Character and Narrative Styling for Ad Films
I build visual stories through costume design, ensuring every character feels authentic from their outfit choices to their personal journeys.
The details are everything in costume design. For the Gold Plus Glass ad, getting the army uniform's insignia and nameplate exactly right was crucial for making the character's professional journey feel authentic and respectful.
This heartwarming homecoming scene required styling that felt genuine for the whole family. I dressed the parents in simple, comfortable clothes to emphasize the emotional reality of the moment when their daughter, a newly commissioned officer, returns home.
The story began here, with the character as a child dreaming of the future. I created this playful, DIY army uniform with a pink t-shirt and handmade medals to capture the innocence and ambition of her childhood aspirations.
A close-up of the young character saluting her reflection. The combination of the red beret and the imaginative, self-made uniform was designed to show her early determination and the start of her journey.
A detail shot of the DIY name tag and medals on the child's uniform. These small, handcrafted elements were essential for showing her creativity and the personal start of her dream to join the army.
Even in uniform, the character's personal life shines through. This scene with her dog required styling that was practical for movement while maintaining the crisp look of her army attire.
This shot captures a moment of casual interaction at home. The styling for the brother in a simple yellow t-shirt and jeans contrasts with the uniformed sister, highlighting their different paths while keeping the family setting relatable.
A simple striped t-shirt helps establish this character as a friendly and approachable kid in the Gold Plus Glass commercial. The styling for each family member was designed to feel natural and true to life.
For the 'Jaago Janani' campaign, I created a comfortable and realistic home environment through costume. The styling for this family conversation scene uses soft fabrics and simple silhouettes to make the characters feel like a real family.
This interaction from the 'Jaago Janani' ad shows a younger couple. I used contemporary Indian wear to style them, ensuring their look was modern yet culturally grounded to resonate with the campaign's message.
About Character & Narrative Styling
Achieving authenticity often means looking beyond standard costumes. For the Gold Plus Glass project, I did not just source a uniform, I focused on the tiny, handcrafted details, like the DIY name plates and medals for the child character, to ensure her ambition felt real. Whether it is sourcing period-appropriate accessories or stitching last-minute alterations on set, I focus on the small choices that make the character narrative believable on camera.
My approach to costume design is built on one rule, the clothes must support the story. When I start a project, I dive into the script to understand the character's arc before I look at a single rack of clothes. Whether I am crafting a look for a young girl dreaming of the army or ensuring a family scene in a kitchen feels grounded and real, every textile choice serves the narrative.
In high-pressure narrative styling, details are the difference between a character who feels like an actor and one who feels like a real person. I manage the sourcing, custom tailoring, and the on-set execution. If a collar needs pinning for a specific camera angle or a badge needs to be repositioned for continuity between takes, I am there to handle it.
I have managed everything from period-specific research for uniform insignia to sourcing contemporary Indian wear that balances tradition and modernity. My work involves deep collaboration with directors and cinematographers to ensure the wardrobe enhances the visual language of the film. If you have a script that needs a visual identity or a commercial that requires character-led styling, we can discuss how to build that world through the costumes.
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