The fiery drama “Scandal,” starring Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, is back this week for Season 5, and Spy caught up with the show’s costume designer, Lyn Elizabeth Paolo.
Favorite shoe moments in the new season?
“As Olivia has evolved, so have her shoe choices. We began her journey with solid platform pumps by Miu Miu and Gucci. However, as her world has become less and less solid, she now favors more of a stiletto heel. Our go-to is the Manolo Blahnik collection.
Our favorite so far this season is the Crepe De Chine BB pump in black and dark gray. We also have several pairs of Manolos in pink just for those romantic interchanges with Fitz.”
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Where does your inspiration for Olivia come from?
“Our inspiration for Olivia and her whole look always comes from the amazing writing of Shonda Rhimes and her talented team of writers. Depending on where Olivia is in her career and personal life within the show, Kerry and I work together to create a look that reflects the story … [and this starts with her shoes]. I sometimes feel, as do many actors, that the shoes are the most important part of a costume. That choice informs both the audience and the actor.
I believe strongly that when you’ve found the right shoe for a character, everything else flows from that, and it’s a seamless transition for the actor to become the human that’s on the written page.”
Any set secrets to share?
“No spoilers from me, but I would like our Gladiators to take a gander at the amazing shoes on the show.”
For more of Kerry Washington’s standout shoe style, click through the gallery below.
