The character Maya Mason from “The Studio” has truly established herself as a fashion icon, showcasing a unique style characterized by her stacked Uggs, Diesel jeans, and a distinctive Louis Vuitton lock necklace. Additionally, her choice of Dior diamonds further elevates her status in the fashion world, making her a standout figure that many aspire to emulate.
In the creative process, “The Studio” costume designer Kameron Lennox collaborated closely with co-creator Evan Goldberg to develop Maya’s look. Lennox meticulously documented Goldberg’s description of the character, who is portrayed by Kathryn Hahn as the outspoken head of marketing at Continental Studios. This character embodies a quirky blend of confidence and outdated trends, which Lennox aimed to capture perfectly.
Lennox recalls Goldberg’s words: “She’s a 50-year-old woman who believes she’s in touch with the youth, often using slang and references that feel misplaced for her age while dressing in styles that are too youthful.” Such a description provided invaluable insight for Lennox, allowing her to create a visual representation that resonated with the character’s complex personality and the show’s overall theme.
To build Maya’s wardrobe, Lennox immersed herself in various social media platforms, compiling a mood board that drew inspiration from a diverse range of women who embody similar characteristics. Rather than basing Maya on one individual, Lennox fused elements from numerous sources, showcasing women who confidently wear outfits that they’ve seen on others, thinking, “I can pull this off too!” This approach reflects the authenticity of modern fashion culture.
While Maya’s personal life remains somewhat of a mystery in the show, Lennox had pre-existing ideas about her character, envisioning her as someone relatable and grounded. “Perhaps she resides in the vibrant city of Hollywood, surrounded by wealth and luxury,” Lennox speculates. This character likely frequents upscale boutiques, yet she also seeks out unique pieces that reflect her adventurous style.
Lennox dismisses the idea that Maya would shop at high-end retailers like Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue, suggesting instead that she takes risks with her wardrobe choices. “She ventures to H. Lorenzo for its fresh offerings. Maya believes she has mastered the art of fashion and has her finger firmly on the pulse of street style,” Lennox explains, emphasizing the character’s fearless approach to fashion.
In the debut episode, Maya exudes a commanding presence, captivating everyone in the room. Lennox strategically paired a fitted shirt by Marine Serre with an Adidas Ivy Park harness bag, creating a striking silhouette that embodies confidence and authority. This outfit was carefully curated to reflect Maya’s multifaceted personality and her role within the studio environment.
Lennox describes the harness bag as an essential accessory, stating, “It features various elements hanging off of it, serving as a wildcard in our styling process. We blended it all together seamlessly.” This combination created a look that felt both contemporary and somewhat militant, perfectly aligning with Maya’s assertive demeanor. To complete the ensemble, Lennox chose to pair it with stacked Uggs and sweatpants, resulting in a unique fusion of comfort and authority that showcases her confidence within the studio.
As Lennox continued to refine Maya’s aesthetic, she envisioned her shopping on the SSENSE sale page, curating pieces that she later brings into the office environment. This detail adds depth to Maya’s character, showcasing her savvy approach to fashion and her ability to find hidden gems.
Accessorizing Maya became an enlightening process for Lennox, offering further insights into her character. Just like her clothing choices, Maya’s jewelry is extravagant and speaks volumes about her personality and lifestyle. “This is very much how many women I know operate. They think, ‘If I have it, I’m going to flaunt my wealth,’” notes Lennox, highlighting the character’s desire to showcase her success through her accessories.
Lennox further observes, “There might be an underlying sense of insecurity in this woman’s life. She’s premenopausal and likely a single mother.” Although the story doesn’t explicitly address these aspects, they inform the character’s motivations and drive for excess. Maya is depicted as a woman who embodies abundance and complexity, fueling her desire for more in both her personal and professional life.
When the characters travel to Las Vegas and participate in CinemaCon for an important studio presentation, Lennox fully embraced the opportunity to showcase their vibrant personalities. She describes the characters’ looks as “Vegas versions of themselves,” emphasizing that their appearances are “much larger and more extravagant” than their everyday attire.
Maya’s party look drew inspiration from the iconic style of Jennifer Lopez, particularly her unforgettable “fly-girl” era. “Perhaps she’s still channeling J.Lo. In Episode 1, when she dons those Diesel pants with boots, a puffer jacket, and a Gucci hat, along with her hair styled in a glamorous updo, I thought, ‘This is your Jenny from the Block moment,’” Lennox reminisces, highlighting how influential pop culture remains in shaping Maya’s style.
As Maya’s ensembles evolved, Lennox felt they were onto something special. Just a month after creating the Vegas party look and wrapping up filming, she spotted a billboard for “The Voice” featuring Gwen Stefani in a similar outfit and hairstyle. This led Lennox to realize, “We’re so in tune with current trends because no one had even seen the show yet.” She texted Hahn, humorously declaring, “We did it first,” showcasing their ahead-of-the-curve approach to fashion and character styling.
