The Nostalgic Resurgence of the 1990s inLove Story
The 1990s have never felt more alive than they do now, thanks to the television seriesLove Story, which chronicles the tumultuous romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Premiering on FX, this show has sparked a renewed fascination with the decade, capturing its essence through the lens of a love story that transcends time. Set primarily in New York City during the 1990s, the series is shot entirely in the Empire State Building, offering a vivid portrayal of an era defined by late-night cigarette breaks at Indochine and The Roxy, small sunglasses, and the iconic Calvin Klein fit.
A Glimpse into Production Design
To understand how the show brings the 1990s to life, we spoke with Alex DiGerlando, the seasoned production designer behindLove Story. He shared insights into his approach, contrasting it with other projects likeBlack Rabbit, which was entirely fictional. “I come from a research background, so there’s always a lot of research involved,” he explained. “WhileLove Storywas based on Elizabeth Beller’s bookOnce Upon a Time,Black Rabbithad a grittiness that felt more authentic to current-day New York.”
DiGerlando emphasized the importance of creating a specific visual lens forLove Story, one that captures the minimalism of the 1990s. “It was a conversation Ryan Murphy and I had early on. We wanted to feel more like a classic Hollywood love story than a gritty depiction of the city.”
Recreating Real-Life Spaces
Accuracy was a key concern when recreating sets to reflect their real-life counterparts. For instance, John F. Kennedy Jr.’s apartment posed a challenge due to limited source material. “We found floor plans from other units in the building and used photos from his mother’s cookbook,” DiGerlando noted. “We also looked at a film Ed Burns made in the apartment for reference.”
For the Calvin Klein offices, the team had access to archival photos taken by Calvin himself. “We knew who designed the original offices, Joseph D’Urso, as well as the designer of the flagship store, John Pawson,” he said. “We tried to create distinct spaces within the constraints of the set.”
Shooting on Location
One of the most exciting aspects ofLove Storywas the opportunity to shoot on location in New York City. “It was fun to be able to time travel with this show,” DiGerlando remarked. “Many of the places referenced in the book or frequented by John and Carolyn still exist.” Restaurants like The Odeon, Bubby’s, and Walker’s were all filmed in Tribeca, while Panna II and Micheal’s were chosen for their historical significance.
Indochine, a popular spot among the fashion crowd, was another key location. “We weren’t certain they went there, but it made sense for the time period,” DiGerlando added.
Reconstructing Lost Spaces
Not all locations could be accessed, however. The Roxy, a Chelsea nightclub and roller rink, had closed in 2007, so the team recreated it at Elsewhere in Bushwick. “The gala scene where they meet took place on a rooftop on the West Side Highway, but we couldn’t shoot there,” DiGerlando explained. “We found the ballroom at the Convent of the Sacred Heart on 91st Street and achieved the desired peach-colored lighting using candelabras.”
Creating Fictional Locations
For the fictional Hyannis Port, Bellport on Long Island served as a stand-in. “We found a house that almost mirrored the real thing, but it wasn’t quite right,” DiGerlando said. “We ended up building the dining room and adding a gravel driveway to be more accurate.”
Cumberland Island, Georgia, where the couple got married, was recreated using a privately owned estate in Sands Point, New York. “We built the church on a horse farm in Rockland County and recreated the bridal suite on a stage,” he added.
A Personal Connection to the Setting
DiGerlando’s personal connection to New York City played a significant role in shaping the show. “I grew up in Summit, New Jersey, and visited my relatives on West 71st Street as a child,” he said. “I went to NYU from 1996 to 1999, and the setting ofLove Storywas the New York of my youth.”
Combining his research background with lived experience, DiGerlando helped bring the world ofLove Storyto life, capturing the spirit of the 1990s with authenticity and flair.
