“While our story centers around the boxing world in Los Angeles, Sugar Season 2 resonates with diversity, capturing different neighborhoods and subcultures that make LA so unique,” explains costume designer Christie Wittenborn. Scenes range from gritty pool halls, Koreatown’s nightlife, and Downtown’s homeless encampments to Beverly Hills luxury hotels, hospitals, and breathtaking Malibu Beach.

“The goal was to make it authentic to Los Angeles and not the Hollywood version of it.”

Wittenborn’s process involved not only breaking down the characters, but also all the subcultures. She notes, “Background costumes often do that quiet storytelling. They tell the audience where they are before anyone speaks.” She extensively researched the neighborhoods, absorbing the people and details that make the world believable. Her biggest challenge was to make those subcultures come alive. She considers crowds one of her most important tools in storytelling.

It was against this tableau that Season 2, full of cloak-and-dagger suspense, builds on Season 1’s stunning reveal that private detective John Sugar (Colin Farrell) is an alien, part of a group sent to observe humanity. When his companions are summoned home, he remains behind to search for his sister. His love for film noir helps him connect with his new world. “His suiting is definitely influenced by the detectives he admires,” notes Wittenborn, “but we never wanted it to feel like cosplay. He genuinely sees the beauty in that era, the elegance, the manners, the sense of purpose. His suits became an extension of that romanticism.”

Choosing the right fabric and dialing in the fit and silhouette was critical. She started with silk cashmere for its lighter weight, but it did not wear well, especially in action scenes. She transitioned to mohair, which is more durable and has a nice patina and shine. His color palette starts dark and gets lighter as he assimilates to his surroundings. “Everything with Colin was intentional, and small details mattered to him. Sugar’s cufflinks reflect a man who values craftsmanship and history. His suspenders are a throwback to the old detective lineage in black-and-white movies. When Sugar gets dressed every morning, he does it with a purposeful ritual. Even his shoes are flawlessly polished.” There are a few times where Sugar wears casual hoodies and T-shirts, but his suits are his armor, and the effect is an otherworldly perfection. All of Sugar’s suits are custom-made by Serj Costumes & Tailoring.

The supporting characters are as diverse and detailed. Sugar’s PI apprentice, street-savvy Val (Sasha Calle) challenges expectations. Wittenborn didn’t want her clothing to feel either feminine or masculine. “Val’s costumes focus on confidence and practicality. She knows exactly who she is and doesn’t worry about what other people think.” Tom Flyberg (Shea Whigham) is a mystery, because you can’t quite categorize him or his profession. “He has a memorable, unexpected presence and rolls with high profile people.” His covert involvements and ever-changing costumes suggest he may be a federal agent working undercover. His looks range from provocative, mismatched pieces to a white, peak-collar suit. Charlotte Fischer (Laura Donnelly), a businesswoman reminiscent of film noir’s female sirens, wears exquisite women’s suiting paired with soft, feminine blouses. “She understands the power of her appearance and uses it strategically,” says Wittenborn. “She is elusive and exists somewhere between fantasy and danger. That tension became the foundation of her look.”

To differentiate the three worlds of boxing, Wittenborn lets her background actors paint the picture. “A competitive boxing audience tends to have a broader mix of spectators: sponsors, families, and enthusiasts. The bare-knuckle crowds feel more underground, more unpredictable, more tribal.” The boxing gym is where up-and-coming local boxer Danny Moon (Jin Ha) trains. He hires Sugar to find his missing brother Ji Moon (Raymond Lee). “I wanted this gym to feel like it has been around forever. We created the gym hoodies with logos, and my incredible in-house workroom made the boxing trunks and robes.” Wittenborn also wants to recognize her assistant costume designer, Meredith Murphy. “Sugar was her first show as an ACD and she nailed it.” Another essential member of her team was Local 705 trailer costumer Kellie Ishisaki. “She’s the backbone, an incredibly calm and grounded individual who made sure that everybody was built for success for the day.”

Each of Wittenborn’s costume choices, whether for John Sugar or a background actor, is in service of understanding the character and grounding the scene. “Working with Colin is a gift. He approaches character with such depth and curiosity that it pushes everybody around him to do their best. That level of collaboration makes Sugar a truly special experience.”