Podcast Summary: Let’s Get Dressed – Episode Featuring Heidi Bivens
Episode Title:
Heidi Bivens on Styling Euphoria, Kristen Stewart, and Redefining What It Means To Tell Stories Through Clothes
Host:
Liv Perez
Guest:
Heidi Bivens, influential costume designer known for her work on Euphoria and Spring Breakers
Release Date:
April 21, 2025
Introduction to Heidi Bivens and Her Journey
Timestamp: [01:21 – 03:05]
Liv Perez opens the episode by expressing her admiration for Heidi Bivens, highlighting Heidi’s non-linear career path and significant contributions to the fashion industry. Bivens is renowned for her ability to use fashion not just as clothing but as a narrative tool that shapes culture and global trends. Liv mentions Heidi's transition from editorial work at Vogue to becoming a pivotal costume designer in film and television.
Notable Quote:
"She has truly shaped culture and global trends." — Liv Perez [01:21]
Personal Fashion and Influences
Timestamp: [03:05 – 06:11]
The conversation begins with a light-hearted discussion about what Heidi wore to a recent event. Heidi emphasizes her focus on practical and timeless pieces, sharing her love for brands like Miu Miu and her affinity for perfect basics. She also expresses excitement about the revival of Barney’s in Japan, discussing its impact on her personal style and shopping experiences.
Notable Quote:
"I'm all about a perfect basic." — Heidi Bivens [03:37]
Approach to Daily Dressing and Wardrobe Choices
Timestamp: [06:11 – 08:49]
Heidi discusses her approach to daily dressing, which is influenced by her environment—more casual and cozy in New York versus possibly different styles elsewhere. She stresses the importance of dressing appropriately for the setting and being comfortable, highlighting her philosophy of allowing others to have their own style without judgment.
Notable Quote:
"I don't judge how other people dress, which is weird to say." — Heidi Bivens [06:30]
Early Life and Inspiration in Fashion
Timestamp: [08:49 – 11:42]
Heidi delves into her upbringing, crediting her mother’s passion for fashion and costume design as a significant influence. Growing up with a stylistic household, Heidi developed an early appreciation for costumes and historical fashion, which later translated into her career in costume design. She acknowledges Arianne Phillips as a major mentor who inspired her to merge editorial and costume design.
Notable Quote:
"I really have to credit my mom." — Heidi Bivens [12:39]
Education vs. Experience in the Fashion Industry
Timestamp: [12:44 – 15:25]
Heidi shares her perspective on the necessity of formal education in the fashion industry. She advocates for the "school of life," emphasizing hands-on experience over traditional university training. While she acknowledges the value of learning from active professionals, she believes that success in fashion and film can be achieved without formal degrees, particularly through practical experience and mentorship.
Notable Quote:
"I think the school of life is the most important one." — Heidi Bivens [12:55]
Breaking into TV and Creating Visual Language for Euphoria
Timestamp: [15:27 – 21:34]
Heidi recounts her transition into television costume design, particularly her work on Euphoria. She explains her intuitive process, which involves deeply empathizing with characters to inform their wardrobe choices. For Euphoria, each character's attire reflected personal experiences and emotions, creating an authentic and visually dynamic narrative. Heidi highlights the collaborative nature of costume design, working closely with actors to develop their characters' backstories and visual identities.
Notable Quote:
"I consider myself a very empathetic person." — Heidi Bivens [17:56]
Collaborative Dynamics on Set
Timestamp: [21:34 – 30:16]
The dialogue shifts to the collaborative aspects of costume design on set. Heidi emphasizes the importance of directors seeing her as a collaborator and the mutual trust required for creative success. She shares anecdotes about adapting costumes based on actors' feedback and the necessity of being flexible to accommodate spontaneous changes. Heidi underscores the significance of finding like-minded collaborators to build lasting professional relationships.
Notable Quote:
"It's important to find your collaborators." — Heidi Bivens [30:09]
Impact of Costume Design on Global Trends and Cultural Influence
Timestamp: [30:16 – 33:00]
Liv and Heidi discuss the cultural impact of Heidi's work, noting how costumes from Spring Breakers and Euphoria have become iconic and influential in global fashion trends, particularly around Halloween. Heidi expresses delight in seeing her costume designs resonate with a broader audience and influence popular culture.
Notable Quote:
"I have to listen to the actors every time." — Heidi Bivens [21:45]
Current Projects and Future Aspirations
Timestamp: [33:00 – 38:03]
Heidi talks about her recent projects, including The Wrong Girls and upcoming collaborations with Kristen Stewart and Panos Cosmatos. She expresses excitement about venturing into producing, allowing her to influence storytelling beyond costume design. Heidi also shares her future aspirations to work on genre-blending projects, such as a unique vampire film with sci-fi elements.
Notable Quote:
"Producing has been such a joy." — Heidi Bivens [32:36]
Closing Remarks
Timestamp: [38:02 – End]
Liv thanks Heidi for sharing her insights and experiences, highlighting the profound impact of Heidi’s work on the fashion and entertainment industries. Heidi reciprocates the gratitude, expressing her enthusiasm for future collaborations and projects.
Key Takeaways:
- Empathy in Design: Heidi emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathizing with characters to create authentic and impactful costume designs.
- Collaboration: Successful costume design relies heavily on collaboration with directors and actors, fostering an environment of mutual trust and creative freedom.
- Cultural Influence: Costume designers play a significant role in shaping global fashion trends and cultural narratives through their work in film and television.
- Non-linear Career Paths: Heidi’s journey from editorial fashion to costume design showcases the potential for diverse pathways within the fashion industry.
- Mentorship and Networking: Building relationships with mentors and like-minded professionals is crucial for sustained success and growth in creative industries.
Notable Quotes Collection:
- "She has truly shaped culture and global trends." — Liv Perez [01:21]
- "I'm all about a perfect basic." — Heidi Bivens [03:37]
- "I don't judge how other people dress, which is weird to say." — Heidi Bivens [06:30]
- "I really have to credit my mom." — Heidi Bivens [12:39]
- "I consider myself a very empathetic person." — Heidi Bivens [17:56]
- "It's important to find your collaborators." — Heidi Bivens [30:09]
- "Producing has been such a joy." — Heidi Bivens [32:36]
Conclusion:
This episode of Let’s Get Dressed provides an in-depth look into Heidi Bivens' impactful career in costume design. From her early inspirations to her collaborative processes on iconic sets like Euphoria, Heidi shares valuable insights into the intersection of fashion, storytelling, and cultural influence. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how costume design can transcend mere aesthetics to become a powerful narrative device in modern media.