In “Passing,” Costume Designer Marci Rodgers Avoids Clichéd Flapper Fashion and Draws From Her Chicago Roots

Adapted from the 1929 Nella Larsen novella, “Passing” tells the story of Irene and Clare, two childhood friends who reconnect after years apart and become increasingly involved in one another’s lives — and insecurities. Both are white-passing women of African descent, yet Irene (played by Tessa Thompson) embraces her African-American identity and marries a Black doctor; Clare (played by Ruth Negga), on the other hand, chooses to cross the color line and marries a racist, wealthy white man and lives as a white woman. The film is set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, and… Read Full Article