How do you design costumes for remakes and adaptations?

1 Research the source

The first step is to research the source material thoroughly. Read the script, the book, or watch the original version of the story. Pay attention to how the characters are described, how they dress, how they interact, and what their personalities are. Look for clues about the setting, the culture, the mood, and the themes of the story. You can also consult historical sources, such as paintings, photographs, books, or magazines, to get a sense of the fashion and style of the time period. Researching the source will help you understand the context and the intention of the story, and give you a solid foundation for your costume design.

2 Analyze the adaptation

The next step is to analyze the adaptation and how it differs from the source. What are the main changes or additions to the plot, the characters, or the setting? How does the adaptation reflect the genre, the tone, or the message of the story? How does the adaptation appeal to the contemporary audience or address relevant issues? Analyzing the adaptation will help you identify the key elements and challenges of your costume design, and how you can balance the originality and the continuity of the story.

3 Collaborate with the director

The third step is to collaborate with the director and share your ideas and sketches for your costume design. The director is the one who has the final say on the artistic vision and direction of the production, so you need to communicate and coordinate with them effectively. Ask them about their goals, expectations, and preferences for the costume design. Show them your research, your analysis, and your concepts, and get their feedback and approval. Collaborating with the director will help you align your costume design with their vision, and avoid any conflicts or misunderstandings later on.

4 Experiment with materials

The fourth step is to experiment with materials and techniques for your costume design. Depending on your budget, your time, and your resources, you can either create your costumes from scratch, modify existing garments, or rent or borrow costumes from other sources. You can also use different fabrics, colors, textures, patterns, accessories, or embellishments to create contrast, harmony, or symbolism in your costume design. Experimenting with materials will help you express your creativity and innovation, and create costumes that are unique and memorable.

5 Test your costumes

The fifth step is to test your costumes and see how they look and feel on stage. You can do this by having fittings, rehearsals, or previews with the actors and the crew. You can also take photos or videos of your costumes and review them later. Testing your costumes will help you check for any issues or problems with the fit, the movement, the comfort, or the durability of your costumes. You can also see how your costumes work with the lighting, the sound, the props, or the scenery of the production, and make any adjustments or improvements if needed.

6 Evaluate your costumes

The sixth and final step is to evaluate your costumes and reflect on your costume design process. You can do this by observing the audience's reaction, reading the reviews, or asking for feedback from the director, the actors, or the crew. You can also compare your costumes with the source material, the adaptation, and other similar productions, and see how they stand out or blend in. Evaluating your costumes will help you learn from your experience, celebrate your achievements, or identify your areas of improvement for your future costume design projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?