What is a Costume Buyer?
Costume Buyers are responsible for purchasing the clothes required for a production. Reporting to the Costume Designer, they are expected to source all of the required materials needed to bring a character to life.
Costume Buyers work to the brief of the Costume Designer. This brief can vary dramatically depending upon whether the designer is designing original costumes or sourcing existing articles.
Often the Costume Buyer will need to purchase a variety of materials for the creation of original costumes. Materials could include different fabrics, threads and accessories. Additionally, as a Costume Buyer you will be required to source various material samples based on the Costume Designer’s sketches and colour pallets. Once Costume Designers have chosen the final article, the Costume Buyer will be responsible for purchasing the correct number of items required. In some instances, the Costume Buyer will have to buy multiples of the same outfit, for a single role. This is due to stunt doubles, photo doubles and stand-ins also needing to be dressed.
The Costume Buyer will be responsible for negotiating the prices of materials from retailers and wholesalers. This does not only include the materials used to create costumes, but also the hire of any accessories. Generally, you will also be responsible for monitoring the costume budget and accounting for each purchase. At the end of the production process you will also be responsible for returning any hired goods.
Key Skills
- Good negotiation skills
- Eye for detail
- Able to work to a brief
- Highly Organised
How to Become a Costume Buyer
Before becoming a Costume Buyer you would have usually worked as a Seamstress, Dresser or Set Costumer, as the skills developed in these roles are a necessity for progression. Costume Buyers have excellent knowledge of the costume construction process and the differences between materials. A degree is not a necessity, as many of the skills required can be developed through experience. However, those that do have a degree may undertake it in fashion or a related field.
Become a Costumer Buyer today
If you are ready for the next step in your career, why not take a look at the latest Costume Buyer vacancies on our jobs board? You can view our latest vacancies here.