How ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ created a fresh new look for the Jedi (exclusive interview)

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How ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ created a fresh new look for the Jedi (exclusive interview)


Envisioning an entire line of science fiction fashion for a period of “Star Wars” occurring long before the Skywalker clan arrived in the galaxy far, far away is no small task, but costume designer Jennifer Bryan gladly accepted that challenge for her eclectic clothing featured in Disney+’s “The Acolyte.” 

This ambitious “Star Warsprequel series from creator/showrunner Leslye Headland stars Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Charlie Barnett, Dafne Keen, Rebecca Henderson, Jodie Turner-Smith, Carrie-Anne Moss and Manny Jacinto. It explores the century when Jedi Knights were heralded galactic protectors at the end of a period known as The High Republic.

Since this represents the first time that an era decades prior to “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” has ever been fleshed out in live-action form, it was an artistic opportunity to build costumes and wardrobes from the ground up without the burden of past designs to emulate or adhere to.

“The Acolyte’s” costume designer, Jennifer Bryan. (Image credit: Jennifer Bryan)

Bryan is well known in Hollywood for her exceptional threads, which have been worn by the stars of “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” among others. But on “The Acolyte,” she was liberated from the past to take inspiration from a multitude of ethnicities, historical timelines and cultures in designing unique costumes.

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