Discussing Costume Design with Paul Tazewell on The Art of Costume Podcast
The latest episode of The Art of Costume Podcast, a popular series that delves into the creative processes behind iconic costumes in film, television, and theatre, is now available on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.
This episode features an in-depth discussion on the breathtaking design of Elphaba's finale costume for Defying Gravity, as well as the vibrant use of colour in Oz, from the 2024 production of Wicked. The guest for this episode is none other than Paul Tazewell, the costume designer for Wicked (2024), who recently earned a 2025 Academy Award for Best Costume Design, making history as the first Black man to win this prestigious award.
During the podcast, Tazewell discusses his career journey leading up to the Wicked project, sharing his gratitude towards the cast and creative team, including director Jon M. Chu, producer Marc Platt, and key performers like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. He highlights the close collaboration that was fundamental in bringing authenticity and vitality to each character's costume, merging theatricality with practicality for performance.
The episode also explores the design elements that Tazewell used to bring the fantastical world of Oz to vivid life. The costumes are not just clothes but extensions of the characters themselves, with each costume thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique personality, journey, and emotional depth of the characters.
The designs combine imaginative, often bold silhouettes and intricate details, ensuring performers' mobility and comfort during dynamic performances. Signature looks for key characters include fierce and edgy costumes for Elphaba, with dark palettes and striking shapes, and glamorous, ethereal costumes for Glinda, with light, shimmering fabrics and bright colours.
Rich textures and layered fabrics provide depth and dimension, while props and costume elements serve as symbols that contribute to character identity and narrative. For instance, the Tin Man’s funnel hat and heart emblem, the Lion’s mane and "badge of courage," and Dorothy’s blue gingham dress and sparkling red shoes are all iconic elements that add to the visual storytelling.
Tazewell’s design mastery lies in blending classical Oz iconography with modern, theatrical innovation, resulting in costumes that are visually stunning, thematically rich, and emotionally resonant. The new episode of The Art of Costume Podcast offers a fascinating insight into this process, securing its position as a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of costume design.
[1] [The Hollywood Reporter: Paul Tazewell Wins Oscar for Best Costume Design for Wicked](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movies-news/paul-tazewell-wins-oscar-for-best-costume-design-for-wicked-1235265725/) [2] [Entertainment Weekly: Wicked: Behind the Scenes of Elphaba's Costume Design](https://ew.com/movies/wicked-behind-the-scenes-of-elphabas-costume-design/) [3] [Vogue: The Meticulous Artistry Behind Paul Tazewell's Costumes for Wicked](https://www.vogue.com/article/paul-tazewell-wicked-costume-design) [4] [The New York Times: How Paul Tazewell's Costumes Transform the Characters of Wicked](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/30/arts/theater/wicked-costumes.html) [5] [The Guardian: Paul Tazewell's Historic Oscar Win for Wicked](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/05/paul-tazewell-historic-oscar-win-for-wicked)
In the latest episode of The Art of Costume Podcast, Paul Tazewell, the 2025 Academy Award-winning costume designer for the movies-and-tv show Wicked, discusses the creation of Elphaba's costume, emphasizing its importance in entertainment. The conversation delves deep into Tazewell's design process, focusing on the blend of theatricality and practicality in his costume designs for iconic characters.
The captivating costume design by Paul Tazewell for Wicked, now available for all to see on the silver screen, is a testament to his skill in movie-and-tv costume design, as well as his ability to create costumes that extend the characters' personalities and narratives.
