Costume Design for Film & Media
Available across India
I design and manage costumes for films and media by studying the script, building character looks from scratch, and leading the team to make sure every outfit fits the story and production needs.
Pricing Guide
Commercial Advertising & Character Styling
Concept & Sourcing
- Creative Direction: Script breakdown with hand-drawn sketches or digital collages to align with the director's vision.
- Procurement: Sourcing from high-street brands, designer labels, or fabric markets like Mangaldas Market. Includes all pickup and drop logistics.
- Team: Includes Varunesh as Lead Stylist plus 1 Senior Assistant for on-set efficiency.
Technical Execution
- Character Construction: Specialized garment modification including fabric aging, dyeing, texturing, and distressing for realistic character depth.
- Avant-Garde Capability: Execution of high-concept briefs such as monochromatic looks or prosthetics integration.
- Fittings: One round of talent fittings with an on-call tailor for immediate size adjustments.
On-Set & Wrap
- Shoot Support: 10-12 hour standby shift for ironing, pinning, and continuity checks.
- Inventory Logic: Tagging, listing, and repacking sourced items.
- Returns: Management of vendor returns within 24-48 hours post-shoot.
Music Video & Editorial Styling
Aesthetic Direction
- Theme Alignment: Integration of costume palette with set design and lighting.
- Movement Optimization: Sourcing garments specifically for dance and movement, utilizing draping techniques or minor custom stitching.
- Accessorizing: Detailed selection of jewelry and footwear to complement the specific visual vibe.
Scope of Work
- Lead Talent: Curation of 3-5 distinct looks for the main artist.
- Secondary Cast: Coordinated styling for up to 4-5 secondary talents or background dancers.
- On-Set Support: Includes one dedicated assistant for quick changes and wardrobe malfunctions.
- Garment Prep: Full steaming and lint-removal to ensure camera-readiness.
Feature Film Costume Design Retainer
Pre-Production Strategy
- Script Breakdown: Detailed scene-by-scene analysis to estimate costume counts and budgets.
- Look Tests: Conducting full costume and makeup tests with lead actors to finalize aesthetics before filming.
- Realistic Sourcing: Procurement of locally relevant textiles and ready-to-wear garments to ensure narrative realism.
Department Management
- Budget Control: Management of the production-allotted costume budget, petty cash flow, and vendor payments.
- Team Supervision: Leadership of the costume unit including assistants, dressmen, and tailors.
Shoot Operations
- Continuity: Strict adherence to the Master Breakdown to ensure visual matching across non-linear shooting schedules.
- Asset Log: Maintenance of a Costume Bible to track every outfit used per scene.
About Costume Design for Film & Media
Dressing Stories, Not Just People
I don’t just put clothes on actors - I dig into the script, looking for what makes each character tick. Sometimes it’s a faded mundu (traditional Kerala dhoti), sometimes it’s a wild gender-fluid look. For me, costume design is another way to tell the story, especially when words fall short.
Styles I’ve Explored
I get a kick out of jumping between different worlds. One day, I’m diving into authentic wardrobe for regional films - like Lalanna’s Song, where we went for raw, earthy looks true to Kerala’s vibe. Another day, I’m working on conceptual costume styling, like splitting a model visually into male and female halves, or covering performers in bold red powder. Then there’s character-driven costume design for ads, building someone from scratch - worn-out jackets, layered shirts, every detail says something.
How I Work
Every project starts with sketches and long chats with the director. I build mood boards, pick fabrics, and lead a team to fit everyone from lead actors to background artists. I handle the whole costume department, making sure the look stays tight and the story gets told right.
Where You’ll Find My Work
Feature films, ad campaigns, music videos - each with its own quirks. I love the creative mix, and I’m always up for something new.
Collaboration Makes It Real
I don’t work alone - nothing happens without a solid team. Directors, actors, my costume crew - everyone’s energy adds up. That’s what brings the screen to life.
Meet your Expert
Varunesh Pal
246 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Funny how old sketches can take you back. I found mine from College of Art, Delhi—16 years ago, rough but honest. That same spark, it’s still pushing me. Mumbai changed things for me, since 2014. Met folks, made connections, styled an actress in a designer’s outfit I first saw here. Life really loops around. What keeps me going is the people—the artists, my team, the actors. Grateful, always. That’s why I’m still in love with this work.
My Work
Costume Design, Fashion Styling & Creative Direction - I create visual stories with clothes—editorial fashion styling, ad campaigns, films, product shoots, all of it.
Celebrity & Brand Collaborations - Worked with brands like Toyota, Adidas, Lenskart, and styled top celebrities. Big or small, every project matters.
Teamwork Makes It Happen - Always a group effort—photographers, directors, makeup artists, everyone. I make sure credit goes around.
Style That Speaks - From powerful menswear looks to futuristic editorial concepts, I aim for authentic style that fits the story.
