BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE: Dolly Parton, the renowned country star, is known for her dazzling and ever-changing outfits. With a commitment to never repeating an outfit, she ensures that each ensemble is customized to perfection, tailored specifically to flatter her frame and match her bedazzled taste. But have you ever wondered what happens to Parton's clothes after she's worn them? In a recent interview with Vogue, her stylist of over three decades, Steve Summers, shed light on the meticulous organization behind the scenes.
According to Summers, every single one of Parton's looks is carefully archived in a warehouse. Since 1964, almost every outfit she has worn has been photographed, documented, and categorized based on color, genre, and style. This extensive collection, comprising the majority of Parton's garments, allows her team to keep track of her fashion journey throughout the years.
Considering the sheer number of looks she flaunts, it's no surprise that Parton's wardrobe is a sight to behold. On press days or during personal appearances, she often changes into as many as 10 outfits per day. Furthermore, all of her attire is either custom-made or custom-altered, with her fashion team creating approximately 300 custom outfits each year. “There is an outfit in production every single day,” Summers explained. “If she’s doing personal appearances, 10 outfits in a day is not unusual.” And while it might be tempting to go back into the archive to revive some of Parton’s old looks. Summers and the singer like to keep Parton in fresh ensembles. “We’re not trying to [re-invent] the wheel—we’re just trying to keep it rolling,” he said.
Parton recently co-hosted the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards in Frisco, Texas alongside Garth Brooks. Known for her memorable performances and award acceptances, she always shines in style.
Summers reminisced about Parton's mirrorball outfit from last year's ACM Awards, stating his admiration for it. This year, Parton took the stage to perform the lead single from her new rock album, 'Rockstar'. Summers aimed to showcase a diverse range of looks for the night, incorporating elements of brightness, demureness, country flair, and everything in between.
Styling Parton is a thrilling experience for Summers, who gets to dress her for a multitude of occasions. “Designing for Dolly is great because there are so many [Dollys],” he told Vogue. “I’ve got the philanthropist, the singer, the actress, the theme park owner. The canvas is always very broad.” Summers brings his artistic vision to the table, while Parton remains true to her preferences. “She’s been very specific throughout her entire career,” he said, “She wears what she likes, and what she feels comfortable in,” says Summers. “The great thing about working with Dolly is she doesn’t follow fashion trends at all; Her style hasn’t changed that much over the years.”
Customization is a key aspect of Parton's wardrobe, even for off-the-rack dresses. “Even if she wears a dress that’s off the rack, it doesn’t look like it by the time she gets it on,” said Summers. “There’s a customization that happens no matter what she’s wearing.” This attention to detail extends to fit, with all pieces tailored to her specific measurements.
As she stands at a petite 5 feet in height, Parton's team ensures that garments accentuate her waist and showcase her hourglass figure. "She’s always cinched at the waist, and they’re often monochromatic,” said Summers. “She’s a very petite woman, so it’s easy to overwhelm her—it’s easy for the clothes to wear her, and I don’t like that.” The celebrity stylist concluded, “She’s known as a fashion icon, but the clothes are relatively simple," adding, "They’re very intricate in detail, though.”