Costume Designer

Job Overview

Design, create, and style costumes and outfits for artistes across Drama, Entertainment, and other productions. Collaborate closely with directors, producers, and creative teams to ensure costume and styling designs enhance character portrayal, align with the production’s visual direction, and maintain consistency throughout filming and performances.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, create, and style costumes and outfits that reflect the character, role, and narrative of the production, ensuring alignment with the script, genre, and creative direction.

• Develop and present design concepts and styling ideas, including sketches, fabric swatches, color palettes, and mood boards, for approval by creative and production teams.

• Select suitable materials, fabrics, and accessories that enhance the aesthetics, quality, comfort, and practicality of each costume.

• Construct, tailor, and modify costumes through sewing, alterations, and embellishments to achieve the desired fit and visual effects.

• Provide on-set and on-camera styling support, ensuring artistes’ looks remain consistent, polished, and appropriate for each scene.

• Collaborate with makeup and hairstyling teams to create cohesive and complete looks that align with the overall image direction.

• Conduct costume fittings and adjustments to ensure comfort, accuracy, and functionality during filming or live performances.

• Maintain continuity and styling documentation by recording details, photographs, and notes for each character or artiste.

• Organise, maintain, and oversee costume and accessory inventories, ensuring cleanliness, labeling, and readiness for production use.

• Source and liaise with vendors, sponsors, and rental houses for costumes and accessories, managing budgets and timelines effectively.

• Research fashion, cultural, and period trends to inspire authentic and innovative designs.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by production management or the head of department.

Qualifications

Requirements / Qualifications

• Diploma or Professional Certificate in Fashion Design / Costume Design / Apparel Design / Visual Arts from a recognised institution.

• Proficiency in garment construction, tailoring, patternmaking, and fabric selection.

• At least 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in costume or fashion design for television, film, theatre, or related creative environments.

• Strong understanding of colour theory, fabric behavior, and garment fit for on-camera and live performance requirements.

• Good knowledge of current fashion trends, cultural influences, and historical styling references.

• Knowledge of makeup and hairstyling would be an advantage to support overall image design and styling work.

• Added advantage with knowledge of the requirements of costumes for stage performance, including durability, visibility, and performer comfort under stage conditions.

• Added advantage with knowledge of makeup and hairstyling to support overall image design and styling work.

Skills and Competencies

• Design Expertise: Skilled in conceptualising, sketching, designing, and styling costumes to create cohesive on-screen looks.

• Technical Proficiency: Competent in sewing, pattern drafting, alterations, and finishing techniques.

• Creativity: Ability to bring originality and innovation to costume and styling concepts while maintaining practicality for production.

• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy, continuity, and quality across designs, fittings, and final looks.

• Collaboration: Works effectively with artistes, creative teams, and production staff to achieve the desired visual outcome.

• Turnaround time: Able to design, create, and style efficiently under tight production schedules.

• Time Management: Prioritises tasks effectively to meet multiple production deadlines.

• Adaptability: Handles last-minute styling or design changes quickly and professionally.