GOLDEN GIRLS FOREVER
An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai
Patient
- HarperDesign
Treatment
- Design
- Illustration
Diagnosis
Step inside a wicker wonderland with the first-ever retrospective on everyone’s favorite sassy-seniors, The Golden Girls. Packed with hundreds of never-before-seen photos, behind-the-scenes stories, and juicy exclusive interviews, this comprehensive tribute takes fans on a journey through the show’s most cherished episodes. Relive hysterical moments, iconic quotes, dazzling costumes, and star-studded guest appearances in this heartfelt celebration of TV’s beloved golden ladies.
• 17.25 x 9.25 • metallic foil-paper jacket • 368 pages, 4-color hardcover book
Product photos by Austen Hart
Accolades
- Communication Arts Illustration Annual 55
- Print’s Regional Design Annual 2017
Kitschy tropical patterns inspired by wallpaper and fabrics found in the show’s set design adorn the cover, including Blanche’s iconic bedroom wall decoupage / bedspread ensemble and Sophia’s wicker purse on the spine. Metallic foil paper was used to make the photos of the ladies literally “golden,” as well as the typography and the spine’s wicker pattern.
Look beneath the jacket and you’ll find a cameo of the ladies, along with characteristic quotes on the back cover.
A saved scrap of the actual wallpaper used to decorate their cozy kitchen set was scanned to create the endpapers for the book.
We illustrated portraits of the girls to accompany interviews with the actresses, which were the last interviews done with Rue McClanahan and Bea Arthur before they passed. Picking up on their iconic stature, we wanted to capture the essence of each character through their distinct clothing, jewelry, and hairstyles. Punchy, humorous quotes also emphasize each of their personalities.
99 beloved episodes are analyzed via in-depth interviews with the writers, directors, and actors, as well as rare photos from the set designer, production stills, sidebars, and iconic quotes.
Each season is identified by vertical stripes containing different tropical patterns that run down the edge of the page, and the seasons alternate between peachy-mauve and mint color schemes.
The girl’s iconic Miami rancher, Granny-chic decor, and outrageous outfits are explored with interviews with the set and costume designers, sketches, and fabric swatches.
The book wraps up by discussing the show’s impact on pop culture—everything from drag queens and Legos to modern art—and why it still remains a favorite for people of all ages today.
