Abbott Elementary superstar Janelle James and costume designer Hachy Mendez-Smith are taking us behind the scenes of Principal Ava Coleman’s bold, hilarious and always camera-ready style.
Ava does not simply enter a scene. She arrives. The fitted dresses, standout prints, sleek jumpsuits and statement accessories all speak before she does—and then Janelle delivers the line that finishes the job.
In a new behind-the-scenes conversation, James sits down with Mendez-Smith to unpack how those memorable looks come together and why Ava’s wardrobe has become such an essential part of the character.
At Abbott, the principal’s office doubles as a runway—and Ava has never missed her entrance.
Catch up with the official series and shop bold workwear touches inspired by Abbott’s resident fashion diva.
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Ava’s Clothes Are Part of the Punch Line
Mendez-Smith describes Ava as Abbott’s resident fashion diva: bold, confident and dramatic. Her clothes lean into modern designer-inspired silhouettes, eye-catching prints, curve-hugging dresses, polished jumpsuits and jewelry that refuses to disappear into the background.
Still, the wardrobe cannot float completely outside the world of the show. Ava may dress like the hallway is her personal fashion week, but she is still running a Philadelphia public school. That tension between runway fantasy and workplace reality is exactly where the comedy—and the character—lives.
James also brings her own instincts into the process. The wardrobe has to look striking on camera, feel believable for Ava and leave enough room for the performance itself to lead. When those elements click, the outfit becomes more than decoration. It tells us who Ava believes she is before she says a word.
The Collaboration Behind Every Ava Entrance
The Deadline Hollywood conversation shows just how collaborative character dressing can be. Costume design establishes the visual language, while the actor brings movement, attitude and comic timing that can completely transform a look.
With Ava, that collaboration has created one of television comedy’s most instantly recognizable wardrobes. She can be overdressed for the room, perfectly dressed for herself and somehow still completely at home among Abbott’s teachers—all at the same time.
That is the Ava Coleman formula: confidence first, practicality somewhere on the list and absolutely no fear of a statement piece.
How “Abbott Elementary’s” Iconic Costumes Bring Principal Ava to Life
Go behind the scenes with costume designer Hachy Mendez-Smith and Janelle James as they explain how Principal Ava Coleman’s bold wardrobe is developed for Abbott Elementary.
Press play above and step inside the process behind Ava’s legendary fashion game. The colors, shapes and accessories may change, but the message stays the same: Principal Coleman has arrived, and everyone else should adjust accordingly.
She runs the school, she runs the hallway and, naturally, she runs the look.
Sources: Deadline Hollywood’s official The Process video, the official ABC series page and Good Morning America’s feature with costume designer Hachy Mendez-Smith.
