--- title: "Costume Design for Film & Media - Expert Character Wardrobe Design - mytribe" description: "Bring your story to life with expert costume design for film & media. Hire a top film stylist in Mumbai for compelling character wardrobe design, from realistic dramas to conceptual commercials. Find the perfect look for your production on Tribe." canonical: https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal/costume-design-for-film-media last_updated: 2025-09-21 --- # Costume Design for Film & Media in Mumbai By [Varunesh Pal](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal) · 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. ## Locations Based in Mumbai; travels across India for shoots and projects ### Travels to - On-location across Mumbai (Mumbai Metropolitan Area, Mumbai Metropolitan Area, Maharashtra) - Travels across India for shoots (India, India) ## Pricing guide (estimates) These are indicative prices based on provider's past work. Enquire now to find out final quote. ### Music Video & Editorial Styling Theme-based styling package for up to 5 looks including lead artist and secondary cast, with focus on movement and aesthetics. Typically ₹40-70K Per Project (estimate) #### **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. ### Commercial Advertising & Character Styling End-to-end wardrobe styling for TVC/Digital ads including moodboarding, fabric aging, and on-set supervision for a 3-4 day engagement. Typically ₹75K-1.3L Per Project (estimate) #### **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. ### Feature Film Costume Design Retainer Monthly HOD service for feature films covering script breakdown, team management, realistic sourcing, and continuity supervision. Typically ₹2-3.5L Per Month (estimate) #### **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. ## Highlights Browse through Varunesh Pal's best work. ### [Featured](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal/costume-design-for-film-media/featured) - ![A visual exploration of duality for an ABP Studios campaign. By splitting the subject into traditionally masculine and feminine halves, I used costume, hair, and makeup to challenge perceptions and tell a complex story in a single, striking image.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ad310a95-dcf2-45d2-9c31-74bf36bb1f30) - ![This is the complete character breakdown for an Infinix ad campaign. I designed this layered, weathered look from all angles to build a believable persona, ensuring every detail from the worn jacket to the dirt-stained trousers contributed to his backstory.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e7141f5a-2503-49ef-b54a-12f1c87ca707) - ![A moment of freedom from the music video 'MANNIPU'. I designed these flowing, earthy garments to interact with movement and nature, using simple silhouettes and natural fabrics to enhance the scene's emotional and organic feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5414bc86-e96f-4926-9db6-c5d4fe2f671a) - ![For this ABP Studios campaign, the concept was to use color as a raw, overwhelming force. The simple, toga-like drapes on the performers ensure the focus remains on the dramatic explosion of red powder, creating a powerful and symbolic visual.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8ecd0225-1b65-451d-a3a3-0608a8ba5766) - ![Recreating the iconic glamour of the Roaring Twenties for a 'Great Gatsby' themed shoot. This look features a classic flapper-style headpiece with feathers, delicate lace gloves, and period-appropriate lingerie to transport the viewer back to 1925.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cf19d4d3-aa5e-4a2e-a9ff-1cbc7954695c) - [Video: A scene from the feature film 'Lalanna’s Song'. The costuming here is intentionally subtle and character-driven, using simple headscarves and dark, modest clothing to reflect the characters' inner worlds and the story's grounded, realistic tone.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/33f0aba8-fecf-47f0-b684-d0749c892c9b) - ![Every design begins with a vision. This is a quick pencil sketch I made on set, capturing the team observing a shot on the monitor. For me, costume design is deeply integrated with the entire filmmaking process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b2329a06-b76e-4842-a3ed-6f8278307951) ### [Conceptual & Avant-Garde Styling](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal/costume-design-for-film-media/conceptual-avant-garde-styling) - ![This piece for ABP Studios explores identity by merging male and female aesthetics. The costume design is split down the middle, contrasting a traditional Indian necklace and delicate lace with a sharp mustache and cropped hair.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ad310a95-dcf2-45d2-9c31-74bf36bb1f30) - ![The other half of the conceptual diptych, this image uses a stark black background to highlight the masculine elements. The design features a dark, structured garment and traditional male Indian jewelry, like the nose ring, to complete the story of duality.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c05c7be5-fde9-473d-8fb1-4d108aefff49) - ![A high-impact visual created for an ABP Studios campaign. The performers are styled in minimalist drapes to serve as human canvases, allowing the vibrant red powder to become the main costume element, symbolizing raw energy and expression.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8ecd0225-1b65-451d-a3a3-0608a8ba5766) - ![A black and white portrait from a 'Great Gatsby' inspired photoshoot. I styled this look to capture the essence of the 1920s, focusing on key elements like the feathered headgear, long gloves, and smoky makeup to create a timeless, vintage feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cf19d4d3-aa5e-4a2e-a9ff-1cbc7954695c) ### [Character Building for Ad Campaigns](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal/costume-design-for-film-media/character-building-for-ad-campaigns) - ![A 360-degree view of the final costume for a character in an Infinix India ad. I layered a plaid shirt, a worn-out jacket, a knitted sweater, and aged trousers to build a rich, believable history for the character before he even appeared on screen.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e7141f5a-2503-49ef-b54a-12f1c87ca707) - ![The character as seen in the final Infinix ad. The layered costume, complete with a weathered bag and head covering, helps him blend seamlessly into the gritty, nocturnal environment, making his presence feel authentic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5be82cb2-ff3f-4976-8c1b-0ee2803a8a2e) - ![A still from the same Infinix campaign, featuring another character. Her costume, with traditional jhumka earrings and a simple blouse, was designed to create a visual and emotional contrast with the urban setting and the other characters.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cf779ae5-6c5f-4d26-b73c-e4b80e9139c6) - ![The foundational color palette developed for the Infinix ad. This mood board guided the costume choices, ensuring every piece of clothing aligned with the campaign's dark, cinematic, and earthy aesthetic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cf2466c9-5537-4417-9efa-eafd6b0c8622) ### [Narrative Costuming for Film & Music](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal/costume-design-for-film-media/narrative-costuming-for-film-music) - [Video: In this clip from 'Lalanna's Song', the costumes are a key part of the non-verbal storytelling. The choice of fabric for the hijabs and the simple, dark attire helps to establish the mood and the characters' circumstances in this regional film.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/33f0aba8-fecf-47f0-b684-d0749c892c9b) - ![The official poster for 'Lalanna's Song', which was selected for the Indian Film Festival. The costuming seen here reflects the film's raw and authentic portrayal of life in Kerala, with simple, character-appropriate clothing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/233c0800-ae36-40dd-9938-4409087b7429) - ![A dynamic shot from the music video 'MANNIPU'. The costumes, a mustard yellow kurta and a simple white dress, were designed with light, natural fabrics to create beautiful movement as the artists run through the betel nut farm.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5414bc86-e96f-4926-9db6-c5d4fe2f671a) - ![The poster for the music album 'MANNIPU'. The main artist's deep red, flowing robe was chosen to create a powerful silhouette against the natural backdrop, symbolizing passion and emotion in the video's narrative.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9a03365a-6077-4a06-af2d-ef749287e109) - ![Another poster for 'MANNIPU', showing the connection between the two characters. Their contrasting costumes, one in earthy yellow and the other in simple white, visually represent their different roles and relationship in the story.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2456ccdb-9fa8-49af-947a-fa7717e337e3) ### [The Foundation: Sketches & Process](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal/costume-design-for-film-media/the-foundation-sketches-process) - ![A sketch I made during a shoot, capturing the director and crew focused on the monitor. This is where the world of film and costume truly merge, and it reminds me that we are all storytellers working together.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b2329a06-b76e-4842-a3ed-6f8278307951) - ![A look at the costume rack for an upcoming project. The process of selecting a color palette and organizing garments is a crucial step in building a cohesive visual world for any film or campaign.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1613c978-7f90-4254-9e5a-2fac5f8afbd0) - ![An early pencil sketch of the male form from my time at the College of Art in Delhi. Studying anatomy was fundamental to understanding how fabric drapes and moves on the human body.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/71278843-8734-412d-b314-ffe6dc8d0964) - ![This life drawing of a female figure in a curled pose helped me study shadow and form. These foundational skills are something I still draw upon today when designing costumes that flatter and define the body.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/deb2af67-4660-4d1c-941b-f861f45aa5eb) - ![A nude study from my archives, focusing on the gentle curves and posture of the female form. Each sketch was a lesson in observation and capturing the essence of a pose.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/78a0e417-7c89-4947-8f81-aee8e7c58a6b) - ![This anatomical sketch of a male torso was about understanding musculature. Knowing the underlying structure is essential for creating costumes that fit properly and enhance the actor's physicality.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/41767bef-397f-496c-b3d2-3cdd72317ea5) - ![Another study of the male torso, this time with more focus on light and shadow. These exercises in chiaroscuro from 16 years ago still inform how I think about texture and dimension in my costume work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/900bd1dd-5890-4ebc-8a68-1c6b903129e1) - ![A portrait sketch from my early days. Capturing expression and personality on paper was a stepping stone to learning how to express those same things through the clothes a character wears.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a7eeace-c0f1-4e4a-814e-2538bda6907d) ## Meet your expert [Varunesh Pal](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal) ### 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. ## More services from Varunesh Pal - [Editorial Fashion Styling](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal/editorial-fashion-styling) · ₹18-60K per day (estimate) - [Commercial & Advertising Styling](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal/commercial-advertising-styling) · ₹18-60K per shoot day (estimate) - [Celebrity & Personal Styling](https://mytribe.in/varuneshpal/celebrity-personal-styling) · ₹12-50K per appearance (estimate) ## Book To book Varunesh Pal, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Costume%20Design%20for%20Film%20%26%20Media%20by%20Varunesh%20Pal.)