Costume Designer's Wild Tales: Aretha Franklin & Janis Joplin's Secrets

Oscar-nominated costume designer Jean-Pierre Dorléac, known for his candid stories about celebrities, has shared new accounts of his experiences with legendary singers Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. Dorléac, 82, detailed an encounter in 1994 when he was commissioned to design a gown for Franklin. He described being shocked by her alleged living conditions at her Detroit mansion, which he characterized as extremely messy and filled with cigarette butts.

During this meeting, Dorléac reported that Franklin referred to him with a racial slur, calling him 'cracker.' He also recounted an incident where Franklin allegedly failed to pay the remaining $7,000 for a white gown she commissioned, which he later repurposed.

Dorléac also shed light on his past friendship with Janis Joplin, describing her as a 'filthy hippy' who was often drunk and unreliable. He recounted instances of her erratic behavior, including fights with friends and a drug overdose he had to report. The designer noted that their friendship fractured when Joplin allegedly prioritized a tryst with Leonard Cohen over meeting him.

In contrast to these negative experiences, Dorléac spoke highly of other musicians he has worked with. He praised Gloria Estefan for her professionalism and kindness during a difficult video shoot in 2026. Eartha Kitt and Edith Piaf were also lauded for their punctuality, clear direction, and timely payments, showcasing a more positive side of working with music industry giants.