Behind the Seams: The Magic of Stage Costumes

What does it take to clothe a fantasy? How do you build a wardrobe for a thousand performers that must withstand the rigors of world travel, intense movement, and the scrutiny of a front-row audience? The answer lies in a hidden world of creative collaboration and logistical precision, where every sequin and seam is a calculated part of a grander visual story.

Lyudmila, the Creative Director of Breakthrough Xclusive, who personally oversees the production of costumes for large-scale stage productions, street shows, and cultural parades for international projects and festivals, tells us about the backstage processes:

Who Brings the Characters to Life?

«My name is Lyudmila, I am the Creative Director of Breakthrough Xclusive. My work is not just about concepts and visual strategy. I started as an operations manager, and it was during that period that I first took on the task of overseeing the entire costume production cycle — from technical development and logistics to the final assembly of the looks.

When I moved to the position of Creative Director, my scope of responsibility expanded, but the principle remained the same: I still personally supervise the costume preparation process, from the initial idea to the artists walking out on stage. This is a key part of our work, requiring precision, taste, and seamless teamwork.

10,000+

Every year we handle costume preparation for numerous shows — each project includes hundreds of meticulously designed looks, from central characters to stage groups, all styled as a single visual whole. Year to year the scale may vary, but the approach remains unchanged: precision, expressiveness, respect for culture, and the highest quality of execution.

Artists and Partner Ateliers

We collaborate with leading designers specializing in theatrical, circus, and stage costumes. These are professionals with vast experience, impeccable taste, and a deep understanding of the structure of a stage image. Each is an independent creative force, but within a project, they work in close coordination with our team.

The costumes are sewn in ateliers with which we have long-standing partnerships — these are trusted partners in Europe and Asia. The main requirements for them are the highest quality of execution, a meticulous approach to work and readiness to operate under challenging conditions. We do not compromise on quality: fabrics, trims, fit, and fiхing — everything undergoes multi-level checks.

For one of our projects, "Little Asia," we ordered costumes from a renowned Filipino designer. Because his studio was on a remote island, a colleague flew there personally to collect his splendid work. The result was worth the trip: we received an abundance of positive feedback on the show and our artists' exceptional look.

For another project we needed authentic vintage Japanese kimonos — not stylized replicas, but genuine pieces. We needed the best pieces for our client. Unfortunately they are often sold in less-than-perfect condition, and finding a good uchikake proved far more challenging than I had imagined. But thanks to our network we did it! We found Japanese suppliers who specialized in selling old kimonos: at their studio there were breathtaking uchikake from the 1950s–60s, with hand embroidery, heavy fabric, all in flawless condition. Each one was like a work of art.

From Idea to Embodiment

Every costume begins with a brief: the show's theme, cultural context, the character's function, climatic conditions, durability, expected lifespan, requirements for mobility and adaptation. Based on this, sketches are created, technical specifications are developed, materials are selected.

My task is to bridge creative and production logic: to ensure the image is expressive yet realistic to execute, that it is comfortable for the performer, and that the stage «reads» the costume from the required distance.

Why is this important?

In every case, a costume is not just a stage element but an expressive artistic code through which the show communicates with the audience.

It shapes the stage energy, supports the character, and sets the tone for the entire visual system of the show. We work in formats where the audience is close — everything is visible. Therefore, every seam, curve, and color gradient must be precise.

The visual logic is built at the ensemble level: color, rhythm, proportions, movement. All of this is calculated in advance and woven into a single narrative fabric.

What's it all for?

The most thrilling moment is when the artist puts on the costume. When what existed on paper, in a file, in a spreadsheet — comes to life. When the character comes together. When the show begins to breathe.

In those moments, you understand what it's all for. And why you want to do it all over again.»

This is the meticulous, passionate world we live in. At Breakthrough Xclusive, we don't make costumes: we engineer the very soul of a performance, we are dream world's architects.

Partner with us to transform your creative vision into an unforgettable reality! Let's build the magic, together.