In the sprawling universe of The Wheel of Time, every detail, from the swish of a robe to the curl of a lock, tells a story. The series, known for its intricate symbolism and rich lore, demands a level of dedication from its creators that goes beyond the ordinary. In a candid conversation, Costume Designer Sharon Gilham and Hair & Makeup Supervisor Davina Lamont shed light on the challenges and joys of bringing this world to life.
Symbolism in Design: Weaving the Tapestry
The series’ deep-rooted symbolism serves as a guiding star for both Sharon and Davina. When asked about how this symbolism influenced their work, Sharon shared her perspective.
“It’s all part of the rich tapestry that is the source material. It is kind of mystical and grounded at the same time. We try to incorporate any of those elements into everything we do. Sometimes things happen by accident, and those moments are just so exciting because we are working with a really original text here.”
-Sharon Gilham, Costume Designer-
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The Journey of Character Creation
Davina’s approach to character design is both methodical and intuitive. She spoke about the thrill of the chase in finding the perfect look for each character, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the source material and the expectations of the fanbase.
“We may not get to see the actor until the fittings start. I’ll have between six to ten different wig styles and colors that I want to try on every single character. Sometimes, you do a fitting, and you realize you need to start again. I love that feeling of development for every character. It’s so rewarding to see it on screen.”
-Davina Lamont, Hair & Makeup Supervisor-
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In The Wheel of Time, the costumes and hairstyles aren’t just aesthetic choices; they’re narrative tools that add depth and dimension to the characters and the world they inhabit. Through the combined efforts of Sharon Gilham and Davina Lamont, the series achieves a visual richness that resonates with fans and newcomers alike.
The Wheel of Time Season 2 is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video with new episodes every Friday.
About Wheel of Time
Release: Season 2 Premiere September 1, 2023
Developer: Rafe Judkins
Executive Producers: Rafe Judkins, Larry Mondragon, Rick Selvage, Ted Field, Mike Weber, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe, Justine Juel Gillmer, Sanaa Hamri, Amanda Kate Shuman
Production: Amazon Studios, Sony Pictures Television
Distribution: Prime Video
Cast: Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Josha Stradowski, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, Dónal Finn, Ceara Coveney
Synopsis
Based on the best-selling Robert Jordan fantasy series The Wheel of Time, a humble farm boy, Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski, Gran Turismo), learns he is The Dragon Reborn—a dangerous figure from history destined to save the world … or break it. Desperate to protect him from the Dark One, an army of powerful sorceresses must reckon with his burgeoning power and encroaching madness.
The Wheel of Time turns, and the Last Battle approaches. Though Rand thought he destroyed the Dark One, evil is not gone from the world. In Season Two, threats new and very old seek out the young friends from the Two Rivers, now scattered over the world. The woman who found and guided them is now powerless to help, and so they must find other sources of strength. In each other, or themselves. In the Light … or the Dark.
Have you ever noticed the intricate details in your favorite characters’ costumes or hairstyles? How do you think these choices impact the storytelling? Which character’s look from The Wheel of Time stands out the most to you? Let us know your thoughts on social media!
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