'Feud' costumes: Lou Eyrich on creating the fashionable looks of the glam divas

Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford

One of the most stylish shows on television, Feud, comes to an end on Sunday, and along with it some of the best retro glam fashion moments to grace the small screen since Mad Men, thanks to costume designer Lou Eyrich.

Created by Emmy winner Ryan Murphy and starring Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon as one-time Oscar winner Joan Crawford and two-time Oscar winner Bette Davis, respectively, the FX show revolves around the premise that the two Hollywood divas were long-bickering rivals who reluctantly teamed up in the twilight of their careers to make the 1962 horror film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, which proved to be a surprise hit, deepening their rift. One episode dramatizes the 1963 Oscars at which Davis was nominated for Baby Jane but Crawford, who was not, still managed to upstage her.

We caught up with Eyrich on the eve of the finale to chat about the fabulous looks in the show, which took place between 1963 and 1978; how she created Crawford's 1963 Oscars gown; where she sourced Davis' Bakelite bracelets and Hedda Hopper’s fabulous hats; and why on earth everyone was wearing fur in Los Angeles.

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Old Hollywood Glamour revisited through the costumes in 'Feud: Bette and Joan'

Susan Sarandon and Jessican Lange as Bette and Joan

After exploring feminism and race in last year's award-winning "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story," prolific hit-maker Ryan Murphy continues with a deep dive into sexism and ageism, Hollywood-style, in "Feud: Bette and Joan." The eight-episode series, premiering on March 5, focuses on the intense real-life rivalry between two major Hollywood icons, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford — portrayed by two of today's biggest Hollywood icons, Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange, respectively — when they co-starred in the 1962 classic creepy thriller, "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane."

The series explores a later stage in the actresses' careers, which occured during the dawn of '60s second wave feminism, meaning the anthology delves into societal topics that are especially relevant to a post-2016-election America. And the period costumes, by longtime Murphy collaborator and three-time Emmy-winning costume designer Lou Eyrich help depict the glamorous Hollywood era (and grittier offscreen life) along the way. 

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Lou Eyrich, costume designer of American Horror Story gives the scoop on the shows killer looks

Gaga in AHS

Dedicated fans of American Horror Story have longtime been obsessed with the series not only for its exciting (and absolutely frightening) storylines, its complex characters and the insanely talented actors behind them, but also because of the magnificent wardrobe design.

With costumes birthed from themes ranging from colorful circus freaks to couture-dressed witches, the horror anthology series has cemented itself as one of the most stylish shows in all of TV’s history — all thanks to Lou Eyrich.

The Emmy award-winning costume designer has been behind the wardrobe since the series debut, as well as last season’s Scream Queens, Glee, and even the beloved late ‘90s comedy, Popular.

In celebration of the Blu-ray and DVD release for Hotel, we spoke to Eyrich about her inspiration for Lady Gaga’s stylish murderess, which costumes were the most challenging, and the “fashion witch” trend that is still prevalent three years after Coven first aired.

Interviewer: You’ve done so many themes and costumes throughout the seasons of American Horror Story. Which ones were your favorite, and which ones were the most challenging?

Lou Eyrich: I loved doing Hypodermic Sally because it was so different from Sarah Paulson’s other characters, and I just love how Sarah embraces her characters every season. We have a lot of fun collaborating so that was one of my favorites. There’s of course Dennis O Hare’s character, Liz Taylor, who was really fun. And then, of course, the Countess was both terrifying and terrific because there was so much involved in it, so many changes. I didn’t get to see Gaga until a few days before we shot so it was very challenging, but very rewarding.

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Breaking Down Lady Gaga's Most Iconic AHS looks with Lou Eyrich

From the prop room to the wardrobe department, there’s never a dull moment on the set of American Horror Story, especially with Ryan Murphy in charge.

“He always surprises me. Always,” award-winning costume designer Lou Eyrich said of her frequent collaborator and AHS provocateur. “He’s a visionary. I don’t think I’ll ever figure out Mr. Murphy.”

A true auteur, Murphy begins every installment of the horror franchise with a certain look in mind. Each season starts with a theme, and each theme comes with a particular design aesthetic crafted by Murphy, then executed by Eyrich.

Asylum was a gritty time capsule, with tattered and soiled hospital gowns from the ’60s, while Coven was mostly contemporary with elements of the past. Freak Show was all surreal, colorful ’40s and ’50s fashions, and then there was Hotel, the opulent fifth installment, starring Lady Gaga, which proved to be Eyrich’s most exciting and exhausting challenge to date. (Until Roanoke, that is — but we’ll get to that.)

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