Flamboyant Fashion Marks End of ‘The Righteous Gemstones’

Los Angeles, CA — The satirical series ‘The Righteous Gemstones‘ will conclude its four-season run on Sunday, blending televangelism, high fashion, and drag performance art. The show, aired on HBO, follows three wealthy adult siblings who manage a megachurch in South Carolina.

Costume designer Christina Flannery noted that the characters are ‘always on stage,’ wearing extravagant outfits that include sequins and shoulder pads, often even in casual settings. Eldest brother Jesse (Danny McBride) exemplifies this flamboyance with a full leather suit, while the youngest, Kelvin (Adam DeVine), shines in a bedazzled ensemble. Middle sibling Judy (Edi Patterson) sports a vibrant skirt suit inspired by the 1980s.

Flannery explained that their over-the-top style is reflective of what children envision as fancy attire, while also poking fun at the real-life megachurch culture. ‘Absolutely more and more sequins,’ she said about the characters’ garb, underscoring the show’s commitment to visual exaggeration.

The Gemstones’ church features elements resembling modern megachurches, including high-tech production reminiscent of concerts. ‘They have been a huge success and travellers from around the world have loved admiring them,’ said airport’s chief executive Matt Clarke in a statement.

The series satirizes various aspects of evangelical life, including the social dynamics of the characters. Judy, for instance, challenges traditional standards of beauty within the southern church culture, contrasting her power clashing with Amber (Cassidy Freeman), who embodies a more conventional femininity.

Flannery’s designs also draw from 1990s icons. She cites inspirations ranging from flamboyant performers like Leigh Bowery to real-life televangelists who wore big hair and ostentatious garments. ‘They’re so influenced by each other,’ Flannery explained, highlighting the crossover between drag culture and televangelism as revolving around performance.

The visual spectacle of the Gemstones reflects more than just personal vanity; it embodies a critique of the entertainment industry’s intertwining with religious practices. As the final episode approaches, Flannery’s daring designs mark a bold chapter in her career, celebrating the bizarre yet captivating world of ‘The Righteous Gemstones.’