Design Matters with Debbie Millman Paul Tazewell
Feb 10, 2025
Paul Tazewell, an award-winning costume designer known for his work on 'Hamilton' and 'West Side Story', dives into the fascinating world of costume design. He shares how his early theater experiences and artistic family shaped his career. The conversation highlights the creative challenges he faced designing iconic costumes, especially in 'Wicked', and discusses the impact of 'The Wizard of Oz' on his use of color. Tazewell emphasizes the storytelling power of costumes and reveals how personal elements enhance character portrayals.
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First Design Experience
- Paul Tazewell's first costume design was for "The Wiz" in high school.
- His parents helped create costumes: his mother sewed the Wiz's suit, and his father spray-painted Glinda's cape.
Maternal Influence
- Tazewell's mother's creative pursuits, including painting and sewing, influenced his design career.
- He recalls her practice of attaching fabric swatches to her fashion drawings, similar to his current design process.
Oklahoma Inspiration
- Seeing a high school production of "Oklahoma" at a young age sparked Tazewell's interest in theater.
- He was captivated by the energy and magic of the performance, inspiring him to pursue a career in the arts.