Designer's Surprising Ascent to Major Success in the Costume Industry
In the world of fashion and television, Arielle Cooper-Lethem has made a name for herself as the costume designer for Lena Dunham's latest Netflix series, Too Much. Hailing from New York, Cooper-Lethem's passion for fashion and vintage clothing has led her to oversee the costume design for this colourful and captivating series.
Cooper-Lethem's journey in the fashion industry began at the tender age of 14, working in retail. Her love for fashion eventually led her to a permanent home in the film industry, comparing each project to a new summer camp. Her career took off when she landed a job dressing extras on a Cinemax series set in the 1970s, a role she enjoyed immensely.
Her big break came when she was chosen to be the costume designer for Too Much, a role she was well-suited for due to her specialization in fashion and vintage clothing. The show's vision of larger-than-life but relatable characters resonated with Cooper-Lethem, who brought a strong understanding of character-driven costumes to the table. She crafted distinctive wardrobes for characters like Jessica, played by Megan Stalter, blending high and low fashion with personal and eccentric London style influences.
In an interview, Cooper-Lethem discussed how the character wardrobes were inspired by a mix of vintage pieces and bold style choices, capturing the personalities and evolving journeys of the characters. She noted the challenge and joy of sourcing fashionable extended sizing for Jessica’s looks, emphasizing the character's adventurous and evolving style journey.
Cooper-Lethem's role was to create a world that felt real but just a notch richer in colour and texture, which came through in the vibrant visual storytelling. Her work on Too Much has been praised for its authentic connection to the London setting, a city that Cooper-Lethem believes has an underground subculture that's been more preserved than in New York.
In a recent episode of The our platform Podcast, Cooper-Lethem discussed her career with Editorial Director Lauren Eggertsen, sharing insights into her journey from retail to costume design. She moved to London for love, marrying a Brit, and has since found a deep appreciation for the city's unique fashion scene.
New Yorkers, according to Cooper-Lethem, have the most swag in the world, while Londoners lean into personal dressing more than New Yorkers. Her internship at W magazine during her freshman year at NYU gave her a taste of the fashion world, working in the accessories closet. However, it wasn't until she realized that fashion was not going to pay enough and felt lost without clothes in a creative sense that she decided to pursue costume design.
With Too Much, Cooper-Lethem has proven that she is a talented costume designer who can bring a show's vision to life, creating a world that is both relatable and visually stunning.
- Arielle Cooper-Lethem's career in fashion began at a young age working in retail and evolved into a successful venture in the film industry, showcasing her expertise in fashion and vintage clothing for costume design.
- Cooper-Lethem's work, notably on the Netflix series Too Much, has drawn attention not only for her ability to bring a show's vision to life, but also for her talent in blending fashion and business, creating a unique lifestyle that resonates with audiences.
- As her career progresses, Cooper-Lethem continues to impact the fashion-and-beauty industry, making a name for herself as a leading figure in costume design and potentially branching out into fashion careers, bringing her unique perspective to the world of business and careers.
