INSIDE ANDOR: THE COSTUME DESIGN JOURNEY WITH MICHAEL WILKINSON
In the intricate world of Andor, costume designer Michael Wilkinson masterfully wields the language of clothes to deepen narrative storytelling, crafting wardrobes that are not merely fashion—each piece is a woven tale of its own, rich with meaning and purpose pressing viewers to look closer. From the meticulous, personalized uniform of Syril Karn to the stained and timeworn attire of his superior, Wilkinson paints character contrasts with sartorial precision, each detail capturing the camera’s keen eye. His prison uniforms echo a bygone era, yet stand out in their stark functionality, exposing a peppery flash of orange in a sea of white. Meanwhile, the Pre-Mor security apparel emerges as an iconic addition to the Star Wars universe with its uniquely devised teal and orange palette, paying homage to the ’70s retro vibe. Michael Wilkinson’s brilliance in costume design invites audiences to repeatedly explore the stories woven into each stitch, with layers of history, culture, and identity unfolding with every viewing. What secrets lie behind the clothes, and how do these threads bind the galaxy’s narrative together?
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Quick Takeaways:
- Michael Wilkinson uses costume design to support storytelling rather than simply fashion.
- Character traits are expressed through details in clothing, like personalized uniforms or worn garments.
- Each costume element is carefully crafted, showing the thought behind every piece.
- Colors, fabrics, and graphical styles are selected to reflect tone, time, and culture in the show.
The Storytelling Behind the Wardrobe
Michael Wilkinson, the costume designer for Andor, crafted each element of clothing to help shape the narrative of the series. “I really enjoy playing with the language of clothes,” said Wilkinson. “We wanted these things to be so rich with meaning and deserve repeated viewings that you could go deeper with it all. And, you know, it's the only way that I really know how to work, to actually construct these backstories and worlds and civilizations so that everything has meaning. Otherwise, it's fashion design, not costume design.”
Character Definition Through Dress
Wilkinson’s attention to detail is evident in how different personalities are represented through clothing choices. For instance, Syril Karn’s meticulous uniform shows the character’s precision and need for control. In contrast, his superior wears a poorly kept outfit with wrinkles and stains, complete with an old jacket. This contrast communicates not only differing personal standards but also the cultural and hierarchical dynamics within the universe of Andor.
Color and Fabric Choices That Shape the World
The fabrics and colors of the prison uniforms reflect both style and function. Designed with a ‘70s retro graphic influence, the outfits include a sharp flash of orange amid a mostly white setting, making the prisoners easy to spot. Wilkinson shared, “We put lots of work in every inch of those costumes because we knew the camera would see everything.”
Creating a Distinct Look for Pre-Mor Security
For the Pre-Mor security forces, Wilkinson developed a uniform that stood out within the series while still fitting the larger tone. “The challenge for Pre-Mor for me was to create a new ‘Star Wars’ uniform that would try to be as iconic as the Imperial uniforms but that would be completely different from them,” he explained. He used green-blue teal tones with orange highlights to suggest a retro influence from the 1970s, creating a new visual marker for fans familiar with the franchise.
Every button, stitch, and patch helps to tell a wider story in Andor — not just of people, but of entire systems, beliefs, and histories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michael Wilkinson in the Andor series?
Michael Wilkinson is the costume designer for the Star Wars series Andor. He is responsible for creating the unique looks and outfits worn by the characters throughout the show.
What inspired the costumes in Andor?
Michael Wilkinson drew inspiration from real-world history, classic science fiction, and the Star Wars universe to create grounded, lived-in costumes that reflect the gritty tone of Andor.
How did Michael Wilkinson design costumes to fit the tone of Andor?
The costumes in Andor were designed to reflect the darker, more mature tone of the series, using rugged fabrics, muted colors, and utilitarian styles to reinforce the show’s realistic feel.
Are the costumes in Andor different from other Star Wars shows?
Yes, the costumes in Andor emphasize realism and texture more than in other Star Wars series, focusing on practical wear for rebels and citizens living under imperial rule.
What challenges did Michael Wilkinson face creating Andor’s wardrobe?
Wilkinson had to balance Star Wars’ iconic visual language with the grounded narrative of Andor, ensuring the costumes felt authentic while fitting into the larger universe.
Did Michael Wilkinson work on other Star Wars projects?
No, Andor is Michael Wilkinson’s first project in the Star Wars franchise. He is known for his work on films like American Hustle and Justice League.
Filipino Translation:
Sobrang effort ni Michael Wilkinson, yung costume designer ng Andor, sa paggawa ng mga damit na bagay talaga sa story ng series. Para sa kanya, sobrang importante ng kwento pag dating sa costume design. Sabi nga niya, "I really enjoy playing with the language of clothes. We wanted these things to be so rich with meaning and deserve repeated viewings that you could go deeper with it all. And, you know, it's the only way that I really know how to work, to actually construct these backstories and worlds and civilizations so that everything has meaning. Otherwise, it's fashion design, not costume design."
Makikita mo talaga yung atensyon niya sa details sa pag-contrast ng mga costumes ng characters. Halimbawa, sabi niya, "You have the precision and fastidiousness of Syril Karn's uniform that he has personalized, customized, and made exactly how he wants it to be. And then his boss, on the other hand, is wearing a uniform that's crumpled and dirty and has a couple of stains down the front of his shirt and a jacket he shrugs on that he's had for 20 years." Ibang level din yung entries, like sa prison uniforms—ginamitan sila ng parang disposable material tapos may retro-vibes na ‘70s style graphics na may splash ng orange. 'Yung kulay na yun, parang marker para kita agad yung mga prisoners sa puting surroundings. Sabi pa ni Wilkinson, "We put lots of work in every inch of those costumes because we knew the camera would see everything."
Tapos 'yung Pre-Mor security uniforms, pinush talaga ni Wilkinson na maging unique pero unforgettable. Sabi niya, "The challenge for Pre-Mor for me was to create a new 'Star Wars' uniform that would try to be as iconic as the Imperial uniforms but that would be completely different from them. So I devised this color scheme of greeny-blue teal colors that we carefully put together with these flashes of orange. It seemed to have a kind of '70s retro vibe to it that I really enjoyed."
Kaya kung titignan mo, bawat piraso ng outfit sa Andor, may meaning talaga. Hindi lang basta costume, may kwento sa likod at may binubuong mundo.
Andor: Interview with Costume Designer Michael Wilkinson was first published here.
