Embrace the Awkward: Where Style Meets Satire in 'The Chair Company'
The Daily Transformation: From Actor to Awkward Ron
Every day on the set of 'The Chair Company', actor Tim Robinson underwent a remarkable transformation. He'd meticulously don a stiff dress shirt, a slightly-too-long necktie, a slumped sport coat, and perhaps the most unassuming khaki pants ever to grace HBO. This sartorial process wasn't just about changing clothes; it was about embodying Ron Trosper, a suburban middle manager whose entire demeanor seemed to deflate with his attire, as noted by costume designer Nicky Smith. It was a clear signal that \"Ron's in the building.\"
Crafting the 'Middle-Management Hodgepodge': A Vision of Unfashion
As Ron Trosper, Robinson navigates a bizarre and surreal world. His wardrobe, consisting of drab browns, muted beiges, and other dull earth tones, perfectly reflects his character's journey. Smith, alongside co-creator Zach Kanin, conceptualized Ron's look as a \"middle-management hodgepodge\"—a style that is genuinely unfashionable, devoid of any ironic coolness. Initial ideas, including a more contemporary tech-bro aesthetic, were discarded in favor of a timelessly unstylish corporate image, rooted in the early 2000s.
The Power of Ill-Fitting: How Clothing Shapes Character
Despite Tim Robinson's real-life sartorial elegance, the aim for Ron was quite the opposite. Smith intentionally layered oversized and floppy garments: long, shapeless jackets, droopy ties, and dress shoes with sneaker-like soles. The most striking element was Ron's pleated khakis, deliberately chosen three sizes too large and only tailored at the waist, creating an unfortunate silhouette that Smith aptly described as a \"sad, draggy diaper butt.\" This exaggerated fit was crucial for enveloping Robinson and highlighting Ron's detachment from contemporary style.
Uniformity in Both Worlds: Ron's Consistent Lack of Style
Ron's fashion indifference extends beyond his workplace. His off-duty attire mirrors his corporate wear in its lack of flair: unassuming quarter-zip sweaters, more cotton pants, and classic boat shoes. For Ron, clothing serves a purely functional purpose, a uniform for every aspect of his life, whether professional or casual. It's never about aesthetic appeal, but rather a pragmatic selection of necessary items.
Expanding the Unfashionable Universe: Barb and Other Characters
Ron isn't the sole character whose wardrobe reflects a deliberate stylistic oversight. His wife, Barb, portrayed by Lake Bell, sports patterned silk blouses reminiscent of vintage curtains and longline cardigans, paired with what Smith refers to as \"the most atrocious thrifted Clarks slip-ons.\" Even a minor character, the man who attacks Ron, is dressed not as a slick villain but like an ordinary uncle, in dated leather jackets and square-toed sneakers. This pervasive lack of style across characters underscores a broader comedic theme.
Comedy in Motion: The Physicality of Awkward Attire
The ill-fitting clothes become comedic tools in their own right. Ron's tie flails wildly during moments of panic, and his sprints in oversized khakis evoke the physical comedy of Buster Keaton. Smith emphasizes that the clothing augments Tim Robinson's comedic timing, contributing to the humor without overtly signaling it. The surprise of the laugh is integral to the series' charm, with the costumes playing a subtle yet significant role in that unpredictability.
The Pursuit of Authenticity: Thrift Store Finds and Wardrobe Philosophy
To achieve this authentic \"shabby\" look, Smith and her team meticulously scoured thrift stores, including Goodwill, Salvation Army, and even a 'Blue Bloods' wardrobe sale. They sought out worn shoes, vintage blazers from brands like Penguin and Brooks Brothers, and ties from Smith's personal collection. The guiding principle was that clothes needed to have a history, to appear naturally worn. They actively resisted typical costume design instincts, allowing wrinkles and disheveledness to remain, as these imperfections were precisely what made the costumes believable.
A Single Style Lesson: The Enduring Wisdom of Ron Trosper
Despite the deliberately unflattering nature of Ron Trosper's wardrobe, Smith offers one practical style tip derived from his character: comfortable shoes. She wisely advises, \"You never know when you're going to have to run. You never know if you're going to get chased. You never know if you're going to sprint after a guy who hit you with the pipe. Wear comfortable shoes. Always.\" This final piece of advice encapsulates the unexpected utility found within Ron's otherwise unstylish existence.