Behind-the-Scenes Chat with Costume Designer Mekel Bailey: Unveiling the Mystery Behind the 'Baby Reindeer' Outfits
Netflix's 'Baby Reindeer' Costume Designer Discusses Crafting Emmy-nominated Contemporary Costumes
By Spencer Williams
In an exclusive interview, Mekel Bailey, the costume designer for the critically acclaimed Netflix series 'Baby Reindeer', shares the behind-the-scenes story of creating the show's contemporary costumes, which have earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
Bailey, who collaborated with costume supervisor Imogen Holness on the project, discusses the challenges and triumphs of designing costumes that blend personal narrative with vivid, realistic details. From his initial reaction to the script to the meticulous research for accurate details, Bailey offers an insider's perspective on how he and his team brought the characters of 'Baby Reindeer' to life.
A Whirlwind Project
When asked about his feelings about the sudden surge in attention and acclaim, Bailey admitted that it had been a life-changing experience. "Everything [you said] times ten," he said, expressing his excitement and gratitude. "Everyone is loving the show and seems to be loving the costumes. I'm very grateful."
The Emmy Nomination
Bailey's nomination came as a surprise, as he was jumping around in a barbershop when his agent informed him of the news. "It still hasn't sunk in," he said. "It still feels very surreal. I don't think it will ever sink in, but it's great to know that contemporary costume is valued."
From the Beginning
The series, which is based on the real-life experiences of its creator and star Richard Gadd, presented unique challenges for Bailey, who had to create costumes that accurately represented the characters while staying true to the personal narrative. Bailey spent hours researching and observing people in the areas where the show is set, immersing himself in the environment to capture the essence of the characters.
The Characters
Bailey described the process of designing costumes for the lead character, Martha Scott, as a deeply emotional and creative journey. "We spent several hours together [with actress Jessica Gunning], discussing body, shape, everything to do with the character," Bailey said.
For Martha, Bailey aimed to create a wardrobe that reflected her emotional state and personality, using clashing prints and tones to evoke her emotions and state of mind. The polka dot dress, for example, represents anger and rage, while the animal print shows a predator, all subtly woven into the costumes to tell a deeper story.
Bailey also design Donny's costumes to reflect his everyday life, using worn and washed-out clothing to show his attempts to hide and fit in. The iconic comedy suit, with its wild tartan and plaid design, is a perfect example of Bailey's ability to balance comedy and tragedy.
Personal Touch
In some cases, Bailey even incorporated pieces from his own family's wardrobe into Martha's costumes, adding a personal touch to the character that resonates with viewers.
'Baby Reindeer' is now streaming on Netflix. Follow Mekel Bailey's career on Instagram at @mekelbailey.
Enrichment Data:
- Mekel Bailey was nominated for Excellence in Contemporary Television at the 2025 Costume Designers Guild Awards for his work on 'Baby Reindeer'.
- Bailey has shared insights into his creative process and the challenges of costume design in contemporary television on podcasts such as 'The Art of Costume'.
- The show has earned numerous awards and nominations, with a total of eleven nominations at the time of the interview.
In discussing his Emmy-nominated work on the Netflix series 'Baby Reindeer', costume designer Mekel Bailey spoke about how his costumes for the contemporary television show were a blend of personal narrative and vivid, realistic details, reflecting the characters' emotional states and personalities ( entertainment, movies-and-tv, costume design ).
Furthermore, Bailey's unique approach to costume design, which sometimes included incorporating pieces from his own family's wardrobe into the characters' costumes, adds a personal touch that resonates with viewers ( entertainment, costume design ).
