How Costume Design Differs from Fashion Design (And Why It’s Just as Creative)
If you’ve ever watched a stage performance or film and thought, “That outfit tells a story,” you’re not wrong. Costume design and fashion design both play starring roles in how we experience clothing — one on the runway, the other on the stage or screen. Yet while they share the same love for fabric, silhouette, and craftsmanship, the costume design vs fashion design debate reveals two worlds that are distinct, yet equally imaginative.
At The Hem House here in Kamloops, we often blur those lines — creating garments that are as narrative-driven as they are beautifully constructed. Let’s take a closer look at how the two art forms differ, and why costume design deserves just as much applause.
1. Purpose: Storytelling vs. Self-Expression
In fashion design, the goal is often to express an individual’s personality, brand identity, or lifestyle. Designers create collections that reflect trends, innovation, or emotion — pieces people wear to express who they are.
In costume design, however, the story takes center stage. Every stitch, seam, and silhouette serves a purpose: to reveal character, period, and place. A costume designer doesn’t just ask, “What looks good?” — they ask, “Who is this person, and how do they move through their world?”
For instance, a costume designer in Kamloops working on a local theatre production might research Victorian silhouettes, study the emotional arc of a character, and adapt materials to fit stage lighting — all while ensuring actors can comfortably perform under bright lights and quick costume changes.
Both crafts demand an artistic eye and technical skill, but their creative focus — personal expression vs. narrative expression — defines their difference.
2. The Design Process: Research, Collaboration, and Craft
Both disciplines follow a design process, but the direction of that process differs.
A fashion designer’s process begins with inspiration boards, sketches, draping, and fabric selection. They anticipate seasonal trends, client preferences, and market demands. It’s a blend of art and commerce, balancing beauty and wearability.
A costume designer’s process, on the other hand, starts with the script. They dive deep into character studies, historical accuracy, and emotional tone. Collaboration is key — costume designers work closely with directors, lighting technicians, and actors to ensure each outfit supports the story’s atmosphere.
At The Hem House, we love this aspect of design — it’s where tailoring meets storytelling. Whether crafting a custom gown for a theatre production or designing a made-to-measure suit for a client, we use that same design process to ensure the final garment fits perfectly — both in form and meaning.
3. Construction: Fit for Function and Performance
A major distinction between costume design vs fashion design lies in construction priorities.
Fashion garments are made to last seasons (or ideally, years). They’re crafted for the real world — durable, stylish, and often versatile. Costume garments, on the other hand, are built for performance. They must look flawless under stage lights, withstand movement, and sometimes endure multiple shows per week.
That’s where tailoring and alterations expertise shine. A skilled tailor can adapt costumes for quick changes, hidden zippers, or reinforced seams. It’s a world where beauty meets practicality — and that’s something we at The Hem House appreciate deeply.
When we handle costume alterations for local Kamloops theatre productions, we often tweak hems, reinforce linings, and tailor silhouettes for movement and lighting — merging the precision of tailoring with the imagination of theatre design.
4. Materials and Technique: Realism vs. Representation
Fashion designers usually work with fine fabrics meant for daily wear — wool, silk, cotton, denim, and newer sustainable textiles. Costume designers, however, often need to cheat reality for effect.
That “leather” armor might actually be painted canvas; that “velvet” ballgown could be a clever polyester blend that moves beautifully under spotlights. The artistry lies in illusion — how to make a modern fabric look historical, or how to suggest royalty on a community theatre budget.
At The Hem House, we often use similar creativity when designing custom pieces or repurposing vintage materials. Sustainability meets storytelling when we transform existing fabrics into new, expressive designs — a nod to both theatrical ingenuity and modern eco-consciousness.
Did You Know?
Many famous fashion designers have dabbled in costume design — from Alexander McQueen’s work for the Royal Ballet to Miuccia Prada’s film collaborations. The two disciplines inspire each other constantly. In fact, many costume designers in Canada begin their careers in fashion, later realizing that the stage offers even more freedom for fantasy and transformation.
Pro tip: If you’re a local performer or designer in Kamloops, collaborating with a tailor experienced in both fashion and costume can elevate your look — and your comfort — on stage.
5. Shared Creativity: Two Sides of the Same Stitch
At their core, both costume design and fashion design celebrate creativity through clothing. One dresses reality, the other dresses imagination. But both rely on the same foundations — craftsmanship, understanding of fabric, and mastery of fit.
In our studio at The Hem House Kamloops, we’ve seen firsthand how these worlds overlap. A perfectly tailored jacket can transform an actor into a 1920s jazz singer — or a modern professional into their most confident self. The creativity behind both lies in how you bring the story (or the personality) to life through cloth.
Conclusion: Where Fashion Meets Theatre at The Hem House
Whether you’re performing under the lights or walking down the street, the power of well-made clothing is undeniable. Costume design vs fashion design isn’t a competition — it’s a conversation. Both demand skill, vision, and a love for the art of dressing people with purpose.
At The Hem House, we celebrate both sides of that artistry. From custom alterations and made-to-measure garments to theatrical costume fittings, our team brings stories — and silhouettes — to life through expert tailoring and thoughtful design.
Book your consultation or alteration today, and experience how craftsmanship and creativity come together — right here in Kamloops.