Today we’d like to introduce you to Yi-lun Chien
Hi Yi-Lun, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Being a costume designer wasn’t part of my plan. When I was a teenager, I was attracted to those artistic films shown on TV, not even in theaters. I spent several after-midterms afternoons (yes, very limited channels and TV time while I was growing up) sitting in the living room, watching those stories that I didn’t fully understand, yet something deep inside me resonated with. With a passion for becoming a storyteller, I went to study film, and then realized directing wasn’t my thing.
I stepped into the world of costume design through my first job, working as a costumer on a film about a baseball team set in 1930s Taiwan. It was a really tough one. Worked long hours, freezing during rainy scenes in cold waves, and sweating under the scorching sun while rushing to add dirt to the actors’ pants for continuity. I questioned myself a lot about whether this was really what I wanted to do. But I guess I’m obsessed with the feeling of fulfillment when I see all the hard work come together on the big screen.
The experience of working in the international collaborative team of “Silence” (2016), directed by Martin Scorsese, a story set in 17th-century Japan while most of the shooting locations were in Taiwan, ignited my desire to work globally and become a costume designer.
Traveling across the Pacific, I attended the MFA Costume Design program at CalArts to further hone my aesthetic, sharpen my eye for detail, deepen my understanding of fashion history, and explore new approaches to my design process.
It’s been a long journey for me to move from a costumer to a costume designer. However, all of the experiences I gained on set allowed me to fully understand how the whole costume department works, how to predict problems, and how invaluable each position is.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a costume designer isn’t just about creating costumes—it’s about connecting with people and working together to bring a vision to life. As someone who’s not naturally extroverted, I initially found it challenging to step into new environments. But I quickly realized that the thrill of sharing my ideas with the crew and actors helped me push past those initial nerves.
I’ve learned to embrace the energy and creativity that come from collaborating with a diverse team. Looking back at some of the awkward, cringe-worthy moments from the early days of my career, I’m grateful for the lessons they taught me—especially about being patient with myself and others.
Every crew is unique, and learning how to find the right balance within each team has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. It’s been an incredible experience to grow and connect with so many talented people along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
With a background in storytelling and directing, paired with solid expertise in costume and fashion history, I collaborate with directors to craft authentic, character-driven narratives. I also consult on accurate silhouettes and designs for characters from diverse cultural, social, and religious backgrounds, ensuring their costumes genuinely reflect their unique identities.
One of my proudest projects, Deep Into the Forest (short), was featured in the Moving the Spotlight program at the Tribeca Film Festival (2024). As a sporty film centered on orienteering, it required meticulous attention to detail. I focused on the progression of dirt and sweat on the characters’ costumes, ensuring these elements evolved alongside the story’s arc to heighten the atmosphere and deepen the emotional impact.
Another project, Yaksok (short), is a decadent Korean-born samurai story set in the aftermath of the failed Imjin War invasion in 1592. Working with a limited budget, I designed and constructed most of the costumes, including experimenting with 3D printing to create shin and thigh guards for the samurai. It was a rewarding challenge to balance historical accuracy with innovative techniques, pushing creative boundaries within constraints.
For me, costume design goes beyond deciding what characters should wear—it’s about shaping the world they inhabit. In my theatrical work The Tempest, I used collage to bring the characters to life. By writing about how I envisioned their world and exploring it visually through collage, I uncovered their identities and crafted designs that supported the narrative.
What I love most is the entire process—unfolding the story, offering my perspective and aesthetic through sketches, fabric swatches, and experimentation, and bringing it all together in fittings. The most rewarding moment comes when I see the actors fully embody their characters on screen, completely immersed in the world we’ve created together.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I moved to this city from Taiwan in 2021 to pursue my MFA degree, and beyond the curriculum at school, I’ve fallen in love with exploring the city’s rich artistic and cultural offerings. Visiting museums has been a constant source of inspiration. Seeing the Lee Alexander McQueen exhibition at LACMA (2022), the Dress Codes exhibition at the Autry Museum of the American West (2022), and the annual Oscar-nominated costume showcase at the FIDM Museum has been thrilling. There’s nothing quite like experiencing these incredible works of art and design up close.
What I also appreciate about this city is its strong costume design community. From panels and masterclasses to the generous sharing of knowledge by experienced designers, I’ve gained invaluable insights and inspiration. The abundance of resources, like rental houses and vintage stores, has also brought me so much joy as I source materials for my own projects. This city truly feels like a hub for creativity and collaboration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yilunchien.com
- Instagram: yilunlun.c
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7699467/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
Deep Into the Forest production team
Yaksok production team
