Overview

• Brad Johns, Bessette-Kennedy’s longtime hair colorist, said the initial test shots featured ashy white-blond hair and ill-fitting accessories that deviated from her signature minimalist style.
• Johns explained his “chunking” technique that produced her iconic multidimensional blond and called the series’ test wig “burnt” and “wrong.”
• The backlash prompted Ryan Murphy to clarify that the first looks were studio placeholders and to recruit fashion experts and bloggers for an advisory committee.
• Murphy has been sourcing vintage designer pieces once owned by Bessette-Kennedy—including Prada boots and ’90s Calvin Klein styles—to guide costume authenticity.
• Filming is underway in New York City with Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Kelly in the lead roles ahead of the series’ Valentine’s Day 2026 debut on FX/Hulu.