Johnetta Boone on ‘Yellowstone’ Costumes, Being a Black Creative, and The Show’s Conservative Audience

Whether you love or hate John Dutton and what the fatally flawed Montana family stands for, there’s no denying his strength Yellowstone. Sleeper Paramount’s one-off series is now the hottest show on TV, with nearly 16 million viewers tuning in to its season 5 premiere earlier this fall. And while the fan club of the New Western is bigger than ever, few know the black womenswear designer behind the show’s signature look: Johnita Boone. With 30 years in the industry under her belt, Boone trained at Fashion Institute of Technology and then went on to work on Hollywood movies like DiariesAnd the Cadillac recordsAnd the Accelerates.

Starting with the second season, the Washington, D.C. native has taken over Yellowstone reins of Academy Award Winner Ruth E Carter, a leading black fashion designer herself. Since then, Boone has infused the Western lifestyle with heritage American brands like Levi’s, Wrangler, and Carhartt. But just like the show’s intricate plot, the costumes aren’t quite that simple — they also feature ancient finds; heavyweight fashion heavyweights like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Off-White; and up-and-coming original designers like Bethany Yellowtail. For both Boone and show creator Taylor Sheridan, getting every detail right is crucial, which is why she’s done so much research and partnered with the director of Indigenous Affairs. Mo brings a lot (who plays Moe in the show) to ensure that Native American clothing is culturally appropriate.

Here, Bon speaks…