Nashville Costume Designer Susie DeSanto Dishes on Juliette's Grown Up Look from Last Night's Episode

After a three-week hiatus, Nashville returned last night with an all-new episode, and like always, there was plenty of juicy drama! Juliette’s (Hayden Panettiere) return to music was at the forefront of the episode, and the sophisticated and stylish outfit she wore to meet with powerhouse producer Howie V in Los Angeles demonstrated that she’s ready to shed her country girl image for good. “That whole look was obviously about showing that she can make the transition from country star to pop star,” costume designer Susie DeSanto tells InStyle.com exclusively. For that scene DeSanto dressed Juliette in a black blazer by Nonoo, a textured white blouse from Opening Ceremony, skinny Helmut Lang pants, and Chanel boots. “I liked the starkness of the black and white,” DeSanto continues. “It’s a classic way to dress a business person, but the cuts that she wears give it an edgy silhouette. It’s very fashionable.”

The creation of her new image went one step further when she agrees to participate in a photo shoot to accompany her new song “Don’t Put Dirt on My Grave Just Yet.” “The overall theme was that she was burying her country career,” DeSanto explains. To illustrate that, the makeup and costume department made Juliette almost unrecognizable, but DeSanto kept her stylishly dressed, outfitting her in an Emilio Pucci gown for the scene. However, the decision on whether to continue her transformation had to be put on hold when after she finds out that Rayna’s (Connie Britton) dad passed away from a heart attack.

With Rayna’s life becoming more and more complicated, and Juliette’s career path up in the air, one thing’s for sure: there is plenty drama in store. And while she can’t reveal what’s coming up next, DeSanto assures us that there’s some great episodes ahead! For more of last night’s looks, click through the gallery, and be sure to check back here next Thursday as we give you the costume scoop from next week’s all-new episode.