The Unsung Heroes of Hollywood: Why Costume Designers Deserve More Than a Toast

In an industry where aesthetics reign supreme, it’s surprising that costume designers often fly under the radar. While actors and directors bask in the spotlight, these creative visionaries toil behind the scenes, crafting the very fabric of movies and TV shows we adore.

Last weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys ceremony may have been the formal recognition of outstanding costume design, but a celebration at the Chateau Marmont penthouse, sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter and Bvlgari, offered a more intimate glimpse into the world of these unsung heroes. Esteemed designers from various projects, including Fallout, The Boys, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, and Margo’s Got Money Troubles, were in attendance.

The industry’s appreciation for costume design is evident in the number of awards handed out during the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony on September 5th and 6th. Beef took home two prizes for outstanding contemporary costumes, while Fallout secured top honors for fantasy/sci-fi costumes. Palm Royale won for outstanding period costumes, and The Masked Singer was recognized for its variety programming outfits.

The celebration at the Chateau Marmont highlighted the camaraderie among these designers, who often work in isolation on individual projects. Mark Bridges, a two-time Oscar winner, mingled with Trish Summerville, known for her iconic Hunger Games looks. Michelle Cole and Mona May, both renowned for their work on Black-ish and Clueless respectively, were also in attendance.

A partnership between The Hollywood Reporter and Bvlgari has been instrumental in elevating the profile of costume designers this year. In March, they co-hosted a luncheon honoring Oscar-nominated costume designers. This latest event continued that momentum, with Bvlgari’s Brett Fahlgren acknowledging the group’s dedication to their craft.

However, the celebration raises questions about how far we can take recognition without genuine support for these artists. While it’s heartening to see them showered with praise and appreciation, the fact remains that costume design is often relegated to a supporting role in film and television production.

As period dramas and fantasy epics continue to dominate screens, it’s essential to acknowledge the value these designers bring to storytelling. Costume design can transport us to different eras, evoke emotions, and even become a character unto itself. It’s time for the industry to recognize not just their contributions but also provide them with greater creative autonomy and fair compensation.

The redesigned Costume Designers Guild Awards statuette, created by Bvlgari earlier this year, serves as a symbol of this acknowledgment. While it’s a step in the right direction, we need more tangible support, like better working conditions, increased recognition during awards ceremonies, and perhaps even a higher profile for these designers beyond industry events.

Brett Fahlgren’s words during his toast aptly capture the sentiment: “The actors adore you because you make them look good on film, the directors are obsessed because you solve all the problems, and our goal at Bvlgari is to help shine a light on this incredible group.” It’s time for the rest of us to join in shining that light.