Praised by critics for her breakthrough role as Trudy Campbell in the drama series Mad Men, Alison Brie appeared in a total of 36 episodes in the American period drama television series. Her first appearance was in “New Amsterdam,” the fourth episode of the first season that aired on August 9, 2007, when she was 24.
Alison Brie as Trudy Campbell in Mad Men portraying her character’s pregnancy in a soft pink maternity dress (Credit: AMC)
Her final performance as Trudy Campbell was in ‘Person to Person,’ the series finale aired on AMC on May 17, 2015, when she was 32.
In September 2015, Alison talked with Terry Gross on Fresh Air, an American radio talk show broadcast on National Public Radio stations. She revealed how she got her breakthrough role as Trudy Campbell.
I had recently graduated from college – not that recently, but recently enough that I was still living at home with my mom. And at the time, I was doing theater. I was doing “Hamlet” at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura County.
Alison Brie dazzles on the red carpet in a black beaded mini dress paired with strappy heels at the Mad Men season 2 premiere on July 21, 2008, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / Brian To / WENN)
And I auditioned for “Mad Men,” and I – the show had not – it had been picked up to series, but no episodes had aired yet at that point. So I really didn’t have a point of reference except for the script. And I just – you knew it was good. The script was good.
And I felt really strongly that I was going to get the part, and I went in and auditioned for just the casting directors. And I got called back to come in for Matt Weiner and the director of the episode and a few producers. And I – you know, I remember feeling great about it, like, I know I’m going to get this.
And about two weeks went by. I was back up in Ventura, and I was so crushed because two weeks is an eternity in TV. Everything gets made so fast, and it normally would mean that you definitely didn’t get the part.
Vincent Kartheiser as Pete Campbell and Alison Brie as Trudy Campbell attend a holiday party in a scene from Mad Men, showcasing classic 1960s fashion (Credit: AMC)
Maybe it was just under two weeks, but it was a while because they actually ended up – Matt told me later that they had a whole other casting session. And then they were down to the wire and needed to cast the part, and it was Matt who kind of went back and was like, where’s that Brie girl? Find the tape for that Brie girl. And then I got the call.
While Alison Brie’s portrayal of Trudy Campbell in Mad Men captured the elegance and constraints of 1960s fashion, her real-life red carpet looks reflect a more daring and contemporary style. Her transition from vintage-inspired TV costumes to real-world red carpet glamor showcases her versatility not only as an actress but also as a fashion icon.
Even with her impressive red carpet style, Alison Brie has found herself not just in the spotlight but also stepping in to help others with their fashion dilemmas. At the 2016 People’s Choice Awards, Alison came to the rescue of fellow actress Dakota Johnson during an unexpected wardrobe malfunction.
Alison Brie’s Modern Style Off-Screen
No matter how it happens, wardrobe malfunctions are frightening — especially when you’re a celebrity making your way up to the stage to accept an award, like Dakota Johnson. It’s a good thing Alison Brie was there to help Dakota at the 2016 People’s Choice Awards, which was held in Los Angeles.
Alison Brie looks radiant in a soft mint green dress at the 2016 People’s Choice Awards, complementing her elegant makeup and loose waves (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / Brian To / WENN)
Dave Franco’s rich wife wore a cutout dress by Cushnie et Ochs in a very slight mint green shade, which she paired with silver “Lipstick” heels from Tamara Mellon.
Alison Brie stuns in a mint green Cushnie et Ochs cutout dress paired with silver Tamara Mellon sandals on the red carpet at the 2016 People’s Choice Awards (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / Brian To / WENN)
The actress has a lovely figure, and we usually love Cushnie et Ochs dresses, but we’re not quite sure about this look.
Alison Brie’s feet in sleek silver Tamara Mellon “Lipstick” sandals, showing off her dark pedicure on the red carpet (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / Brian To / WENN)
The bodice of the dress looks like armor strapped to Alison’s front, and the entire look does nothing for her proportions.
Alison Brie sports heavy makeup and lets her chestnut hair down in loose curls (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / Brian To / WENN)
While the dress may not have been the most flattering choice, it at least stayed intact. Both Alison and Leslie Mann were incredibly gracious in assisting Dakota Johnson, even though it appeared that Leslie was the cause of the wardrobe malfunction. Nevertheless, the two actresses spared Dakota from what could have been an embarrassing moment. Watch the video below.
The Tamara Mellon “Lipstick” heels are already sold out online, but fret not—we pulled up alternative silver sandals for you to choose from at Farfetch.
Tamara Mellon “Lipstick” Sandals
Jimmy Choo “Claudette” Mirrored-Leather Platform Sandals, $895
Tabitha Simmons “Leticia” Metallic Ankle-Wrap Sandal in Silver, $625