The Most Talented Hollywood Costume Designers

Movies don’t stand a chance without their costume designers. Whether it is a movie set in the Stone Age, or a hundred years in the future, it comes to life only with the appropriate costumes and makeup. We simply cannot imagine Hollywood without the past and present costume designers, and they are as important as the screenplay writers, directors, and producers. So, let’s take a look at a few of the most talented designers, without whom the movies we watch and enjoy wouldn’t be what they are today!

1. Edith Claire Head (1897-1981)

Edith won awards and accolades for her costume design in “The Jungle Princess,” a 1936 film. She was hired by Paramount Pictures when she was just 26-years-old. In total, Edith has won 8 Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, making her the first woman with the highest number of Oscars.

2. Sandy Powell

She is a British costume designer whose career spans over 3 decades. She is world renowned for her collaborations with Martin Scorsese, Neil Jordan, and other popular directors. At the 71st Oscar Awards, she won dual nominations. And, she is the winner of 3 Oscars, 2 Costume Designers Guild Awards, as well as 3 BAFTA Awards.

3. Michael Kaplan

This American designer has worked on great movies like the “Star Wars” trilogy. He has been working on several popular films, starting with 1978’s “Thank God It’s Friday.” For his extraordinary work on “Blade Runner,” he won a BAFTA Award. 

4. Colleen Atwood

The winner of multiple Oscars, Atwood is most famous for her work in the “Fantastic Beasts” series. Her work as one of the best costume designers spans over 4 decades! She is also the winner of 4 Academy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, and 3 BAFTA Awards.

5. Arianne Phillips

She is famous for her work in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” a Broadway musical for which she got a Tony Award nomination. This American designer is also a recipient of a Costume Designers Guild Award.

A Salute!

The above designers have worked so hard to bring a fantastic feel to the films they have worked in, and the costumes designed by them speak for themselves. They have recreated and introduced several outfits and makeup tactics for actors and actresses, which leave us spellbound when we watch them on screen. Kudos to these designers for their exemplary works!