Overview of the role
May also be referred to as ‘stylist’
Costume designers design, create or hire costumes worn by participants competing in talent, sports or game shows. They also style any presenters, such as judges or experts, in suitable contemporary fashions. When they’re working in this way the role is often referred to as ‘a stylist’. They may do both roles. Costume designers need to consider the whole look of the person for whom they’re designing, so they also select, source or make suitable accessories like shoes, hats and jewellery.
Costume designers research, sketch and may create mood-boards to communicate suggested colours, textures and styles. They work with directors, producers and production designers to collectively create an overall look and style of a show. On big budget programmes they recruit a team and ensure costumes or outfits are ready in time for fittings, rehearsals and recordings. They are also responsible for ensuring any costumes or outfits meet health and safety guidelines, for example are not flammable, and are within budget. Once shooting starts, they are often on set to adjust and maintain outfits. When filming is over, they oversee cleaning, repairing and returns.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale / budget band / genre of production.
- Interpret the script / brief and assess the scale and type of production and its overall visual style
- Create a wardrobe breakdown that confirms the number of outfits required for talent and participants, the date and time required, and the budget
- Identify the creative preferences of the director, talent and participants
- Identify any special effects or stunts that may be required and assess the impact on outfit and individual
- Plan the costume design, manufacture or purchase with the costume supervisor (on major productions)
- Estimate the cost and time scale of costume procurement with the costume supervisor and production
- Agree and confirm the costume design budget and schedule with the costume supervisor and production
- Consider continuity requirements and include in plans
- Identify and recruit costume personnel, where needed, with the required skills and within budget, in conjunction with the costume supervisor
- Arrange convenient fitting times in line with the production schedule
- Select, line-up and prepare outfits and accessories
- Carry out the fittings in accordance with fitting room etiquette and procedures
- Communicate with talent, contestants and participants in a polite, sensitive and professional manner
- Assess requirements and recognise faults in garment makes, fit and finish
- Confirm and communicate alterations or changes as required
- In preparation for filming confirm outfits and accessories are correct and in perfect condition
- Prepare outfits for each individual in line with the production schedule / call-sheet
- Confirm the specific dressing and costume requirements of each individual
- Assist with dressing talent, presenters and participants and advise how to put on and wear the outfits, assisting with quick changes as required
- Carry out or oversee all on-set repairs, alteration and cleaning
- Oversee packing, transportation and archiving of all materials on wrap of production
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of costume designer.
- Costume and fashion design and creativity
- Knowledge in the areas of history of fashion and style and an understanding of the construction of garments
- Script / schedule breakdown and communication of clothing and accessory requirements
- Wardrobe budget and resource management
- Liaison with other departments to discuss continuity, hair and make-up and props
- Communication: interpreting others’ requirements and communicating the costume department’s requirements clearly to talent, crew and colleagues
- Demonstrate leadership: uphold ethics and maintain respect when dealing with others. Support and encourage junior members of the team
- Teamworking: collaboration within own and with other departments
- Problem-solving: contingency planning and resolving issues with supplies and changes so that production remains on schedule
- Negotiation: balancing the various needs and working practices of all on the production and finding ways to collaborate effectively
- Research and analytical: planning practical requirements against brief breakdown and production vision
- Resilience and enthusiasm: adapt positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all of their actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others, and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to both listen and learn and to accept changing priorities and working requirements and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing production environment