Narrative Costuming for Films and Music Videos
I craft visual identities that go beyond clothing. For me, a costume is a script in itself, telling the audience who a character is before they even speak.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Narrative Costuming for Film & Music
When I design for film, I start by aging fabrics and distressing textures to strip away the clean look of store-bought clothes. This is character construction. Whether it is the raw, earthy textures needed for regional cinema like my work on Lalanna's Song, or choosing fabrics specifically for fluid dance movement in music videos, the clothes must behave exactly how the scene demands them to.
Costume design is about narrative, not just aesthetics. My process begins with a script breakdown where I analyze every character's background, environment, and arc. If a character is living in a rural setting, their clothes should show the wear and tear of their life. I handle everything from initial sketches to sourcing fabrics in local markets, ensuring continuity throughout the shoot.
My Approach to Narrative Design
- Script Breakdown: I analyze the script scene-by-scene to estimate costume counts, budget management, and look tests for lead actors.
- Character Construction: I specialize in technical execution, including fabric aging, dyeing, and texturing to make costumes feel lived-in and authentic.
- On-Set Support: I provide 10-12 hour standby shifts for ironing, pinning, and maintaining continuity across non-linear shooting schedules.
- Movement Optimization: For music videos, I source garments that enhance performance, ensuring they look good both static and in motion.
I have worked on feature films, music videos, and ad campaigns, always keeping the story at the center. I do not work alone; I lead a team of assistants and tailors, and I collaborate closely with directors to ensure the visual palette matches the set design and lighting. Whether it is a period drama or a modern music video, I ensure that the wardrobe supports the emotional weight of the project.
Looking for a specific costume style?
You can find design support for all kinds of media productions.
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