Hollywood costume designers set the sartorial scene for film and television shows, but their fashion influence reaches far beyond the big and small screens. Some have moved from behind the scenes to the commercial fashion world (see Janie Bryant and her menswear line, Taylor Draper), and creatives behind oft-imitated looks have amassed social media followings for their own personal style.
In addition to revealing their skincare secrets, the awards-nominated costume designers behind Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Birds of Prey, Da 5 Bloods, Emma, Euphoria, I May Destroy You, Mulan, Judas and the Black Messiah, and Snowpiercer share with The Hollywood Reporter their favorite fashion must-haves when they’re off and on the set. From the best red carpet-ready heels to a favorite pair of jeans and the best shoes for “working long days”, check out the top picks from these talents, all nominees at the 2021 Costume Designers Guild Awards, which will be held virtually on April 13 — and read on below.
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1. Church’s Shannon T Patent Leather Derby Shoes
Emma costume designer Alexandra Byrne says heritage U.K. footwear brand Church’s is her go-to for shoes “for comfortable feet for working long days.” The label’s best-selling Shannon style gets an edgy update with its chunky St. Moritz sole, while the patent leather brings a modern, tailored aesthetic.
Church’s Shannon T Patent Leather Derby Shoes, $690, at Church’s
2. Sablyn Denver Pant
Euphoria costume designer Heidi Bivens says “sneakers, silk, cashmere, and chenille” are in regular rotation in her work wardrobe. She’s a fan of L.A. label Sablyn‘s luxurious silk pieces, such as this flowy pair of lavender pants that transition well from loungewear to brunch attire.
Sablyn Denver Pant, $545, at FWRD
3. Richard Quinn Daisy Print T-Shirt
“I am all about Richard Quinn’s jumbo blossom prints,” says Snowpiercer costume designer Cynthia Summers. This playful daisy print short-sleeved tee by the London-based designer (favored by Amal Clooney, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Lady Gaga, among others) features a roll neck and a luxe sheen that elevates any spring ensemble.
Richard Quinn Daisy Print T-Shirt, $636, at Farfetch
4. Amina Muaddi Plexi Begum Slingback Sandals
“Currently, because of the pandemic, it’s sweatpants and cozy sweater sets. In real life, I’m obsessed with a great shoe,” says Judas and the Black Messiah costume designer and Black Designer Database creator Charlese Antoinette Jones. “I have a lot of sneakers I love and heels for days. A good shoe can elevate anything you’re wearing in my opinion. I’m obsessed with this purple glass slipper from Amina Muaddi.”
Amina Muaddi Plexi Begum Slingback Sandals, $1,482, at Harrods
5. Salone Monet Paul Heels
Another Jones-approved style staple: New York-based designer Salone Monet’s “nude strappy heel in every shade that everyone should have for the red carpet.” Beyoncé and Gabrielle Union are among Monet’s A-list fans.
Salone Monet Paul Heels, $295, at Bloomingdale’s
6. Melody Ehsani Lauryn Door Knocker Earrings
“My big earrings are my personal must-have,” says Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar costume designer Trayce Gigi Field. “I am known for my big earrings, big hair, and big personality. I literally don’t feel like myself if I am not wearing big earrings!” She favors these retro enamel door knocker earrings by L.A. designer Melody Ehsani, who was recently appointed women’s creative director at Footlocker.”
Melody Ehsani Lauryn Door Knocker Earrings, $58, at Melody Ehsani
7. Madewell Slim Demi Boot Jeans
Alongside her own movie-inspired collection of statement jewelry that she creates under her line, Billie Valentine, Birds of Prey costume designer Erin Benach‘s daily uniform includes “blue jeans, brown ankle boots, white button-down shirt, and a wide-brimmed Lovely Bird hat.” Light-wash denim from Madewell, Benach’s go-to denim brand, boasts a high-waist, straight-leg cut with a subtle flare that creates a vintage-inspired look.
Madewell Slim Demi Boot Jeans, $128, at Madewell
8. Norma Kamali Rectangle Jog Jumpsuit
For Lovecraft Country costume designer Dayna Pink, “animal prints, caftans, and non-confrontational pants” are her personal wardrobe mainstays. This tiger-print jumpsuit by iconic designer Norma Kamali (Beyoncé, Chrissy Teigen, and Vanessa Hudgens are among fans) brings casual fierceness to spring, thanks to the deep V neckline and relaxed jersey fit.
Norma Kamali Rectangle Jog Jumpsuit, $175, at FWRD
9. Nick Fouquet Lynx Animal Print Beaver Felt Fedora Hat
Pink also loves finishing her print-powered looks with a hat by Hollywood-loved milliner Nick Fouquet (who has topped the têtes of Madonna, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and countless others).
Nick Fouquet Lynx Animal Print Beaver Felt Fedora Hat, $1,275, at Neiman Marcus
10. Saint Laurent Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater
Oscar-nominated Pinocchio costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini says simplicity guides his style. “I always dress the same way. I have a very simple style and always wear black. My ‘must-haves’ are my black cashmere jumper, with a crew-neck for winter, and a black t-shirt for summer.”
Saint Laurent Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, $950, at Farfetch
11. Comme Des Garçons Play White and Red Heart Patch Shirt
Da 5 Bloods costume designer Donna Berwick regularly reaches for cult-cool label Comme Des Garçons’ casual Play line of essentials. She opts for this men’s button-down cotton shirt for a sleek and oversized fit.
Comme Des Garçons Play White and Red Heart Patch Shirt, $190, at Ssense
12. Birkenstock Arizona Split Hex Sandals
Berwick also sports Birkenstock’s cult-favorite sandals for comfort while on set. This color-blocked version of the brand’s best-selling Arizona shoe features a spring-ready light gray and pink combination. (Kristen Bell, Sienna Miller, and Gwyneth Paltrow are among the many stars who’ve been spotted in the open-toed shoes.)
Birkenstock Arizona Split Hex Sandals, $170, at Zappos
13. Free People Fitted and Rugged Leather Jacket
Emmy-winning Masked Singer costume designer Marina Toybina throws on Free People’s fitted leather jacket to add toughness to her personal style. This buttery-soft piece features quilted accents on the elbows and is finished with zippered pockets and cuffs.
Free People Fitted and Rugged Leather Jacket, $420, at Free People
14. A.P.C. Rosie Belted Denim Jumpsuit
“I have always collected jumpsuits and in the last few years, I’ve been collecting vintage cardigans too,” says I May Destroy You costume designer Lynsey Moore. She’s a fan of this belted denim jumpsuit by cult-favorite French label A.P.C., which gives a color-blocked spin and waist-defining look to the classic workwear silhouette.
A.P.C. Rosie Belted Denim Jumpsuit, $290, at Matches Fashion
15. Molly Goddard Portia Ruffle-Trimmed Wool Cardigan
Moore also keeps London designer Molly Goddard’s vintage-inspired wool cardigan on hand. This fire engine-red sweater is finished with playful ruffled tulle trim and brings a feminine touch to spring looks.
Molly Goddard Portia Ruffle-Trimmed Wool Cardigan, $720, at Matches Fashion
