One of the jobs in movies that doesn’t get enough credit is the Hollywood Costume Designers job. These designers play a huge role in how characters look and feel on screen. They help create the people we root for, make the movie’s world look amazing with colors and textures, and sometimes even influence our fashion choices in real life.
Just like hearing a composer’s music can instantly remind you of a movie scene, the work of a costume designer can bring a film or character back to your mind. Think about Marilyn Monroe’s famous white dress in “The Seven Year Itch,” Keanu Reeves‘ slick black leather outfit in “The Matrix,” or Hannibal Lecter’s creepy orange jumpsuit and mask in “The Silence of the Lambs.” These outfits are so iconic that they instantly bring back memories and feelings from those movies.
Defining the Role of Costume Designers
Costume designers are like fashion architects for the movies. They are responsible for creating the clothing that characters wear in a film. But it’s not just about dressing up actors; it’s about using costumes to help tell the story.
How Costume Designers Shape Characters
Imagine your favorite movie character. Whether it’s a swashbuckling pirate, a daring superhero, or a historical figure from the past, their appearance is crucial. Costume designers work closely with the director and actors to craft outfits that reflect a character’s personality, era, and role in the story.
For instance, think about the iconic black leather outfit Keanu Reeves wore as Neo in “The Matrix.” That sleek, futuristic look instantly told us that Neo was a cool, modern-day hero. Costume designers use color, texture, and style to make characters come to life.
Setting the Scene
Costume designers also play a vital role in creating the film’s world. They use clothing to set the time and place of the story. For example, in a historical drama like “Pride & Prejudice,” the costumes transport us to the early 19th century. In “Star Wars,” the unique outfits of characters like Princess Leia and Darth Vader help define the galaxy far, far away.
The Impact Beyond the Screen
Costume designers’ influence extends beyond the movie theater. The clothes they create can inspire fashion trends in the real world. People often want to emulate the style of their favorite film characters. Remember how Marilyn Monroe’s white halter dress in “The Seven Year Itch” became an iconic fashion statement? That’s the power of costume design.
Let’s dive into Best Hollywood Costume Designers
Marilyn Vance
Marilyn Vance is a renowned costume designer who left a lasting mark on ’80s cinema with her iconic work. Her designs in films like “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink” contributed significantly to defining the looks of those decades. Vance’s impeccable work is evident in collaborations with directors like John Hughes and Brian De Palma, such as “The Untouchables.”
Did You Know ?
She is a big fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | “The Breakfast Club”, “Pretty Woman” |
| Impact | Defined ’80s cinema fashion |
Michael Kaplan
Michael Kaplan is a versatile costume designer, equally at home in sci-fi and psychological thriller genres. His work in “Blade Runner” is often praised for its contribution to the film’s futuristic noir atmosphere. Additionally, his costumes played a pivotal role in setting the tone of “Se7en” and “Fight Club.”
Did You Know ?
In addition to his acting career, Kaplan is also a successful businessman. He is the founder of the production company Kaplan Entertainment and the co-founder of the restaurant chain The Habit Burger Grill.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | “Blade Runner”, “Se7en” |
| Versatility | Comfortable in sci-fi and psychological thrillers |
Milena Canonero
Milena Canonero is known for creating grand and purposeful costume designs that serve the film’s narrative. Her work in “Barry Lyndon,” famously lit by candlelight, showcased her ability to make costumes glow with authenticity in historical settings. In “A Clockwork Orange,” her costume designs played a pivotal role in creating the film’s dystopian and iconic look.
Did You Know ?
She is a big fan of vintage clothing and often incorporates vintage pieces into her designs.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | “Barry Lyndon”, “A Clockwork Orange” |
| Grand Designs | Purposeful costumes enhancing narratives |
Edith Head
Edith Head, known as the “dress doctor,” is a legendary costume designer with an astonishing 35 Oscar nominations and 8 wins. She collaborated with Alfred Hitchcock on 11 films, leaving her mark on classics like “Rear Window” and “Vertigo.” Her iconic work extended to dressing Hollywood stars such as Natalie Wood, Barbara Stanwyck, and Audrey Hepburn, contributing to their timeless appeal.
Did You Know ?
She was the first woman to head a costume department at a major studio.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | “Rear Window”, “Vertigo”, “Roman Holiday” |
| Achievements | 35 Oscar nominations, 8 Oscar wins |
Mark Bridges
Mark Bridges excels in subtle costume design, seamlessly blending outfits into the fabric of the film. Notably, in “The Artist,” a black-and-white silent film, Bridges’ choice of fabrics and tones allowed characters to stand out, conveying emotions and plot without flashy designs. Collaborating with director Paul Thomas Anderson, Bridges contributes to realizing the director’s unique vision.
Did You Know ?
Bridges won a Kawasaki Ultra 310LX Jet Ski and a trip to Lake Havasu during the 2018 Academy Awards after giving the shortest acceptance speech of the night at just 36 seconds.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | “The Artist”, “There Will Be Blood” |
| Distinctive Style | Subtle, blending costumes seamlessly |
Jacqueline Durran
Jacqueline Durran is celebrated for her bold and innovative approach to costume design. Often blending different period trends, she creates visually striking looks. Her green dress worn by Keira Knightley in “Atonement” received critical acclaim, becoming an iconic symbol of the film. Durran’s willingness to push boundaries adds a fresh perspective to period films like “Pride & Prejudice” and “Anna Karenina.”
Did You Know ?
She has won two Academy Awards and has been nominated for seven more. She is an inspiration to other costume designers who aspire to her level of excellence.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | “Atonement”, “Pride & Prejudice” |
| Approach | Bold and innovative, blending period trends |
Walter Plunkett
Walter Plunkett, an authority on historical costume design, was known for his meticulous attention to detail. His work in “Gone With the Wind” captured the nostalgia and expectations of the audience, making the costumes iconic. Plunkett’s ability to transport audiences to different eras is evident in films like “Little Women” and “Duel in the Sun.”
Did You Know ?
He was also the first costume designer to be nominated for an Academy Award for his work on a television show, for the 1957 miniseries The Diary of Anne Frank.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | “Gone With the Wind”, “Little Women” |
| Expertise | Historical costume design with meticulous attention to detail |
Aggie Guerard Rodgers
Aggie Guerard Rodgers is recognized for her striking and eccentric costume designs that add depth to characters. Her work in “Beetlejuice” showcases her ability to create visually memorable outfits that range from monochromatic to colorful, from ordinary to extraordinary, reflecting the film’s quirky and supernatural themes.
Did You Know ?
Aggie Guerard Rodgers was a skilled pilot. She learned to fly in the early 1930s and was one of the first women to obtain a commercial pilot’s license. She used her flying skills to support the war effort during World War II.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | “Beetlejuice”, “The Color Purple” |
| Signature | Striking and eccentric costume designs |
Colleen Atwood
Colleen Atwood is celebrated for her collaborations with director Tim Burton. Her work in “Edward Scissorhands” and “Alice in Wonderland” helped define Burton’s distinctive visual style, known for its fantastical and imaginative costumes. Atwood’s versatility extends to contributing to more contemporary and realist films, solidifying her reputation as a leading costume designer.
Did You Know ?
She’s a frequent collaborator with Tim Burton. Atwood has designed costumes for ten of Burton’s films, including Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns, Ed Wood, and Dumbo. Their creative partnership has resulted in some of the most memorable and visually stunning costumes in cinema history.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | “Edward Scissorhands”, “Alice in Wonderland” |
| Collaborations | Distinctive work with director Tim Burton |
Orry George Kelly
Orry George Kelly, an early practitioner of character-centric costume designs, was known for his meticulous attention to detail and playful touches. His work in films like “Some Like It Hot” and “Casablanca” incorporated design features that played with light and shadow, contributing to the films’ visual appeal. Orry Kelly’s versatility made him a valuable asset to Warner Bros, where he worked on gangster flicks, musicals, and dramas.
Did You Know ?
He was a close friend of Marilyn Monroe and designed many of her most iconic costumes, including the white dress she wore in The Seven Year Itch.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Notable Films | “Some Like It Hot”, “Casablanca” |
| Meticulous Touch | Attention to detail and playful elements |
In the captivating world of cinema, costume designers are the unsung heroes who shape characters, define film worlds, and often influence fashion trends. The 10 notable costume designers highlighted here have made indelible contributions to the art of storytelling through clothing. From the legendary Edith Head to the innovative Jacqueline Durran, each designer has left their unique mark on the industry, elevating the power of costume design to an art form. Their work serves as a testament to the profound impact that a well-designed costume can have on a film’s narrative and our collective imagination.
FAQs
What is the role of a costume designer in filmmaking?
- A costume designer is responsible for creating the clothing worn by characters in a film. They work closely with directors and actors to craft outfits that reflect a character’s personality, era, and role in the story. Costume designers also play a crucial role in defining the film’s world and can influence fashion trends in real life.
Who is Edith Head, and why is she famous?
- Edith Head, known as the “dress doctor,” is a legendary costume designer who received 35 Oscar nominations and won 8 awards. She is famous for her collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock and for dressing Hollywood icons like Natalie Wood, Barbara Stanwyck, and Audrey Hepburn.
What is Mark Bridges known for in costume design?
- Mark Bridges is known for his subtle and seamless costume designs that blend into the fabric of a film. His work in “The Artist” is a notable example, where he conveyed character emotions and plot without flashy designs in a black-and-white silent film.
How does Jacqueline Durran approach costume design?
- Jacqueline Durran is celebrated for her innovative approach to costume design. She often blends different period trends to create unique and visually striking looks. Her work in “Atonement” received critical acclaim for its green dress worn by Keira Knightley.
Why is Walter Plunkett famous in the world of costume design?
- Walter Plunkett is regarded as an authority on historical costume design. His meticulous attention to detail is evident in films like “Gone With the Wind,” where he captured the nostalgia of the era, making the costumes iconic.
What is Aggie Guerard Rodgers known for in costume design?
- Aggie Guerard Rodgers is known for her striking and eccentric costume designs that add depth to characters. Her work in “Beetlejuice” showcases her ability to create visually memorable outfits that reflect the film’s themes.
