ABC's New Series "Ladies in Black" Delivers Vintage Fashion and Feminism

ABC's new series "Ladies in Black" offers a captivating blend of vintage fashion and feminist themes. Set in a stylish, bygone era, the show highlights the elegance of past fashions while delivering powerful messages about women's empowerment and social change. Viewers can enjoy a visually rich experience combined with thought-provoking narratives that celebrate the strength and resilience of women, making it both a stylish and inspiring watch.

Boston Brand Media brings you the latest news - "Ladies in Black," the new six-part ABC series, begins with Magda (Debi Mazar), the head of Goodes luxury department store's “Model Gowns.”

As Magda strides confidently down the main street, Peggy Lee’s famous 1962 feminist anthem, "I’m A Woman," plays in the background.

Chic and modern, embodying the confident woman of the 1960s, she dons a hat from costume designer Marion Boyce's vintage collection. We are introduced to several other key characters and see a streetscape lined with classic cars, establishing the scene of Sydney in 1961.

Inspiration and adaptation

Inspired by the 1993 bestselling novel "The Women in Black" by Madeleine St. John, the series follows two earlier adaptations: the 2015 theatrical musical "Ladies in Black," featuring Tim Finn’s music, and Bruce Beresford’s successful 2018 feature film "Ladies in Black."

Director Gracie Otto cites inspirations like "Mad Men" (2007–15) and "The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel" (2017–23), both set in the same era and telling stories of women striving to carve out their place in the world. Another similar Australian production is "Miss Fisher Modern" (2019).

Boston Brand Media also found  that the series also fits into the tradition, or perhaps genre, of shows set in department stores with similar themes. Examples include "The Paradise" (2012–13), set in 1875 and based on a novel about the founder of Paris' Le Bon Marché; "Mr. Selfridge" (2013–16), recounting the founding of Selfridge's in London between 1908–28; and "House of Promises" (2022–23), set in a glamorous department store in 1920s Berlin.

The Cultural Context

Moving from the original book and various adaptations, all set in 1959, this television series is set two years later, suggesting it is the next installment.

The 1960s offer some key story elements: the postwar immigration boom (reflected in the migrant characters and storylines); burgeoning arts and culture (highlighted through references to “free love and French cinema” or “The Push,” a left-wing libertarian group in Sydney); and the introduction of the contraceptive pill, released in Australia in 1961.

None of these elements are explored in great detail, but they help set the context, as does the depiction of the era's sexism, classism, and racism from the first episode.

The show’s homage to the spirit of the swinging sixties includes several characters preoccupied with sex.

Lisa (Clare Hughes), a naive first-year university student, finds herself in a difficult situation and refuses help from the streetwise Angela.

Fay (Jessica De Gouw) and her husband Rudi (Thom Green) make out in a stylish Borgward Isabella car he bought to keep her entertained when their babies arrive. However, she isn’t keen on having children yet and starts taking the pill.

In contrast, the formidable Mrs. Ambrose (Miranda Otto) serves as a foil to all the other characters. Recruited from Harrods to be the new head of Model Gowns, her strict demeanor is evident from the moment she adjusts a vase of flowers by a few centimeters—indicating it’s her way or the highway.

She epitomizes colonialism, displaying a disdain for Australia and its untamed local flowers. With a sense of English superiority, she represents the old world in opposition to modernity.

Finding its audience

People who love shopping are more likely to enjoy this show than those who don’t.

For enthusiasts, consumption and luxury department stores offer an experience that triggers “feel good” dopamine release, often called retail therapy. Whether or not a purchase is made, it’s a space where shoppers can imagine an alternative self. It creates allure, sparks desire and admiration for beautifully made, cut, or crafted items, and, importantly, establishes a personal connection.

In the first episode, Angela (Azizi Donnelly) captures this sentiment as she joyfully touches the stock and excitedly spins herself in a 360-degree circle on her first day at the “ladies’ cocktail” counter, clearly in her element.

With a large cast for a six-part series, it suggests the producers have many scenarios planned and hope for a positive response from viewers to warrant another season.

The experiences of the women are central, with female characters, whether friends or foes, receiving substantial screen time and stealing the show. In contrast, the male characters are depicted negatively; they are inept, consistently disappoint their wives, girlfriends, and daughters, and view everything from a male-centric perspective.

A musical accompaniment to the future

The music is dominant throughout and works hard to enhance the story. When Angela is getting ready for work in the second episode, the lyrics, not in English, emphasize her Lebanese heritage from Redfern.

Music seamlessly connects to the humor. Riffs of "As Time Goes By" (Dooley Wilson’s tune from Casablanca) provide a musical link to lines like Angela's: “Of all the department stores in all the world, he had to walk into mine.” These references link characters and prepare the audience for impending trouble.

Whether you enjoy "Ladies in Black" will depend on your interest in shopping, fashion, stories with female leads, clever music, and 60s costumes. If another series is made, there are plenty of directions for this story to explore.

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: theconversation‍