piece seems to fit perfectly. What was your inspiration for these accessories? Where can our readers find similar stunning pieces?
My assistant costume designer, Rachel [Hranka], was sourcing in Los Angeles while we filmed in Spain, where a rich vintage culture exists. Delving into vintage shops yields wonderful pieces that can stand the test of time. We rented many unique items and collaborated with crew members who shared their private collections of rings and accessories.
Much of the jewelry we sourced came from vintage finds in L.A. and Madrid. Embracing Poppy’s narrative of “the thrill of the find,” we explored various shops, guided by local experts in Barcelona, discovering distinct pieces with character. This approach also applied to the purses, ensuring Poppy’s accessories were combinations and stacks unique to her style. By the project’s end, our collection of jewelry was substantial, and I spent hours crafting combinations to see what looked best.
How can our readers access that personal style intuition instead of merely following trends?
Fashion is such an incredibly personal expression, and everyone is drawn to different styles. Building an outfit should be straightforward, particularly while traveling with limited luggage. Everything can become part of a capsule wardrobe, accented by bold accessories. For me, this means seeking architectural statements, while others may prefer gem-encrusted pieces.
Ultimately, it comes down to the mood you want to evoke through your clothing. The concept of “theme matters” was frequently discussed during our design process. In one critical moment, when Poppy is aboard a plane, she dons a striking accessory that evokes the essence of a royal Egyptian queen adorned in jewels. Encouraging individuals to think of their entire outfit, including accessories, as an integral piece of expression will help them discover their unique voice.
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What inspired the vibes of New Orleans, Barcelona, and Tuscany, and how did these locations inform the characters’ looks?
In Tuscany, the focus was on a soft, summery color palette, reminiscent of the romantic quality of paintings that capture the summer light. I chose butter yellows and other hues that reflected the landscape, along with vintage statement earrings and scarves. These elements embodied Poppy’s time in a villa, as she wore a cute crop top and a classic linen shirt.
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New Orleans, on the other hand, embraced a disco-ball vibe, reminiscent of Studio 54, and nodding to the rhinestone cowgirl aesthetic. The playful styles complemented the characters, especially providing a visual contrast between Alex and Poppy, each sporting their own retro charm.
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In Barcelona, I wanted to capture the city’s romantic energy, reflecting the sophisticated atmosphere. I integrated the influence of Gaudí’s architectural shapes into the dresses, with organic designs like Poppy’s ring and purse echoing the city’s sculptural elements. The color palette was inspired by the murals and tiles, rich in reds and chartreuse, reflecting the city’s vibrant spirit.
When it comes to Alex’s wardrobe, what was your thought process in styling him to provide a visual contrast with Poppy?
Much of Alex’s wardrobe was intentionally designed to contrast with Poppy’s, enhancing their dynamic on-screen interactions. During the Tuscany scene, he portrayed elegance with darker tones while she wore lighter shades, visually representing their emotional clash, which was a pivotal element of their character journeys. As the story advances, his style transforms, influenced by Poppy and Sarah’s tastes, presenting a more mature evolution in his wardrobe.
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Poppy consistently exuded chicness during her travels. How can travelers achieve that balance of comfort and style when navigating the world?
The key is to choose pieces that allow mobility while maintaining a classic look. For instance, Poppy wore chic wool shorts that offered ease of movement while looking sophisticated. Classic lines and elegant staples, which can be mixed and matched, are essential.
While we have seen Poppy in stunning wedding attire, what would she wear for a casual day visiting landmarks like the Sagrada Familia or the Picasso Museum?
As a New Yorker, Poppy would likely opt for stylish, comfortable footwear—perhaps statement sneakers in bold colors. Pairing these with a vibrant accessory, like a statement necklace or headscarf, would encapsulate her fashionable travel style while ensuring she’s prepared for a day of exploration.
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Were there any fashion Easter eggs that viewers may have overlooked?
Certainly! One notable reference is to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days with the gown. Additionally, in the spin studio scene, Poppy sports a Vail shirt, a nod to the book where the characters visit Vail, Colorado. The red cowboy boots she wears also reference moments from the book, contributing to a playful connection between the film and its literary counterpart with classic pieces like white tees for Alex representing an iconic American style.
Where might Poppy enjoy shopping, and what were some key sources for sourcing costumes in the film?
Poppy would likely love to explore Los Feliz Vintage in Barcelona, where one of the owners, Nadia, has a remarkable archival collection available for online shopping. Supporting small, artisan jewelry makers is essential to Poppy’s style, as she would seek out local artists during her travels, collecting unique pieces from each location.
She would pin vintage finds from places she visited, compiling a visual scrapbook reflected in her wardrobe. For instance, I incorporated a bracelet gifted to me by my grandmother from Egypt into Poppy’s collection, showcasing how her pieces represent both personal significance and adventurous spirit—finding treasures that echo the thrill of travel.
