The Sopranos prequel The Many Saints Of Newark may take viewers back in time to the 1960s, but for its premiere last night in Tribeca, star Vera Farmiga wanted a look that was entirely modern. Naturally, the first person she called was Ryan Roche. The designer's minimal, elegant eveningwear represents everything happening right now in fashion. Plus she and Farmiga happen to be best friends. “[Vera] called from Toronto where she has been working all summer and said, ‘Babe, I need a dress!’” says Roche. "She’s the image of effortless beauty, and she brings the most vibrant life to any world she steps into; I am so lucky she is in mine."
In the series, Farmiga plays Soprano family matriarch Livia—one of the greatest villains of all time. For such a commanding character, Roche created a premiere look in a power color that paid homage to gangster films. "We made this gorgeous, modern, lipstick pink, two-ply, plunging neck, silk chiffon dress in Italy after she called," says Roche. "We love a good sleeve, and so this strong shoulder felt perfect for the occasion of a mobster movie. Vera can always rock an amazing sleeve." The two also collaborated with Farmiga on her single strand infinity pearl necklace. "Pearls are something we both continue to love and lose our minds over. [It's] our second pearl collaboration, as we worked together on the pearls for our runway show in Paris.” The pearls were then complimented by a set of Eva Fehren diamond rings.
Roche found the getting ready process akin to a reunion, with Erica Cloud styling, Kevin Ryan updating Farmiga's bob, and Fulvia Farolfi creating a subtle beauty look. "The vibe was like family, which is always so special," she says. "This is the first red carpet custom dress I have made since Covid, and it's that much more meaningful because I adore Vera and our collaborations are truly the best. [Plus] it was so much fun watching her play Livia Soprano—she was incredible!" For her part, Farmiga knew her one-of-a-kind creation would elevate a once-in-a-lifetime event. "I feel most chic, most boss, most comfortable, most effortless [and] the most me, in Ryan Roche," she says. "Her clothes are my second skin—how lucky am I to have her as my best friend. "
