Colleen Atwood

“I love designing costumes that I can actually construct, working to create an environment that people want to be in.”

“I wanted to be a painter when I was a kid. And then, I had to make a living. I had a child when I was in high school, so I kind of had that work phase in my life.”

“In Chicago, I walked in knowing what the dancers were going to need.”

“People like to stir up the fashion vs. costume world, and I think what they mean by 'too costumey' is that it's too much, or not real enough for everyday wear. You couldn't say that about John Galliano's shows, right? I mean, they're awesome, and they're total costume.”

“I've always loved movies, art and clothes.”

“Sleepy Hollow had a lot of action in it, even though it was a fairy-tale movie.”

“I have watched 'Project Runway,' but I'm not a devout watcher of it. But I think it's a great show, what I've seen of it, and I think Tim Gunn is a very positive, amazing guy.”

“The exposure I have had to beautiful materials across the world, from Japan to Italy, enables me to pull design ideas together. This, combined with years of historical research, has created a great fountain of ideas for me.”

“Every story is different, so what is a detail in one might not be in something else. Diversity is something I embrace and love about my work.”

“Costume, hair and makeup can tell you instantly, or at least give you a larger perception of who a character is. It's the first impression that you have of the character before they open their mouth, so it really does establish who they are.”

“The reward is that you can actually create a world separate from reality with a story, actors, music, and camera design. When it works it can entertain, move people and teach us all.”

“One thing about costume design - and I think design in general - but especially costume design, is people have a misconception that it's very glamorous work.”

“My work space is so visually crammed. It's like an insane candy store. The number of textiles I'm surrounded with is mind boggling. It's a treat to come home to a nice negative space.”

“I'd seen the current stage production and the 1975 production of Chicago. I liked them both very much, but I didn't use them necessarily as inspiration.”

“I have always loved beautiful leather objects, especially the detail that goes into designing them both inside and out.”

“It actually is as fun to make men's costumes, especially if they are as good-looking as Chris Hemsworth.”

“I choose colors I like and will photograph well. I don't do color theory!”

“I really don't over-theorize about design. I'd rather feel it than talk it to death. A lot happens as you unroll the design.”

“Knowing who the actors were as you were designing them helped, with Catherine's beauty and Renee's frailty, they directed me visually just by who they were.”

“Some of the kimonos took as long as four to five months to make, with all the layers that go into it.”