Entertainment · Film · 4 hrs ago
Costume designers say contemporary film clothing takes more than shopping
Costume designers at a Savannah film festival roundtable said dressing modern characters takes more than finding clothes in shops.
Their work involves choosing looks that reveal a character and fit the story.
Molly Rogers said actors’ ideas and changes during production can make the work difficult, while Marci Rodgers described shaping Nola Darling’s wardrobe around her tastes and background in “She’s Gotta Have It.”
Designers also said clothing can document the time and place a film portrays, as well as the community around its characters.
Some designers face pressure to include products when brands help finance films, which they said can conflict with staying true to the story.
Arianne Phillips said directors’ support will matter as that influence grows.
Costume designers said contemporary film clothing requires storytelling and character research, not simply shopping.
They spoke at a Costume Design Roundtable at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, moderated by Variety editor Jazz Tangcay.
Molly Rogers said she rejects applicants who say they want to work with her because they love shopping.
The designers described using a character’s background, community and story to guide clothing choices.
Arianne Phillips said product placement is increasingly shaping costume design as luxury brands enter film financing.
- Who
- Costume designers Molly Rogers, Ellen Mirojnick, Arianne Phillips, Linda Muir, Amy Roth and Marci Rodgers.
- What
- They discussed the challenges and storytelling involved in designing contemporary film costumes.
- When
- The roundtable was reported on November 1, 2026.
- Where
- The SCAD Savannah Film Festival.
- Why
- To discuss how costume design supports characters and stories, and why contemporary design is often misunderstood.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Event
- Costume Design Roundtable
- Festival
- SCAD Savannah Film Festival
- Moderator
- Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s Senior Artisans Editor
- Design approach
- Character storytelling, not just shopping
- Industry pressure
- Product placement is increasingly influencing costume design
What people are saying
That’s an automatic exit.
Contemporary design is very difficult and very beautiful at the same time to create.
A professor cautioned me that contemporary design would be the hardest thing I’d ever do.
You have to be, as Marci said, a salesperson for your character.