The acclaimed anthology series “American Horror Story” premiered its thirteenth season on September 24 and made a significant impact at New York Comic Con on October 9, where the cast and costume designers participated in a vibrant panel discussion. Led by series co-creator Ryan Murphy, the show is well-known for its distinct visual style, with Murphy himself playing an integral role in approving every costume that appears on screen.
During the panel titled “SLAYYY! DRESSING TO KILL: The Iconic Costumes of FX’s American Horror Story,” a selection of the show’s actors, including Sarah Paulson, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, and Leslie Grossman, along with costume designers Lou Eyrich and Catherine Crabtree, opened up about the series’ legendary fashion moments. The event celebrated both the series’ past and its ongoing legacy in horror and design.
Returning for the thirteenth season of the show are beloved cast members such as Jessica Lange, Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Lourd, Sidibe, and Grossman. They are joined by familiar faces like John Carroll Lynch, Jamie Brewer, Frances Conroy, and Mena Suvari, alongside newcomers including Paul Anthony Kelly, John Waters, Alex Consani, Avantika, and Joey Pollari.
The meticulous attention to detail in costume design is one of the hallmarks of “American Horror Story.” Eyrich revealed during the panel that Murphy personally oversees each costume, stating, “Ryan approves every outfit that goes on camera,” highlighting the collaborative spirit within the show’s creative team while also signifying Murphy’s hands-on approach to production.
The actors shared anecdotes about their favourite costumes from previous seasons. Billie Lourd expressed a particular fondness for her outfits from season nine, “American Horror Story: 1984,” where she portrayed aerobics instructor Montana Duke. “I loved all those little tiny aerobics outfits,” she reminisced. “It was before I had kids and I had an ass to wear them.”
Gabourey Sidibe recalled her own costume standout, which was the uniform of her recurring character, Queenie. “I kind of love her outfit. It’s just a grey shirt with a collar … so it’s the easiest outfit,” Sidibe remarked, reflecting on the comfort and functionality of her character’s look.
Murphy’s dedication to casting combined with the returning ensemble has built significant anticipation for this season. He previously shared insights with The Hollywood Reporter about the challenges he faced in convincing Lange to return to the franchise. He noted that her departure after the first four seasons was understandable but expressed that he was hopeful when he reached out to her regarding the thirteenth season. “I thought she would say no. If she had said no, I probably wouldn’t have done it,” he recounted.
As the new season unfolds, the promotional material for “American Horror Story 13” teases fans by asking, “Which iconic horrors will return to haunt the hallowed halls of 13 and what new terrors await?” This season promises to delve into both nostalgia and fresh nightmares for viewers, encouraging them to “light your candles, draw your pentagrams and prepare for a supreme surprise.”
In its journey over the years, “American Horror Story” has carved out a unique niche within the horror genre, blending elements of suspense, the supernatural, and striking aesthetic choices. Its ability to reinvent itself while retaining a core ensemble of talent contributes to its ongoing success and cultural relevance.
As the thirteenth season continues to roll out, audiences can expect a rich tapestry of horror coupled with an iconic visual flair that has become synonymous with the series. Fans eager for more will certainly find something to appreciate and discuss as this season unfolds.