Piper, no!
While not even a tsunami could have stopped “The White Lotus” Season 3 from delivering the top-tier costumes viewers expect, production on the series was not without a few wardrobe malfunctions.
Over its three seasons, HBO’s Emmy-winning hit has become renowned for its costumes, with the wardrobe even evolving into a de facto character. This is thanks to costume designer Alex Bovaird, who has collaborated with show creator Mike White and her talented team to create the show’s iconic looks.
But making sartorial excellence come to life is not without its share of fashion mishaps, as Bovaird revealed to The Post.
Warning: spoilers ahead for “The White Lotus” Season 3
“I remember Parker [Posey]’s gold cuff snapping in half at dinner,” Bovaird said of one behind the scenes wardrobe malfunction during filming.
The Emmy-nominated costume designer, who has worked on all three seasons of “The White Lotus” in addition to other prestige shows such as “True Detective: Night Country,” also shared that “shoes breaking are a common hazard” during production.
Filming in Thailand presented challenges for the wardrobe department because of the tropical climate. “The heat on the boat was absolutely monstrous,” Bovaird said of filming Season 3’s opening scene.
“One of Piper’s breakfast shirts was from the 1930s and more or less exploded one day in a scene,” she hilariously shared.
But despite all the setbacks, Bovaird’s all-star team pulled them through.
“My set costumers were incredibly hard working and have solutions for everything,” the designer effused. “They kept everyone looking crispy and fresh in extreme conditions and 12 hour shooting days.”
“We are a pretty tight ship and generally stick to the plan as far as choices go. Mike White approves everything in advance so there are no surprises.”
Much like its characters, the show’s clothes got the VIP treatment, having their own villa at the Four Seasons in Koh Samui, Thailand (the real life resort which doubled as the fictional White Lotus).
The “costume office,” as Bovaird called it, was an “identical” suite to the one where Hollywood actress Jacyln (Michelle Monaghan) stays with her frenemies Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Laurie (Carrie Coon).
“When they arrive, Mike White wanted them to look interchangeable, like a cohesive blonde blob,” Bovaird said of the women who have become memes on social media. “I gave them all similar bright, sunshine-y linen sundresses and they are decked out in fancy bags, shoes and sunglasses.”
“As we go forward we begin to know their differences,” Bovaird explained. “Laurie is more practical and apt to be comfortable, so she dons the loose Thai traveler pants. Jacqueline is a social butterfly and a maven and show-off, so she’s always dazzling in her outfits. Kate is just a smidge more buttoned up and prissy.”
Referring to the late-night pool shenanigans that ensue at the end of episode 5, Bovaird added, “So when they go back to the villa for a party, [Kate] adds clothes instead of losing them!”
Among all of the cast, Posey, who plays matriarch Victoria Ratliff, had the strongest vision going into production about how her character would dress.
“Parker was very collaborative and knew how she wanted to play Victoria,” Bovaird shared. “She was cast relatively early so we had a lot of discussions about where she shops and how she dresses.
“She has amazing style and instincts and was a delight to work with,” the designer added of the actress.
No closet is safe from a raid if Bovaird senses a perfect find.
“Chelsea [Aimee Lou Wood] wears dresses that belonged to my assistant Giulia [Moschioni]’s mother and my mother!” Bovaird revealed.
Asked which actor dresses the most like their character, Bovaird replied, “Not Lisa!”
The Thai-born member of South-Korean girl group BLACKPINK, who is billed as Lisa Manobal on the show, made her acting debut on “The White Lotus” Season 3, playing a resort employee and health mentor named Mook.
“We gave her a glam-down!” Bovaird said of the pop star.
As for who was her favorite character to dress: “I always enjoy the girlie duos — Chloe and Chelsea were my favorites because they are more eclectic and DIY style. I also love Piper’s outfits.”
“The White Lotus” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO and Max.
