Step into the dazzling world of 'Palm Royale,' the newest gem on Apple TV+. This show transports you to the opulent 1969 Palm Beach, Florida, where the elite are locked in a high-stakes game of social climbing. The series stars the incomparable Kristen Wiig, comedy legend Carol Burnett, the ever-talented Allison Janney, Leslie Bibb, and rising star Ricky Martinez. But here's the big question: just how much of this glitzy tale is grounded in reality?
Who Inspired 'Palm Royale'? A Nod to Slim Aarons
Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about the man who inspired this entire show: Slim Aarons. If you haven’t heard of him, let me fill you in. Slim was a photographer whose work captured the essence of luxury and privilege from the 1940s through the 1980s. His lens often focused on the carefree lives of socialites lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun. It's no surprise that creator Abe Sylvia drew inspiration from Slim's iconic imagery for 'Palm Royale.' Production designer Jon Carlos revealed that Slim's work was the spark that ignited Abe’s vision for the series.
According to Jon, Abe wasn’t just aiming to recreate the allure of Slim Aarons' Palm Beach photographs. He wanted to bring to life the adventurous journeys of Slim's subjects, from the enchanting shores of Capri to the vibrant beaches of Acapulco. This ambition adds a global flair to the show, making it more than just a tale of local elite life.
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Is Palm Royale a Real Place?
Now, let's tackle the question that's been on everyone's mind: is the Palm Royale country club a real place? The answer is no, but that doesn't mean it lacks authenticity. While there's no actual club by that name in Palm Beach, the creators of 'Palm Royale' drew inspiration from several iconic locations that existed in the '60s. Abe Sylvia and director Tate Taylor combined elements from these places to craft the fictional Palm Royale we see on screen.
Jon Carlos explained this process in an interview with Condé Nast Traveler, saying, “The Palm Royale is a blend of real-life spots in Palm Beach, like The Breakers, The Everglades Club, and The Bath & Tennis Club. However, to fit our story, we created a fictional version. Our Palm Royale is a mix of real locations and constructed sets, with many exteriors filmed at The Ebell of Los Angeles.”
Are the Outfits in 'Palm Royale' True to the '60s?
Costume design plays a pivotal role in 'Palm Royale,' and it was in the capable hands of designer Alix Friedberg. To ensure the outfits were both glamorous and historically accurate, Alix delved deep into the fashion of the 1960s. Her team meticulously studied magazines and society pages from that era to capture the essence of the time.
Alix shared her process with Harper’s Bazaar, saying, “Our research came straight from the pages of '60s magazines. We looked at real society events that took place back then. We were fortunate to find a wealth of vintage designer pieces from the '60s that are still in excellent condition. Roughly half of our main cast is dressed in sourced vintage designer pieces, while the other half features custom-made outfits. For background characters, about 90 percent are dressed in vintage clothing.”
