The Matlock star Skye P. Marshall reveals why her character’s affordable Telfar bag is a cultural statement—and how Beyoncé inspired the choice.
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Skye P. Marshall talks about the societal meaning behind the must-have item her character has.
What does Olympia’s closet hold?
Olympia Lawrence, played by Skye P. Marshall, is a strong lawyer on CBS’s version of Matlock. Her trusty Telfar bag symbolizes her personality and style.
Marshall, who is 43 years old, tells PEOPLE only how this $100 item became a link between Olympia’s fancy life and her home life.
She says, “I wanted something one-color but relatable.” I want a bag that fits my style without screaming “$5,000 designer.”
What did Telfar do to become Olympia’s signature?
A quick chat with the outfit head made it official. Marshall pushed for Telfar, the Black-owned brand started by designer Telfar Clemens, to make a reference to her background.
“When Beyoncé wore it a few years ago, it energized our community,” she says. “Sold out for years.”
The show’s outfit designers got 12 or more colors, and fans who are paying close attention will see each one in different shows like Easter eggs.
Why are low-cost clothes important on screen?
Olympia could charge $1,000 an hour, but Marshall told her to keep her style simple.
“I didn’t want to lose viewers who might have thought, ‘Hey, my niece has that bag!'” she says. “With Teflar, you can walk like a celebrity without the price tag.”
Do you mean that we can buy Olympia’s Matlock looks?
“We need a Matlock rental site!” Marshall jokes about “shopping” and leaving the set.
She wants everything in the show, from the pink courtroom lamps to Olympia’s sleek clothes, for her real closet.
Matlock airs on CBS every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.