Behind the Sequins: The Art of Designing Dancing With the Stars Costumes
Dancing With the Stars costume designer Daniela Gschwendtner shared insights into the creation process of the show's ballroom ensembles. Starting as a stylist, she transitioned to designing costumes for the show in 2009. Gschwendtner and Steven Norman Lee are the current head designers of DWTS.
After reconnecting with Norman Lee, Gschwendtner joined DWTS as a key member before eventually becoming a designer for the show. She revealed that every rhinestone on the costumes is meticulously placed by hand, showcasing the team's expertise in the craft.
The costume-making process involves creating a "shell" for the dancers and stars to try on before adding the intricate rhinestones. Gschwendtner's team produces over 200 costumes in just one week for the show, including outfits for competitors, partners, the troupe, and special performances.
Gschwendtner collaborates closely with the pros like Derek Hough, Mark Ballas, and Val Chmerkovskiy to ensure the costumes align with their choreography and storytelling. She emphasized the importance of understanding the dancers' preferences and body types to create functional and visually appealing looks.
Following the show, most costumes are saved and stored for potential reuse or modification in future performances. Gschwendtner highlighted the effort put into creating the costumes and the value of repurposing them for different dance routines or the Dancing With the Stars Tour.
In conclusion, Daniela Gschwendtner's behind-the-scenes revelations shed light on the intricate process of designing and creating the dazzling costumes for Dancing With the Stars, showcasing the dedication and creativity of the costume team.