CRAFTING CHARACTER: THE COSTUMES OF PAUL TAZEWELL

The first exhibition dedicated to the work of visionary, award-winning costume and fashion designer Paul Tazewell premieres at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Costume exhibits are special. Seeing the intricate handwork of the seamstresses next to the designer’s sketches is mesmerizing. This exhibition is special. It explores Tazewell’s work and process from his childhood creations through his costumes for legendary projects like Hamilton, West Side Story and Wicked, allowing both dedicated followers of fashion and pop culture devotees to swoon over the exquisite creations.

Paul Tazewell’s work in theater, film and television spans three decades and has received multiple accolades. Most recently, he made history as the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design on Wicked. Additional recognitions include Tony Awards for Death Becomes Her and Hamilton on Broadway, an Emmy for The Wiz! Live, and an Academy Award nomination for West Side Story.

This deeply personal exhibition is guided by Tazewell’s own words and vision. Displays of his masterpieces combined with his narration and behind-the-scenes video, photos, and sketches follows his ideas from spark of inspiration to fully realized visions for dancing, dazzling audiences, and leaving lasting impressions on cinematic history.

Guests begin by learning about the distinction between fashion and costume before a charming trip back in time to Tazewell’s earliest creations and childhood inspirations.

With this grounding, next up are costumes from Harriet, Hamilton, and West Side Story.

The fourth room focuses on the importance of collaboration and the importance it plays in Tazewell’s work. Befitting the museum’s mission, parallels are drawn between the creative process and the scientific process through examples of creative problem solving and engineering innovations.

Everything culminates in a celebration of the research, creative vision, and collaboration that resulted in the vibrant world of Wicked. More than a dozen costumes from the motion picture are jaw-dropping when viewed together.

Everyone will find something to love in this wonderfully complex tribute to the power of imagination.

Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell runs through September 7 at Griffin Museum of Science + Industry, 5700 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.