Costume Designer Malgosia Turzanska Talks 'Hamnet'

Malgosia Turzanska shared insights with WWD about her work designing costumes for Chloe Zhao's film adaptation of Hamnet, which stars Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley.

Creating Authentic Period Costumes

Turzanska focused on accuracy and subtle detail to bring the 16th-century world to life. She emphasized the importance of historical research combined with creative interpretation to achieve costumes that would support the story and characters.

"The idea was to make the costumes feel lived in, natural, and deeply connected to the emotional landscape of the film," Turzanska explained.

Collaboration with the Director and Cast

Working closely with director Chloe Zhao and the actors, Turzanska tailored the costumes to reflect the personalities and emotional journeys of the characters. The designs also considered the practical challenges of filming and movement.

Use of Textures and Fabrics

Turzanska chose natural fabrics and soft textures to enhance the organic, intimate feel of the film. The palette was deliberately muted to evoke the era's atmosphere while keeping the focus on the characters' inner lives and relationships.

Challenges of Designing for Hamnet

One notable challenge was balancing historical authenticity with cinematic storytelling. Turzanska had to ensure that costumes conveyed subtle narrative elements without overwhelming the visuals.

"Costume design in 'Hamnet' was about storytelling through fabric and silhouette, not just dressing characters in period-appropriate clothes," she added.

Malgosia Turzanska’s costume design for Hamnet elegantly combines historical accuracy with deep emotional resonance, enriching the film’s immersive storytelling.

WWD — 2025-11-28