Fashion People Costume Drama
Jan 2, 2026
Stacey Battat, a renowned costume designer behind iconic Sofia Coppola films and several TV series, shares her fascinating journey in costume design. She dives into her experiences as a shopgirl at Marc Jacobs and her transition into the film industry. Topics include the intricate process of defining characters through clothing, her collaboration with filmmakers, and balancing historical authenticity with modern appeal. Stacey also discusses the unique challenges of TV costume design and how sourcing vintage pieces plays a crucial role in creating captivating visuals.
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From Shopgirl To Costume Designer
- Stacey Battat got her start working as a shopgirl at Marc Jacobs on Mercer Street and met Sofia Coppola there.
- That connection led Zoe Cassavetes to later ask Stacey to do costumes for a film, launching her career in costume design.
Clothes Tell Character Stories
- Costume design translates fabrics, silhouette, and drape into character rather than trend.
- Stacey emphasizes costume, hair, and makeup as the visual representation of a character's identity.
Design With Camera And Set In Mind
- Coordinate closely with production design and camera to ensure costumes read in the shot and lighting.
- Plan specific visual details when you know framing, like emphasizing elements that will appear near the face.