Madeline and the Delaires Character Design (Patreon)

When it came to designing Emmy's adoptive family, the Delaires, I didn't have too much trouble at all. 

The first instance I recall fully sketching Madeline was in the initial character concept page for Emmy. She's seen there with her hair down, but otherwise her design did not go through any dramatic changes. Her parents came to me almost immediately. That illustration with the three of them is the first time I drew Ted and Angela Delaire. Though at the time, I had not settled on their last name yet. 

The Delaire family likely came out fully formed because they are based in common WASPy archetypes. For those who don't know, "W.A.S.P." refers to White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, which is less an exact ethnic identity and more of a slang term that denotes a specific culture of coastal, Ivy-League educated white people who often come from generational wealth. This aesthetic might most notably be associated with the brand Ralph Lauren or Vineyard Vines. 

The "Old Money" look, is deliberately not flashy. It is more conservative and simple. Even Madeline's casual outfits are usually preppy and designed. She doesn't choose what she gets to wear when she goes out, like most kids. 

While the setting of Emmy's world primarily borrows from mid-century styles, With the Delaires, and the families of Hawthorn Grove, I wanted to incorporate more 80s and 90s inspired fashion and appliances. I look back at the predominant yuppie culture of that time for inspiration. Ted and Angela are modern, career oriented, high achievers. They look like they're either always ready for work, or when they are casual, like something out of a catalogue. A nandroid seems quaint in comparison to these more angular, modern women like Mrs Delaire. 

I do however, invoke the more 1950s looks when it comes to the formal wear, because, let's face it, it's aged a lot better than the formal wear of the 80s and 90s. I wanted these people to look timelessly elegant. In the fundraiser party comics, Mrs Delaire's dress is based on the iconic dress worn by Grace Kelly in Rear Window.