Fashion People Podcast – "Miyako Supreme"
Host: Lauren Sherman
Guest: Miyako Bellizzi, Costume Designer
Air Date: March 20, 2026
Overview
In this episode of Fashion People, Lauren Sherman sits down with acclaimed costume designer Miyako Bellizzi to discuss her unorthodox journey in fashion, the making of "Marty Supreme" (her latest film project), the evolving culture of the fashion industry, and the intricacies of costume design. The conversation weaves through topics such as creative freedom, the intersection between personal style and character-building in film, and the corporate realities influencing fashion today.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Miyako’s Roots and Early Influences
- Miyako recalls growing up in San Francisco, reflecting on the city’s transformation from a haven for “weirdo artists and progressive activists” into something less magical and more commercially driven.
- Quote: “It's sad… It used to be this mystical, beautiful, open place full of weirdo artists and progressive activists. But now it's changed a lot. So I have a hard time going home, to be honest.” (Miyako, 07:28)
- Her passion for fashion was ignited by her mother and grandmother’s love for clothes and vintage, as well as her exposure to classic films and the world of vintage New York.
- Quote: “She’s the one that taught me how to sew … living in New York, hearing stories about it, the era. Yeah. Vintage clothes. Yeah. So that's kind of what got me into it.” (Miyako, 11:38)
Moving from Fashion to Film
- Initial ambition was to become a fashion editor or journalist; was drawn to the storytelling and journalistic aspects rather than the commerce of fashion.
- Quote: “I always wanted to be either a photographer or a stylist… But I never felt like I belonged in the fashion world. I still don’t really feel that way.” (Miyako, 12:02)
- Miyako’s transition into costume design was gradual and organic, stemming from editorial work at Details Magazine, then Vice, before moving into films.
- Her first film was a low-budget student project in New York, which she recalls fondly for its creative energy and collaborative spirit.
- Quote: "I loved it. And then from there, I did maybe four films in a row. I was just… I kept doing them… That's kind of what jumped it off." (Miyako, 25:26)
The Changing DNA of the Fashion Industry
- Lauren and Miyako discuss the industry’s corporatization, the loss of artistic freedom, and the overwhelming influence of celebrity and social media.
- Quote: "It’s not really about… it became for consumers more broadly. And, yeah, the celebrity part of it… there’s almost a bifurcation of the industry..." (Lauren, 15:23)
- Quote: “There's this sense of like loss of freedom and it's not about creating. In film, what I find so exciting is none of that matters… you're selling a story…” (Miyako, 16:28)
On Creative Risk and the Value of Short Tenures
- Miyako lauds Dario Vitale’s one-season reign at Versace for its boldness and clear point of view.
- Quote: “I love the idea of the like one and done where like he did something and it was actually like… he had a point of view. I just, like, that is what the industry needs.” (Miyako, 18:40)
- Both reflect on the beauty of transient, memorable creative tenures over long, uninspired ones.
- Quote: “Sometimes having something… just run for one season and then it's over and you will never forget it." (Lauren, 20:00)
Costume Design: Process and Philosophy
Collaboration & Character Building
- Miyako explains working relationships with directors are deeply influential in her process, especially with Josh (likely Josh Safdie), with whom she's forged a decade-long, close collaboration.
- The casting process is pivotal; costumes truly come to life only once the actors are cast and fittings begin.
- Quote: “The characters come alive through the casting, right?… you have this whole plan and idea and then it goes to shit, basically days before…” (Miyako, 28:58)
Authenticity and Empathy
- For Miyako, the goal is always to capture the raw individuality of people—actors and non-actors alike—by highlighting their quirks, insecurities, and how those influence wardrobe choices.
- Quote: “No one's normal. I love finding those little things about people and highlighting them to make them real… that's what makes you have empathy towards a person.” (Miyako, 43:36)
- On dressing Timothée Chalamet: “He was a challenging character for me only because it was tough to find those things that make him… that give you… empathy for this character and make him feel like, this rawness…” (Miyako, 44:49)
The Challenge of Period Pieces
- Miyako discusses her approach to period costume design, juxtaposing historical authenticity with emotional/cultural resonance.
- Quote: “There's something about my relationship in the films that I do with Josh that have this, like, cultural relevancy… It feels very… it's interesting to me. It's something to be studied.” (Miyako, 38:25)
- She’s adamant about period pieces feeling lived-in and real rather than “look costume-y.”
Music and The Marty Supreme Team
- Miyako expresses deep admiration for Dan Lopatin and frustration at his Oscar snub for the film’s score, highlighting how the Marty team operates almost like a band.
- Quote: "He’s so special… I think Josh is really good at putting everyone together. We’re all friends and we work together… we have this symbiotic relationship that I think also makes the film so special." (Miyako, 35:04)
Personal Style and Fashion Preferences
- Miyako prefers to avoid obvious brands, favoring vintage for personal authenticity. She expresses surprise and excitement over Chanel’s new collection, a label she previously avoided.
- Quote: "I don't like people to know that I'm wearing certain things. …But I'm excited about…the new Chanel collection…I've been so anti Chanel my entire life…" (Miyako, 49:50)
- Shares a fondness for vintage shopping in LA—Scout gets a special mention.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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San Francisco’s Lost Magic:
- “I think about one day going back and kind of reclaiming the city that I grew up in.” (Miyako, 09:08)
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On the Fashion Industry’s Exclusion:
- “I always feel this sense of rejection from the fashion industry, they don’t understand… it’s very narrow minded.” (Miyako, 12:43)
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Costume Design as Emotional Labor:
- “I try to… highlight [what people are insecure about] to create, to make them real, because I think that’s what makes you have empathy towards a person…” (Miyako, 43:36)
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On Short, Legendary Tenures:
- “…Sometimes having something… just run for one season and then it's over and you will never forget it.” (Lauren, 20:00)
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On a Unique Creative Family:
- “We were on our own press tour one month and we were on the road together, and we always just… we were like a band. It was so fun…” (Miyako, 34:28)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 05:21 – Miyako joins the conversation, discusses LA life and San Francisco roots
- 09:49 – Miyako recounts her family fashion influences and discovering vintage
- 12:02 – Early aspirations and entry into fashion/media
- 16:28 – Creative constraints in fashion versus freedom in film
- 18:40 – Miyako on bold creative risk at Versace
- 23:44 – Shift from fashion journalism/editorial to film; first projects
- 25:54 – Why costume design is more satisfying than editorial, focusing on collaborative people
- 28:58 – Costume design process: working with directors, adapting to casting changes
- 38:25 – Period authenticity vs. cultural relevance in costume film work
- 43:36 – Making character wardrobes feel real and emotionally revelatory
- 47:12 – Example: Nomi Fry’s “real life” red lip in Marty Supreme
- 49:00 – Miyako’s current personal style and excitement for Chanel
Final Thoughts
Lauren Sherman concludes by celebrating Miyako as a true inspiration in bringing authenticity and empathy to both her characters and her own style. Miyako hints at excitement for the next phase in her career, watching how the industry continues to evolve—and how she’ll continue to subvert expectations from within.
For listeners interested in fashion’s ever-evolving backstage—and the emotional intelligence behind cinematic costume—this is a must-listen episode blending industry insight, personal storytelling, and creative philosophy.