Costuming "The Women"

Costuming nineteen actresses in thirty-five roles is a challenge. Ten of them have only one role each, which leaves nine women in twenty-five roles. Eight of those have three each, and one has two. Granted, all the multiples are small roles, for the actresses. To the costumer, however, every role is the same size. Every one demands a costume that is appropriate.

Several of the major characters have four or five costumes. The actresses sizes range from a child's 12 to a women's 24. There are specialty costumes, such as hairdressers, spa employees, denizens of a ranch in Reno, a French maid, a nurse, a cigarette girl, and a pregnant woman. One scene, involving fourteen characters, takes place at a formal party.

Did I mention that this all takes place in the 1930's? And that the director, in his infinite wisdom, has decreed a black set? Which means that none of the costumes can be black; unless, of course, we want our actresses to disappear. Which seems counterproductive. Although...

And just what did a society woman wear to a formal party if she was pregnant? Anyone? Bueller?