Paul Tazewell is a world-renowned costume designer and the recipient of an Emmy, two Tony Awards, and an Academy Award. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has brought stories to life through fashion across Broadway, film, television, and red carpets.
His work includes productions like Hamilton, Wicked, Wicked: For Good (2025), and Death Becomes Her (2025). But his journey began in Akron, Ohio, where he first dreamed of using fashion to tell powerful stories.
Now, his work is on display in Chicago. Through September 7, 2026, visitors can experience “Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell” at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park.
Black Fashion Week USA invites you to explore some of his most iconic designs.
Photo courtesy of Paul Tazewell Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Photographer: Daniel Boud, Sydney Morning Herald
Hamilton (2016): Storytelling Through Color and History
Photo Courtesy of Hamilton show Schuyler Sisters Costumes.
Photo Courtesy of Hamilton show Schuyler Sisters Costumes.
Photo Courtesy of Hamilton show Schuyler Sisters Costumes.
In Hamilton, Tazewell stayed true to the Revolutionary War era while using color to define each character.
The Schuyler sisters each wear distinct shades:
- Angelica, in bold orange, reflects her strong personality
- Eliza, in soft blue, shows her calm and romantic nature
- Peggy in yellow represents youth and innocence
Tazewell also used symbolism in menswear. Alexander Hamilton is dressed in green, referencing his role in shaping U.S. currency, while Thomas Jefferson is styled with flair inspired by rock icons like Prince and Jimi Hendrix.
Harriet (2019): Redefining a Historical Icon
Photo courtesy of Harriet Tubman Focus Features MPA
per Photographer Glen Wilson
For the film Harriet, Tazewell avoided stereotypes often seen in historical portrayals. Instead of worn-down clothing, he presented Harriet Tubman as a strong, stylish woman. Inspired by real photographs, he recreated details like pinstripes and headwraps to reflect her dignity and individuality. As the film progresses, Tubman’s wardrobe evolves into more structured, cape-like designs—giving her a powerful, almost superhero presence.
Wicked (2024) and Wicked for Good (2025)
Glinda’s Pink Bubble Dress
Photo courtesy of Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
per JB Spector Photography
Ariana Grande Bubble Dress
per Elle
Elphaba Visit to Emerald City
Photo courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar
per NBC Universal
In Wicked, Tazewell balances fantasy with technical mastery.
- Glinda’s pink bubble dress, worn by Ariana Grande, is light and airy, made from layered organza that floats effortlessly—paying homage to the original Wizard of Oz.
- Elphaba’s Emerald City look is the opposite—structured, dark, and powerful. Emerald tones peek through black lace, symbolizing her transformation and self-acceptance.
West Side Story (2021): Movement, Identity, and Expression
Photos courtesy of Anita’s Yellow Dress West Side Story
‘WEST SIDE STORY’ ©2021 20th Century Studios, Inc. All rights reserved
In West Side Story, Ariana DeBose shines as Anita in a vibrant yellow dress during the song “America.” The design reflects movement and emotion. As she dances, flashes of red fabric appear beneath the dress—symbolizing passion, struggle, and identity. Tazewell uses subtle details like this to deepen the storytelling.
Met Gala 2025: Fashion as Art with Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae MET Gala 2025 “Black Dandyism”
Photo courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar
per Photographer Udo Selters
Janelle Monae MET Gala 2025 “Black Dandyism”
Photo courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar
per Photographer Kevin Mazur
At the Met Gala 2025, Janelle Monáe wore a standout look co-designed by Tazewell and Thom Browne. The outfit transformed mid-event—from a sculptural outer layer into a split red-and-black suit. The design blended storytelling, illusion, and Afro-futurist style, proving that costume design extends beyond stage and screen.
The Wiz Live! (2015): Award-Winning Vision
Photo courtesy of Essence Magazine – The Wiz Live!
Paul Gilmore via NBC
Photo courtesy of Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Before Wicked, Tazewell earned an Emmy for his work on The Wiz Live!. With a cast including Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah, he blended elements from the original Wizard of Oz, the 1978 Wiz, and modern fashion to create something entirely new. Paul Tazewell’s work shows that costume design is more than clothing—it is storytelling, identity, and history brought to life. His designs combine research, culture, and creativity to shape how audiences understand characters across time and space.
You can experience this vision firsthand at “Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell” in Chicago through September 7, 2026.
See link to the exhibit here: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
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