Costume Designer Elissa Alcala Reminisces About Late Colleague Shawna Trpcic from 'Ahsoka' Production
In the sun-soaked summer of 2023, Star Wars enthusiasts were transported into a distant galaxy with the arrival of a new series – Ahsoka. The show, featuring a cherished cast of characters previously seen only in Dave Filoni's animated work, marked a significant return to the Star Wars universe.
At the helm of Ahsoka's costumes was costume designer Shawna Trpcic, known for her exceptional talent and creativity. Teaming up with her dedicated crew, including costume designer Elissa Alcala, the pair meticulously crafted the distinctive looks that brought iconic characters to life.
Elissa Alcala, in an exclusive interview, offered insights into the process of collaborating with Shawna on Ahsoka and other celebrated Star Wars projects. She delved into the complexities of costume design, revealing the creative partnership with esteemed actors such as Rosario Dawson and Ray Stevenson. From overcoming artistic obstacles to honoring Shawna's enduring influence as both a designer and mentor, Elissa provided an inside look into the collaborative environment that characterized their work behind the scenes.
Ahsoka wasn't Trpcic's first encounter with Star Wars. Having previously worked as the costume designer for The Book of Boba Fett and two seasons of The Mandalorian, Trpcic was already conversant with the Star Wars universe. However, this familiarity didn't simplify the Ahsoka project, especially since preparations for Ahsoka began while work was still in progress for the third season of The Mandalorian.
Several characters from the animated series found their way onto the live-action stage with Ahsoka, including Sabine Wren and Hera Syndulla. This transition presented a challenge for costume designers, as they had to give the characters unique textures and shapes to suit a live-action format.
The fifth episode of Ahsoka, Shadow Warrior, took viewers on a nostalgic trip to The Clone Wars era, featuring a young Ahsoka played by Ariana Greenblatt, clone troopers, and the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker. The episode was a epic endeavor that left fans breathless.
One of the most captivating aspects of Star Wars lore, the Nightsisters of Dathomir, made their live-action debut in Ahsoka. Elissa Alcala discussed the costumes and intricate materials that went into their creation.
Grand Admiral Thrawn, with his army of undead stormtroopers, made a chilling return in Ahsoka. The depiction of Thrawn and his undead troops underscored the importance of costume breakdown – aging and dying costumes to create a seemly worn aesthetic.
With the world still mourning the loss of Ray Stevenson, the incredible actor who played Baylan Skoll, Ahsoka premiered shortly before the heart-rending news. Stevenson's portrayal of Skoll had won over fans, who admired his character's charm and poise.
Trpcic herself passed away in 2023, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the world of entertainment and storytelling. Her creative vision and attention to detail were widely admired, influencing the aesthetic and character development of numerous iconic figures. The industry mourned her death, where she was respected not just for her talent but also for her generosity and collaborative spirit.
Ahsoka is now streaming on Disney Plus.
In the world of movies-and-tv, Ahsoka's costume design was meticulously crafted by Shawna Trpcic, a celebrated figure in entertainment, and her collaborator Elissa Alcala, showcasing their exceptional talent and creativity in costume design for Star Wars projects. Elissa Alcala, in an interview, revealed the collaborative process behind Ahsoka's distinctive costume designs, working with esteemed actors like Rosario Dawson and Ray Stevenson, and overcoming artistic obstacles while honoring the enduring influence of Shawna Trpcic as both a designer and mentor.
