‘Nashville’ Style On Set: Reflecting On Standout Shoe Moments
Kristen Henning
Women's Editor
Both cowboy boots and Jimmy Choo heels are made for walking on the set of “Nashville.”
But the show, currently in its fourth season, is coming to an end. The May 25 episode will now be the season finale and the end of the series.
The show stars Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Aubrey Peeples and others. As for the shoes, the show features a wide range of footwear brands, according to costume designer Susie DeSanto.
“The whole style aesthetic of our show is really Southern sophistication,” she said. “We work with a lot of beautiful designer brands.” But since the show is centered on performances, DeSanto is also focused on shoes fit for the stage. “When we feature big arena tours, we really try to bust out all of the sparkle,” she said.
Here, FN reflects on the show’s fashion with an interview with Santos during Season 3.
Watch on FN
What are some of your favorite labels to feature?
“The shoes on the show, especially for Connie [Britton] and Hayden [Panettiere], [could come] from the floor at Bergdorf Goodman. The girls are always getting dressed up for their shows, so we use a lot of high-end, great footwear. For our Country Music Award episode, Connie wears Rene Caovilla, and Hayden is in a rhinestone-studded pair by Valentino. We also just shot a Christmas episode and featured red satin Louboutins and a silver pair of Jimmy Choos. We also regularly [showcase] cowboy boots. We have Jimmy Choo motorcycle boots, Old Gringo, Rag & Bone and Isabel Marant.”
Where do you go to find great men’s looks?
“There is a local place in Nashville, Peter Nappi, that creates quintessential handmade shoes from Italy. Deacon [played by Charles Esten] wears vintage cowboy boots and some nice Frye boots. Luke [played by Will Chase] is often spotted in Lucchese.”
How are you experimenting for season three?
“Hayden’s character [Juliette Barnes] has gone through the biggest evolution. Last year, we had a lot of performance looks — Saint Laurent boots, Louboutins — and she was testing the boundaries as an artist. She’s grown as a star, and we follow that path with her, toward pop and not so much country. She’s a size 5, so it’s always a challenge. My shoppers in Los Angeles contact Barneys and Neiman Marcus and they tell them, ‘Any size 5 that comes in, let’s get it first.’ ”
Want More?
‘The Good Wife’ Series Finale: Costume Designer Talks Fashion Inspiration
Inside The Closet Of The ‘Girls’ Costume Designer
‘The Mindy Project’ Costume Designer Talks Season Four Shoes
