In the Netflix series 'Big Mistakes', the protagonist Nicky Dardano, portrayed by Dan Levy, exhibits a unique and unintentionally stylish wardrobe. This article delves into the creative process behind Nicky's distinctive look, characterized by pleated khakis, tucked shirts, and vintage accessories, which costume designer Courtney Wheeler describes as an "accidental drip." Despite the character's supposed lack of interest in fashion, his attire surprisingly resonates with contemporary menswear trends, underscoring the cyclical nature of style and the enduring appeal of classic pieces.
Nicky Dardano's initial appearance evokes a sense of mid-century Americana, with his conservative yet carefully chosen garments. Wheeler explains that the character's clothing was envisioned as being sourced from church charity drives, resulting in a look that is both timeless and unexpectedly chic. This concept was further developed through mood boards featuring icons like Ayrton Senna and a young Richard Gere, who were known for their understated yet elegant fashion choices. The goal was to create a wardrobe that felt authentic to Nicky's character—a high-strung, people-pleasing pastor navigating the criminal underworld—rather than overtly fashionable.
The meticulous sourcing of Nicky's wardrobe involved a mix of vintage items found on eBay and in New York City's curated secondhand stores. This approach allowed for the incorporation of pieces from various eras and brands, such as Ralph Lauren pleated chinos, vintage button-ups from Armani and Christian Dior, and department-store finds from Macy's and Sears. The ties, a blend of new and vintage from Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, and Drake's, feature classic yet slightly unconventional patterns, further contributing to Nicky's distinctive aesthetic.
Wheeler initially explored a more polished, preppy style for Nicky, but ultimately opted for a more relaxed and lived-in feel. This decision was crucial in creating outfits that appeared effortlessly stylish rather than contrived. Levy's personal passion for menswear played a significant role in the costume design process, influencing subtle details such as rolled sleeves and adjusted hems, which added a personal touch to Nicky's uniform. A notable instance in the series sees Nicky temporarily exchanging his casual attire for a high-fashion suit, a Saint Laurent piece from Levy's own collection, accentuating the character's fish-out-of-water scenario.
The accidental overlap between Nicky's "stuck in time" wardrobe and current menswear trends is remarkable. His preferred pleated chinos and loose-fitting button-ups mirror the recent resurgence of prep-inspired fashion in both luxury and mainstream labels. Even his choice of cotton-canvas sneakers and the way his belt hangs loosely are elements now prominently featured in fashion editorials and collections from brands like Prada and Dior. This serendipitous alignment highlights how classic styles, though seemingly outdated at times, inevitably return to prominence, demonstrating that true style often lies in consistency and the enduring appeal of well-chosen staples.
The narrative of Nicky Dardano's fashion journey within 'Big Mistakes' serves as a compelling illustration that genuine style doesn't always necessitate constant experimentation. A wardrobe grounded in enduring essentials often withstands the whims of trends, proving its timelessness. This particular crime caper, featuring a character whose fashion sense is inadvertently sophisticated, beautifully reminds us that the trajectory of excellent menswear frequently loops back to its origins.
