Celebrated costume designer Powell recognized for her contributions to film
Brixton: Powell, 64, is a big name in the film world, boasting three Oscars and three BAFTAs. She’s just been recognized in the New Year Honours list for her amazing work in costume design.
This year, she made history by being the first costume designer to receive the BAFTA Fellowship, which is a huge deal in the UK film scene.
She’s worked on some iconic films, from Shakespeare In Love to Mary Poppins Returns, dressing stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Dame Judi Dench along the way.
Powell once said that 80% of her job is about understanding people. Dressing actors is super personal, and they need to feel comfortable to really get into their characters.
Growing up in Brixton and Clapham, she learned to sew from her mom while her dad entertained her with stories from his job at a casino.
At 19, she started studying Theatre Design but dropped out to dive into costume design for the stage. Soon after, she switched to film and got her big break with Derek Jarman’s 1986 biopic Caravaggio.
That’s where she met Tilda Swinton, and her career took off. She snagged her first Oscar nomination for the film Orlando in 1994, which really put her on the map.
After that, she designed costumes for hits like Gangs Of New York and The Aviator, winning Oscars for both. Recently, she’s been known for her stunning work in films like The Favourite and The Irishman.
Her collaborations with Martin Scorsese have brought some unforgettable characters to life, like DiCaprio’s Jordan Belfort in The Wolf Of Wall Street.
Powell’s knack for detail and emotional depth in her costumes is what many believe sets her apart. She emphasizes that it’s not just about making actors look good; it’s about making them believable in their roles.
She’s currently working on Oliver Hermanus’ Living, featuring Bill Nighy, and Marc Webb’s Snow White, which is set to hit theaters next year.
