Costume Designer Carlos Rosario Talks Shogun and Aliens: Romulus

In the sun-dappled town of Perpignan, France, Carlos Rosario, the celebrated costume designer, reminisced about his remarkable journey from fashion to film on the MINDED podcast. Rosario, fresh off a thrilling Emmy nomination for his work on FX's "Shogun," shared insights into his creative process, the importance of family, and the unexpected paths that led him to this pinnacle in his career.

"I couldn't think of a better project than 'Shogun' to be nominated for," Rosario beamed, recounting the moment he learned of his nomination surrounded by family. "This is thrilling, and I'm happy for myself, but also for my parents, who made many sacrifices for me to pursue this career."

Rosario's journey is one of dedication and serendipity. From his early days in fashion in Paris, where he worked with luminaries like Vivienne Westwood and Christian Dior, to his current acclaim in Hollywood, his story is a testament to perseverance. The transition from fashion to costume design came naturally, albeit unexpectedly. "Costume design found me; I didn’t find it," he noted, emphasizing the organic evolution of his career.

When asked about the overwhelming success of "Shogun," Rosario admitted he didn't initially foresee the show’s potential for awards. "We were focused on doing the best job we could, working hard and surviving the long shoot," he explained. It wasn't until his costume supervisor pointed out the exceptional quality of their work during episode six that Rosario realized they were creating something truly special.

The meticulous research and dedication Rosario poured into "Shogun" are evident. He dove deep into the period, studying archives and consulting experts to ensure authenticity. "I did as much research as I could online about this period before, after, because it’s always interesting to understand what happened after and before this period," he shared. His collaboration with experts, like Frederick Krenz from Kyoto University, enriched the production, ensuring historical accuracy.

One of Rosario's standout moments came when he presented his vision to the show's producers. "I did about 125 boards of different aspects of that period," he said, describing the exhaustive preparation that earned him the project. This dedication to detail extended to the creation of over 2,300 costumes, a feat accomplished in just five months with a global team.

Rosario's respect for detail, inspired by Japanese culture, is a cornerstone of his work. "I learned about the importance of details through my interactions with the Japanese cast and consultants," he said, reflecting on how this focus enhanced his designs.

Discussing his upcoming project, the highly anticipated Aliens: Romulus, directed by Fede Álvarez, Rosario expressed excitement for the stark contrast it offers. "To have your name attached to such an iconic franchise is extraordinary," he said. Despite the differences between historical Japan and sci-fi horror, Rosario approaches each project with the same meticulous care and passion.

As the conversation drew to a close, Rosario shared a poignant reflection on his journey. "I worked really hard to be where I am, and I was very lucky to meet the right people at the right time," he said. His advice to aspiring designers is simple: "Enjoy the journey. It’s the most beautiful thing."

Rosario's story is one of talent, hard work, and a bit of fate. As he continues to push creative boundaries, his passion for his craft remains undiminished. Whether in the historical landscapes of "Shogun" or the chilling corridors of "Aliens: Romulus," Carlos Rosario's costumes will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire.

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