Second Life The Who What Wear Podcast: Costuming The Last of Us: Ann Foley on Apocalyptic Realism and Character-Driven Design
Jun 18, 2025
Ann Foley, a talented costume designer, has crafted detailed wardrobes for iconic shows like The Last of Us and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In this engaging conversation, she dives into the journey of creating character-driven styles in a post-apocalyptic world. Foley unpacks how clothing reflects personal growth and emotional states, emphasizing the significance of items like Joel's jacket. She also explores the collaborative process with actors and how stylistic choices reveal deeper narratives, alongside practical tips for fashion in survival scenarios.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ann Foley's Career Start
- Ann Foley discovered costume design when visiting a movie set in Savannah with her boyfriend.
- Inspired by period costumes, she moved to LA with $500 to pursue this career.
Grounded Realism in Design
- The Last of Us costumes focus on grounded realism to connect audiences emotionally.
- Collaboration across production departments enhances authentic world building.
Five-Year Time Jump Visuals
- The five-year time jump let Foley explore aged and evolving character styles.
- Subtle shifts in fit and color palette visually show Ellie's growth and relationship to Joel.