intro
Costume designers Sindhu and Mounisha bring authenticity, movement, and emotion to life through their thoughtful, culturally rooted designs in 2 SuitCases. From sustainable materials to functional flair, each costume is crafted to reflect character, theme, and story. Their work transforms fabric into narrative, helping the audience feel fully immersed in every scene. Here's what they have to say about their work in 2 SuitCases.
The interview
Q: What was the initial vision or inspiration behind the costume design?
Sindhu - To celebrate cultural heritage and community identity. We aimed to use sustainable materials.
Q: How do the costumes support or reflect the characters, themes, or mood of the piece?
Sindhu - The costumes reflect the characters' personalities through color, style, and small details. Everything is meant to represent the story’s emotional tone and cultural context.
Q: What practical considerations (e.g., mobility, durability, quick changes) shaped your costume choices?
Sindhu - Practical considerations like ease of movement, fabric durability, and the need for quick costume changes influenced the design choices.
Q: How closely did you work with the choreographer and director to align on costume needs?
Sindhu - We discussed fabric choices, color palettes, and silhouette needs to match the mood and style of each scene.
Mounisha - We worked extensively with the key stakeholders to arrive on the same page about what's best for the show, ensuring costumes truly support and embellish the production.
Q: Were there any moments when the movement informed changes to your original designs?
Sindhu - Yes, some movements during the rehearsals revealed that the length of the dupattas/scarves could be problematic. So, I cut the extra length on one side to size up to each individual and used an elastic band on the other to keep it secure during fast movements.
Q: Are there any special materials, textures, or hidden costume details you’re proud of?
Mounisha - The suitcase costume stands out for its unique integration of locks, luggage tags, and carefully chosen cloth. These details make the piece both exciting and authentic.
Q: How do you ensure that costumes both look theatrical and functional for dance?
Sindhu - We chose bold, stage-friendly designs made from flexible, breathable fabrics to give it a dramatic while practical look.
Mounisha - I carefully consider costume colors and styles, always keeping in mind that the show includes a lot of dance and movement.
Q: Was there a particular costume piece that was especially challenging or exciting to create?
Sindhu - Yes, the suitcase outfit was very challenging to design. After careful consideration of weight, mobility, and durability, we developed a unique piece that is both functional and visually striking.
Mounisha - Creating the suitcase costume was especially challenging-getting it to truly look believable. This took a lot of collaboration with choreographers and artistic directors, but the final result is amazing. I can't wait for everyone to see it.
Q: How does your work help immerse the audience in the world of the show?
Sindhu - By visually bringing characters and the story’s setting to life with authentic design details and thoughtful costume color choices.
Mounisha - My costumes bridge story and character, creating authenticity and magic. By dressing characters believably, I help audiences fully immerse into the show.
Q: What's your favorite visual moment in the show where costumes take center stage?
Sindhu - The coordination of movement with Dupatta's (scarves) interaction creates a seamless and emotional visual experience for the audience.
Mounisha - I'm most excited for the suitcase costume's big reveal-it's a standout moment that perfectly blends costume and props for a truly memorable stage impact.
Q: How do you handle feedback or changes late in the production process?
Sindhu - I believe that the best way for me to improve my ability, is through feedback.
Mounisha - I welcome feedback as a positive force for improvement. Working together, we adapt to changes to achieve the best possible result for our show.
Q: What do you hope the audience notices or doesn't notice about your work?
Sindhu - We hope the audience feels emotionally connected through the costumes, noticing how they enhance the story and characters. At the same time, we aim for the designs to feel so natural that they don't distract from the performance.
Mounisha - I hope they notice the intricate details and craftsmanship, but also get swept up in the story so much that the costumes feel natural and real.