The Clothes Make the Woman: How Fashion Informs the Comedic Identity of Schitt’s Creek’s Moira Rose

Abstract

The Canadian television comedy Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020) tells the story of the Rose family after they are reduced to poverty through the machinations of a criminal business manager and must take up residence in a small town. The series relies heavily on costuming to illustrate the personalities of persons on both sides of the urban/rural divide, especially in the case of Moira Rose. From the first moment we see her, hysterical as she packs her wigs, we understand she is a woman of fierce individuality with a wealth of personality and presence. While viewers may at first see Moira’s clothes as ridiculous, it becomes apparent that, while outlandish and bold, they are also a statement to the town and the world that Moira Rose will not lose hope. Using Kathleen Rowe Karlyn’s concept of excess, this article examines the role costuming plays in the creation of Moira Rose. In addition, by examining the costume design and philosophy in several sitcoms from the 2010s, we see that Schitt’s Creek is not alone in using clothing to set the stage for characters’ stories and personalities, and that costuming plays a significant role in providing meaning and messaging to the situation comedy.

Keywords:

• comedy
• costumes
• Kathleen Rowe Karlyn
• laughter
• sitcom
• urban/rural divide

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The author reports there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Judith Clemens-Smucker

Judith (Judy) Clemens-Smucker is an assistant professor of mass communication at Sam Houston State University. She specializes in film and media studies, particularly conducting research about television and its intersection with gender. She received her PhD in American culture studies from Bowling Green State University (Ohio) as well as her master’s in popular culture. She has published work about Stranger Things (in this publication) as well as Star Trek and Schitt’s Creek.