Debra McGuire, a prominent figure in the world of costume design, has recently unveiled her book titled *Dressing the Story: The Art of Costume Design*. Released in May, the book offers an in-depth exploration into the intricacies of costume creation across television, film, and theatre. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, McGuire discussed her extensive career and the inspiration behind her latest publication.
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McGuire has made her mark in Hollywood, dressing an array of famous personalities including Jennifer Aniston, Zooey Deschanel, Will Ferrell, and Adam Sandler. With decades of experience, she has solidified her reputation as one of the industry’s leading costume designers. Her latest work provides audiences with a unique glimpse into the craftsmanship involved in tailoring memorable looks for iconic characters.
In her conversation with PEOPLE, McGuire described *Dressing the Story* as embodying “the idea of synchronicity and opportunity coming together.” The book chronicles her professional journey from her roots in Ohio to the bustling creative environment of California. Readers are treated to anecdotes from her career, detailing how various projects came to fruition and the serendipitous moments that defined her path.
The journey began for McGuire with a background in art and a successful tenure in jewellery design before she transitioned to costume design. Her first major role involved creating wardrobes for several Movies of the Week, but her breakout moment came when she was appointed as the costume designer for the beloved sitcom *Friends*. Over its ten-season run, she was responsible for defining the style of the six main characters, adding to the show’s cultural footprint with iconic costumes. However, McGuire expressed frustration over a common misconception that the cast exclusively wore jeans throughout the series, highlighting the intricate character nuances in her designs.
Throughout her book, McGuire delves into the complexities of designing costumes that resonate with audiences, irrespective of the genre. She illustrates that creating convincing costumes for “ordinary” characters requires the same level of skill as costuming for fantastical or period-themed productions. One of the most notable innovations in her career was her early embrace of Crocs, a shoe that was not widely popular at the time.
In the 2006 satire *Idiocracy*, McGuire needed footwear that was both ultimately futuristic and believable. While perusing a gardening magazine, she stumbled upon a pair of green plastic shoes with holes, which she immediately envisioned as perfectly alien-like. Just a year later, after securing a variety of colours for the film’s diverse cast, Crocs officially launched, becoming a fashion trend that echoed McGuire’s early vision.
McGuire’s contribution to comedy extends beyond footwear; she also played a pivotal role in crafting the distinctive wardrobe for Will Ferrell’s character in *Anchorman*. Known for its sharp humour, the film’s direction called for careful consideration of visual elements. Initially, director Adam McKay proposed a different outfit for Ferrell; however, McGuire advocated for the now-infamous burgundy suit, believing it perfectly matched the character of Ron Burgundy. Once visualised, the outfit’s brilliance became undeniable, showcasing McGuire’s instinctive design sensibility.
Much of McGuire’s career has revolved around comedy, a genre she greatly cherishes. In her view, laughter is an essential aspect of life, and she finds immense joy in working on projects that promote happiness. “Laughter is probably one of the most important things that we can do in our lives,” she remarked. For McGuire, being involved in projects that bring joy not only enriches her experience but also connects people in a meaningful way.
*Dressing the Story: The Art of Costume Design*, co-authored with Jim Stark, is presently available and serves as a testament to McGuire’s exceptional abilities and unique perspective in costume design. The book not only highlights her professional milestones but also invites readers to appreciate the sophisticated artistry behind the costumes that have shaped popular culture.
For those intrigued by the creative processes behind beloved films and television shows, McGuire’s insights shine a light on the importance of costume design in storytelling and character development, enriching viewers’ understanding of the craft.