Costume Designer Richard Cooke Takes Us Through His Work on 'Joan'
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The costumes in a particular TV show or movie can be the gateway to getting the audience to buy into the world. They add so many layers and detail to characters and can influence the emotion and audience in any scene.
Some costumes that really stood out to me are from the recent show Joan, and they were done by seasoned costume designer Richard Cooke.
Richard's meticulous design for Joan is rooted in extensive research and a deep dive into her character evolution, inspired by Joan Hannington's autobiography, I Am What I Am. Fashion magazines, vintage photographs, and authentic period clothing breathed life into Richard's vision.
The 90 costumes crafted for Sophie Turner's portrayal of Joan showcase Richard's ability to maintain a cohesive wardrobe across a vast spectrum of styles. His work is a testament to his dedication to capturing the essence of Joan's remarkable life through fashion.
Check out our interview with him below.
Editor's note: the following interview is edited for length and clarity.
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No Film School: You have over 30 years of experience in costume design. How has your approach evolved over the years, and what drew you to Joan?
Richard Cooke: When I graduated from art school in 1995 with a degree in costume design, I thought I was a costume designer, but I wasn’t. It’s taken years of ‘hands-on’ experience, working every position within a costume department to get there. You name it, I’ve done it, and it’s ultimately led me to where I am today. With each job, you learn something new, whether in terms of knowledge, practical skills, or something about yourself; you’re forever evolving, which I think is exciting and why I can’t imagine having any other job.
There were several factors that drew me to Joan. The Director Richard Laxton, with whom I have a great creative working relationship, an amazing and quite fantastical true story, the 1980s and the opportunity to work with Sophie Turner.
NFS: What was it about Joan Hannington’s story that resonated with you and inspired your design choices for the series?
Cooke: What resonated most was that Joan was a real and complex person, so it was important to show all facets of her personality; Mother, Lover, Liar, Thief, with each aspect requiring careful and considered treatment.
In the beginning, with Joan as a Mother, I used softer colors and fabrics that were reflected in her daughter Kelly’s clothes to create a bond. As a Lover, it was about introducing a new sensuality and allure through silks, satins and stronger colors. As Liar and Thief, it’s about disguise, transformation, a growing confidence but also about layers of protection.
NFS: Can you describe your process for developing Joan’s character through her costumes? What key elements did you focus on?
Cooke: At the heart of the creative process is the relationship with the actor. I first met...
costume maker and designer
1moI'm interested as worked there before great place to work with lovely people 🌈