Costume design is a creative and collaborative field that focuses on bringing characters to life through clothing. Costume designers work closely with directors, writers, and production teams to research, sketch, and create garments that reflect each character’s personality, time period, and storyline. Their work supports the overall visual style of a production and helps actors embody their roles more fully. Costume designers are responsible for sourcing or making costumes, managing fittings, and ensuring continuity throughout filming or live performance.
This field requires strong skills in garment construction, historical and contemporary fashion knowledge, organisation, and communication. It is a hands-on, detail-focused pathway that blends storytelling, fashion, and technical expertise. From a career in costume design, you can expect to progress through in house and freelance roles, going from Costume Runner, to eventually becoming a Head of Costume or Lead Designer.
Examples of Roles within Costume Design:
- Junior/Assistant Designer
- Costume Trainee
- Costume Design Assistant
- Wardrobe Assistant
- Costume Maker
- Hand Finisher/Seamstress
- Costume Runner
- Breakdown Artist
- Dresser
- Costume Standby
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Costume Design:
This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.