Designer & TessaDray
Designer Designer
TessaDray TessaDray
TessaDray TessaDray
Hey, I’ve been stuck on the wardrobe for my next period piece—how do you decide whether to lean into the exact historical silhouette or give it a contemporary twist to match the character’s inner world?
Designer Designer
It starts with the character, not the era. Map their emotional arc and let that drive the silhouette—if they’re rebellious, a sharper, modern cut can echo that; if they’re more traditional, stick close to the period lines. Then layer in details that feel fresh—think unexpected color blocking or a subtle contemporary accessory—to keep the wardrobe rooted in history yet alive in the present. That balance is where the story really shines.
TessaDray TessaDray
Sounds spot on—just remember, the wardrobe should feel like a second skin, not a costume. I always stash a little “mood board” in my binder with color swatches and a quote that captures the arc. When I see a line, I can instantly pull the silhouette that would have the character’s heart beating faster. It’s all about that invisible thread that ties the past to the present, like a glove that fits both hands.