Paul Tazewell, renowned Costume Designer, on The Art of Costume Podcast
The Art of Costume Podcast has premiered its first video episode, featuring an insightful conversation with acclaimed costume designer Paul Tazewell. The episode is now available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and various other platforms where podcasts are typically obtained.
In this episode, Tazewell shares insights into his career journey leading up to the Wicked project. The podcast dives deep into the vibrant use of color in the movie Oz, discussing the design of Glinda's sparkling bubble dress and Elphaba's finale costume for Defying Gravity.
Tazewell, who was nominated for an Academy Award in 2025 for his work on Wicked, talks about the significance of a strong costume crew for the project. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the blending of creative minds to push the boundaries of costume design.
The podcast also highlights Tazewell's contributions to Wicked, which have been especially groundbreaking. His designs for the movie have led to major industry recognition, including becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Costume Design.
For those interested in the behind-the-scenes of Wicked's costume design, the podcast is a must-listen. The episode can be shared on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and even via email.
Paul Tazewell's work on Wicked continues his celebrated career by bringing a distinctive blend of historical accuracy and contemporary relevance to his designs. His designs for Wicked blend the fantastical elements of the story with detailed craftsmanship that respects the original source material while infusing fresh, inclusive perspectives.
Tazewell's career journey began in community theater and drama clubs, followed by formal training at prestigious art schools. He made his professional breakthrough with the 1996 production Bring In the Noise, Bring In the Funk, and later gained widespread recognition for costume design on landmark Broadway shows such as Hamilton and In the Heights.
His design philosophy centers on deep research and respect for the story’s period while ensuring the visuals resonate with today’s audiences, enriching narrative and emotional impact. Tazewell sees costume design as vital to character development and cultural storytelling, where costumes do more than clothe actors—they shape how stories are remembered and how cultural narratives evolve.
In summary, Paul Tazewell’s costume design for Wicked (2024) is a continuation of his artistic mission: to create meaningful, historically mindful, yet innovative costumes that support storytelling and representation on stage and screen—cementing his influential role in Broadway and beyond.
Costume design for the movies-and-tv industry gained a significant boost with the podcast episode featuring acclaimed designer Paul Tazewell. This podcast discussion, available across various platforms, delves into Tazewell's work on the Wicked project, including his award-winning costume designs for Glinda's bubble dress and Elphaba's Defying Gravity outfit. Fans of entertainment and costume design are encouraged to share this insightful episode on social media and other platforms.
