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Debra Messing Defends Her Smash Wardrobe

Actress Debra Messing attends the BAM 150th Anniversary gala
Debra Messing. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Dusters and scarves, scarves and dusters, dusters accessorized with chunky belts and then topped off with scarves pulled haphazardly around she-wizard blouses: It’s safe to say that the main question people have about Smash isn’t whether Ivy or Karen will get the lead in the musical, it’s “What is going on with Debra Messing’s wardrobe?” When we caught up with Messing last night at the event for BAM’s 150th Anniversary, we had to know what she thought of her character’s costumes. “Oh my goodness!” she exclaimed. “Well, she’s an artist with a capital A. She’s a mom, and very busy, but still creative. Her style is about being comfortable and practical.” But all those layers? All of them? “In New York, you never know what the weather’s going to be, so layers are very practical,” explained Messing. “But I think she expresses her creativity in music and in the way she dresses. So many scarves and jewelry — that’s the way she expresses herself. She’s also a mom, so she’s not going to be running around in tight pants and high heels.” Satisfied?

Debra Messing Defends Her Smash Wardrobe