How do you approach the dressing of a character? What is your process like?

When I start a project my first step is to read the script. I then envision the characters and world I am creating and gather images for reference from books and other research. Once I have compiled that, I meet with the director and see what he is feeling for the film. I organize my crew and assistants and we start building a department, gathering fabric, budgeting, and making and shopping for all the things we will need for the production. Once this has happened, we start fitting the actors and crowd.

How do you use color and texture in your designs?

I incorporate color and texture in costumes in many ways. One is by layering sheer [pieces] to give a lighter effect. Another is by using the silk-screen printing technique to give surfaces textural nuance.

What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

In design there are always hurdles; when I find one, I generally walk away for a second then come back to look at it with fresh eyes.

So, let’s say you’re at a dinner party. What’s the movie that people want to hear you talk about more than anything else?

A lot of times it’s very random. Sometimes somebody goes, “Oh my God, Married to the Mob’s my favorite movie!” or people do remember the Tim Burton resume. I always love it because it’s not the obvious thing that you think is going to happen.

Tamara: We use only the best diamonds and craftsmanship, and nothing passes through our hands that we’re not proud to put our name on. We live and breathe this level of luxury, and our jewelry is a testament to that. Extraordinary is evident in every piece we create.