‘Hacks’: Jean Smart’s ‘Queen of Hearts’ Party Dress Was Made From Real Playing Cards That Were Hand-Stitched On

The costume for Deborah Vance's "Queen of Hearts" dress in the third episode of "Hacks" season 3 was meticulously crafted from real playing cards. Costume designer Kathleen Felix-Hager, upon reading the script's specific instruction for a dress made of playing cards, embarked on the creative process to realize this unique garment. The design involved sourcing a significant quantity of playing cards, which were then individually hand-stitched onto the dress's base fabric. This labor-intensive approach ensured the visual integrity and thematic relevance of the costume, aligning with the character's persona and the episode's narrative. Felix-Hager's dedication to executing this specific detail highlights the attention to costume design in the series, aiming to enhance character portrayal and storytelling through visual elements. The final dress, a striking representation of a 'Queen of Hearts,' was a testament to the intricate craftsmanship involved in bringing such a conceptual wardrobe piece to life for the HBO Max series.