In the hazy, smokey world of The Shawl, 1970s meets Victorian Gothic in a play that scams and deceives to the very end. John, a psychic with little money and a master of deceit, is dressed in clothes slightly outdated and ill-fitting. Miss A working through the tough decision of whether or not to contest her mothers will, dresses to the status her money has allowed her to and appears more modest and reserved as she seeks out John's help in the matter. Charles, always wanting more money and willing to sacrifice his relationship with John to get it, wears modern pieces in a stylish way in an attempt to make himself look better off than he is. Through the muted colors and rich textures, one is pulled into the dark world these characters inhabit.