Nolan Miller

Designer Nolan Miller talked about his entry into television in the wardrobe department at NBC in the late 1950s, with the daily anthology series Matinee Theater. He talked about his break into the business when he met several notables while working part time in several flower shops, including Joan Crawford, Barbara Stanwyck, Carolyn Jones, and Aaron Spelling. It was this later meeting, Miller explained, that led to his work on Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theater, soon to be produced by Spelling. He spoke in great detail about his long association with Spelling’s series including Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, and the series for which Nolan Miller’s name is synonymous— Dynasty.  Miler described his work on Dynasty and the introduction of some of the series’ well-known costume choices, such as hats and shoulder pads.  Miller talked about working with the cast and producers of Dynasty, the budget he received for each season, and some of the individual costumes he created for the show. Additionally, he talked about his work on several other series including Burke’s Law, Gilligan’s Island (for which he created gowns for Tina Louise), Green Acres (for which he created costumes for Eva Gabor), The Addams Family (for which he followed the Charles Addams cartoons to create the character’s initial wardrobe), Honey West (his first credited series as costume designer, for which he made memorable zebra-striped and leather costumes for Anne Francis), The Mod Squad (for which he asked for the title wardrobe consultant), The Survivors (costuming screen icon Lana Turner), Vega$ (describing his work with Robert Urich), Fantasy Island (discussing his work with the leads), Hart to Hart (discussing his work with the leads), Hotel (working with Bette Davis and Elizabeth Taylor), and The Colbys (and the different approach of this show from Dynas ty).  Miller also talked about his work on the television movies The Two Mrs. Grenvilles and Poker Alice, and The Academy Awards (as a private designer for celebrities and as a designer for the 58th Annual ceremonies).  Also, b-roll of over 30 of Miller’s sketches were filmed with his comments in voice-over, as well as a walk-around at his studio. The interview was conducted by Gary Rutkowski on April 8, 2003.