Glossary

Deutsch: Kostümbildner / Español: Diseñador de vestuario / Português: Figurinista / Français: Costumier / Italiano: Costumista

A costumer is a professional responsible for designing, creating, and selecting costumes for characters in theatre, film, television, and other performance arts. Their work involves extensive research, creativity, and collaboration with directors, actors, and other members of the production team to ensure that costumes reflect the characters, settings, and themes of the production accurately.

Description

In the fashion context, a costumer plays a crucial role in bringing characters to life through their attire. This involves several key responsibilities:

• Design and Creation: Costumers design costumes that align with the director’s vision and the narrative's requirements. This process includes sketching designs, selecting fabrics, and overseeing the construction of costumes.
• Historical and Cultural Research: To create authentic costumes, costumers conduct thorough research into the historical period, cultural background, and social context of the story being told.
• Fitting and Alterations: Costumers conduct fittings with actors to ensure costumes fit perfectly and make necessary alterations to accommodate changes in the script or actor preferences.
• Collaboration: Costumers work closely with directors, set designers, and makeup artists to ensure a cohesive visual presentation. They also interact with actors to ensure that costumes are comfortable and practical for their performances.
• Maintenance and Care: During the production, costumers are responsible for the upkeep of costumes, including cleaning, repairing, and sometimes duplicating costumes for stunts or multiple takes.

The role of a costumer is essential in defining the visual identity of characters and contributing to the overall aesthetic and authenticity of the production.

Special Features

A unique aspect of costuming in fashion is the need to balance creative vision with practical constraints. Costumes must not only look good but also be functional and durable, especially for long-running productions or films with multiple action scenes. Costumers often need to innovate with materials and techniques to achieve the desired effect while ensuring actors' comfort and mobility.

Application Areas

Costumers are employed in various sectors within the fashion and entertainment industries, including:

• Theatre: Designing costumes for stage plays, musicals, and operas.
• Film and Television: Creating costumes for movies, TV shows, and web series.
• Dance: Designing costumes for ballet, contemporary dance, and other dance performances.
• Theme Parks: Creating costumes for characters and performers in theme parks and live shows.
• Historical Reenactments and Events: Designing historically accurate costumes for reenactments, fairs, and festivals.

Well-Known Examples

Some renowned costumers and their iconic works include:

• Edith Head: Known for her work on classic Hollywood films like "All About Eve" and "Rear Window."
• Colleen Atwood: Acclaimed for her costumes in films such as "Alice in Wonderland" and "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."
• Sandy Powell: Recognised for her work in "Shakespeare in Love" and "The Young Victoria."
• Ruth E. Carter: Award-winning designer known for "Black Panther" and "Malcolm X."
• Jenny Beavan: Notable for her costumes in "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "A Room with a View."

Treatment and Risks

Working as a costumer comes with various challenges and risks, including:

• Time Constraints: Costumers often work under tight deadlines, especially during the lead-up to a production’s opening or filming schedule.
• Budget Limitations: Balancing creativity with budget constraints is a constant challenge, requiring costumers to be resourceful and innovative.
• Physical Demands: The job can be physically demanding, involving long hours, manual labour, and attention to detail.
• Creative Differences: Navigating differing opinions and visions among directors, designers, and actors can be challenging but is essential for a successful production.

Similar Terms

• Fashion Designer: Focuses on creating clothing and accessories for the general market rather than specific characters or productions.
• Wardrobe Supervisor: Manages the wardrobe department, ensuring costumes are maintained and available for performances or shoots.
• Stylist: Works with individuals or productions to create specific looks, often for photoshoots, events, or personal wardrobes.
• Set Designer: Designs the physical surroundings in which a story takes place, working closely with the costumer to ensure visual harmony.

Summary

A costumer is an integral part of the fashion and entertainment industries, responsible for designing and creating costumes that bring characters to life. Through meticulous research, creativity, and collaboration, costumers ensure that each character’s attire aligns with the production’s narrative and aesthetic. Their work spans theatre, film, television, dance, and more, making them vital contributors to the storytelling process.

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