Congratulations are in order for CFDA member Jeff Mahshie who, on Sunday evening, received the Best Costume Design of a Play for “Fallen Angels,” the Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of the Noël Coward “Champagne-fresh comedy of bad manners” directed by Ellis starring Kelli O’Hara and Rose Byrne.

We recently spoke to Mahshie about the Jazz Age play, the cast, and the costumes.

How did this particular project come about? What was your mandate?

I have designed a number of plays and musicals with The Roundabout Theatre, director Scott Ellis and Kelli O’Hara. This project started as a one-night benefit reading.

What did you take into consideration when designing the costumes?

I always look to who the fashion innovators of the era were. This being set in 1929 with the invention of the bias cut, I started with Madame Gres for the inspiration for Kelli O’Hara’s wardrobe. Rose uses Chanel as hers.

In what ways do the costumes enhance the plot?

It gives you clues to the character; what they wear tells you who they are.

The cast is led by Rose Byrne and Kelli O’Hara. How did that impact your process? 

Instead of the play being set in 1925 where the flapper silhouette reigned, we pushed it to 1929 to incorporate the chicer louche style which was much more accommodating to the modern body.

What do you love about Noel Coward and this particular Jazz age comedy?

What is so great about Noel Coward and this play particularly is that it’s not performed all that often. And it’s a much-needed stylish comedy at this moment in time.