Rachel Bloom, known for her candidness and humor, shared insights into her experience with the glamorous ’60s hair she donned for her role in the second season of Max’s “Julia,” starring Sarah Lancashire as culinary icon Julia Child. At Vulture Fest, Bloom, initially slated for a fast-food discussion, veered into a conversation about her on-screen transformation and the challenges of historical accuracy.
Recreating the aesthetic of the 1960s, Bloom revealed that her hair routine mirrored the era’s norms, where women would get their hair set once a week, requiring minimal maintenance. Reflecting on this period-accurate styling, she described the experience as “kinda freeing.” The simplicity of having her hair professionally set in curlers, eliminating the need for daily styling, stood in stark contrast to the modern struggle of navigating online tutorials for intricate looks.
The commitment to authenticity extended beyond hairstyling to the wardrobe, where Bloom had to adapt to the fashion norms of the time. She noted that the open-neck styles she typically favors were not in line with the ’60s era, where high necklines and specific undergarments were the norm. Bloom shared that her undergarments for the show came from a manufacturer catering to Hasidic Jewish women, offering period-accurate pieces that extended from the chest to the knee.
Despite the challenges, being part of “Julia” had its perks for Bloom. The on-set kitchen, dedicated to authenticity, would share any surplus culinary creations at the end of the day. Bloom, a self-proclaimed foodie, likely relished this unexpected bonus. The discussion at Vulture Fest showcased Bloom’s ability to seamlessly transition from food talk to an impromptu musical ode to “cheese on carbs,” leaving the audience entertained and enlightened about the behind-the-scenes intricacies of her transformative role.
