Renee Ehrlich Kalfus a Costume Designer
Emily Nelson is back—and she’s bringing high fashion and high drama with her. Set seven years after the events of A Simple Favor, the sequel, Another Simple Favor, sees Blake Lively’s Emily out of prison and preparing to marry into a wealthy Italian family with ties to organized crime. She invites her former friend and rival Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) to the lavish wedding, setting the stage for intrigue, chaos—and murder.
Returning alongside director Paul Feig is costume designer Renee Ehrlich Kalfus, who embraced the challenge of surpassing her previous work, turning the sequel into a visual treat for fashion enthusiasts
The visual inspiration for the film’s fashion came from Vogue editor Giovanna Battaglia’s famously extravagant wedding. “It’s set seven years later, and the central concept was a lavish Italian wedding on the Isle of Capri,” Renee Ehrlich Kalfus explained. “The story unfolds over the course of the wedding week. Paul [Feig] showed us images from Giovanna Battaglia’s real wedding, which took place in the exact location. The photos were filled with over-the-top elegance—and that became our creative springboard. From there, we took the look and elevated it even further.”
Renee went on to reveal details behind Blake Lively’s dramatic wedding gown in the film. “The wedding costume was designed to convey tension, opulence, and intimidation,” she said. “The bustier and leggings were crafted from latex—an unexpected and provocative choice for bridalwear, blending beauty with a sense of severity. The voluminous silver satin skirt, made at the renowned Tirelli costume studio in Rome, created a powerful silhouette that physically kept people at a distance.”
“Emily is a defiant character who’s unapologetic about how she’s perceived. The 40-foot veil, edged with hundreds of crystals and dipped in red dye, served as a symbolic warning of what’s to come. The entire ensemble was created to be bold, unforgettable, and intimidating,” Renee added.
Renee Ehrlich Kalfus is a distinguished costume designer with a notable career in film and television.
Here are some key aspects of her work and background:
- Known For: She is widely recognized for her costume design in acclaimed films such as Hidden Figures (for which she won the Costume Designers Guild Award for Excellence in Period Film), Chocolat (receiving BAFTA and Costume Designers Guild Award nominations), and A Simple Favor. She also designed the costumes for the sequel, Another Simple Favor (2025).
- Versatile Portfolio: Her filmography showcases her ability to work across various genres, including period dramas (e.g., Snow Falling on Cedars, The Cider House Rules), gritty dramas (e.g., Dead Man Walking, The Taking of Pelham 123), and romantic comedies (e.g., Friends with Benefits, What Happens in Vegas).
- Collaboration with Directors: She has a strong collaborative history with director Lasse Hallström, working on five of his films, including Once Around and Chocolat. She also has a recurring collaboration with Paul Feig, including A Simple Favor and the upcoming Grand Death Lotto.
- Character-Driven Design: Renee Ehrlich Kalfus emphasizes that her costume design is rooted in character development. She works closely with actors to create wardrobes that help them embody their roles and convey the nuances of their personalities to the audience.
- Artistic Background: Before her career in costume design, Kalfus studied fine arts and painting at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. She has mentioned that her background in painting influences her approach to color and design in her costume work. Renee Ehrlich Kalfus continues to paint and her artwork is held in private collections.
- “A Simple Favor” – Notable Fashion: Her work on A Simple Favor, particularly Blake Lively’s character’s sharp and sophisticated menswear-inspired suits, garnered significant attention and praise for its role in defining the character’s enigmatic persona.
- “Hidden Figures” – Historical Accuracy and Artistry: In Hidden Figures, Renee Ehrlich Kalfus balanced historical accuracy with artistic choices to subtly highlight the characters’ journeys and their contrast within the social context of the time.
- Other Notable Projects: Her extensive filmography also includes titles like Annie (2014), Last Christmas (2019), Godmothered (2020), The Beanie Bubble (2023), and the upcoming The Housemaid (2025).
- Recognition: In addition to awards and nominations of Renee Ehrlich Kalfus, New York Women in Film and Television honored her at their Designing Women awards in 2014 for her career achievements.
Renee Ehrlich Kalfus is a respected and accomplished costume designer known for her insightful character work, versatility across genres, and impactful visual storytelling through clothing in film.