American Primeval with Costume Designer, Virginia B. Johnson

In another bonus Emmys episode of The Art of Costume Podcast, we are joined by the brilliant Virginia B. Johnson, costume designer for American Primeval and newly minted Emmy nominee for Outstanding Period Costumes.In our conversation, Virginia walks us through her creative journey on this ambitious series—discussing the extensive research process, her collaboration with Indigenous Cultural Consultant Julie O’Keefe, and the care that went into representing the Shoshone characters such as Red Feather and Winter Bird. We also explore the survival-driven costumes of the traveling group, the unique challenges of costume breakdowns, and the design of Sara Rowell, played by Betty Gilpin.From the extremes of landscape and climate to the massive scale of Fort Bridger’s bustling settlement scenes, Virginia shares how her team brought authenticity, grit, and humanity to every character. Don’t miss this thoughtful discussion on the artistry and meaning woven into the world of American Primeval.