Costume designer Kathleen Felix-Hager discusses the costume designs in the new season of HBO's award-winning series Hacks, which take Deborah (Jean Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) to the next stage of their career journeys, in an interview with IndieWire. Felix-Hager emphasizes that she presents a visual story to the audience through detailed costume choices that reflect the characters' development.

The series centers on the mentorship relationship between Deborah, a comedian in Las Vegas, and young writer Ava. Costume design plays a critical role in showcasing the evolution of the dynamic between the two and the personal growth of the characters. Felix-Hager notes that each clothing choice is designed to reflect the characters' psychological states and their positions in the story.

One of the particularly interesting designs of the season is the scene where the characters have to wear clown outfits. Felix-Hager explains that these scenes carry a deep meaning that reveals the characters' vulnerabilities and emotional states, alongside the comedic element. What appears to be humorous costumes actually function as complex designs that highlight the characters' inner conflicts.

The designer emphasizes how much attention is paid to artistic details in the costume design of Hacks and how this contributes to the actors' performances. The talents of Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder come together with Felix-Hager's designs to bring the characters to life. Since the costumes are not just a visual element but also a part of the story, the designs are carefully chosen for every significant turning point in the series.