Rockin' the Streets with Ms. Marvel: An Insightful Interview with Costume Designer Arjun Bhasin
Portraying the Saga of Kamala Khan's Transformation via Costume Design in 'Ms. Marvel', courtesy of Costume Designer Arjun Bhasin
Looking for a fresh, powerful, and relatable superheroine? Kick back as we delve into the world of Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel - a Muslim American teenage marvel, making waves in Jersey City. Kamala struggles to fit in at school and sometimes even at home, until she transforms into this incredible, strong female role model in her community. In this exciting chat, Ms. Marvel’s costume designer Arjun Bhasin opens up about representation, authenticity, collaboration with actress Iman Vellani, the thrilling AvengerCon event, comic book references, and the Ms. Marvel supersuit!
AWESOME APPAREL TALK: What makes Ms. Marvel so cool is the exceptional representation and authenticity in the costumes. What was your approach to designing these costumes, and were there any specific research and inspiration involved in your process?
ARJUN BASHIN: Thanks for bringin' it up! The whole series is about representation, and we wanted Kamala to be portrayed as more than just a South Asian person. She's a young person, a young woman, a creative soul living in the diaspora, and we made sure to reflect those aspects. The set's about culture, family, history - all the influences that shape Kamala and help her become the person she is.
AAT: It's interesting to see Kamala juggle two worlds - high school life and her superhero journey. How did you work with Iman Vellani to create a character that walks that fine line between a teenager and a superheroine?
AB: Iman is Kamala! She's a huge Marvel fan herself, and we collaborated loads to ensure honesty in the character. Iman grew up reading the comics and lived the superhero dream by stepping into the role. It was an exciting time, and the whole process was very much about authentically representing Kamala.
AAT: The AvengerCon scene was epic, and I can't wait to recreate that magical event in my everyday life! Can you share some behind-the-scenes about how this scene developed?
AB: Our vision for AvengerCon was to bring the fans into the spotlight. We didn't want it to be too polished; instead, we aimed to capture the chaotic energy of homemade costumes coming together at this incredible Marvel event. Our team (masked-up during the pandemic) practically manufactured every costume in our Atlanta office to achieve that heartwarming, fan-made feel.
AAT: That really encapsulates the spirit of Comic-Con - everyone's costumes may not be top-notch, but it's the love and passion that shines through! Now let's talk about Karachi's Kareem, another character with comic book roots - what's the process like when bringing a previously unseen character to life on screen?
AB: It's quite tricky because you want to stay true to the comics, keep fans happy, and create something that feels realistic on-screen. We made the Red Daggers' costumes tactical and added details that represented traditional methods to infuse an interesting twist into the outfits while staying true to their origins.
AAT: OH-EM-GEE, those textiles! Now, I'd be remiss if I didn't gush over the emotional, powerful scenes set during the Partition of India in 1942. What challenges did you face in designing costumes for these scenes?
AB: The Partition of India is a critical element in Kamala's family history, so we strove to accurately depict this emotional period. There was extensive research involved, and we all felt the emotional weight during the filming process. Our goal was to make audiences feel like they were witnessing history, not just watching a flashback.
AAT: The emotion truly translates on-screen, making it feel immersive and unforgettable. For those unfamiliar with the Partition of India, this series offers a great starting point to understanding a crucial chapter in history. Lastly, let's get into the heart of the series - Kamala Khan's Ms. Marvel supersuit. It beautifully blends familiarity with previously seen designs while adding personal touches. Can you walk us through the process of creating this remarkable costume?
AB: Making a Marvel super-suit was a dream come true, especially since we made it in our Atlanta office with our talented team. The suite was designed to reflect Kamala's heritage, so we incorporated Islamic calligraphy and family-inspired details to create a unique representation of her culture and family values.
AAT: Wow, you nailed it! I've noticed new details on repeated viewings, and I can't wait to see the costume in person some day. This series means so much, and I hope it inspires young people everywhere to embrace their unique identities and follow their dreams!
AB: Representation is essential, and it's crucial to showcase capable, relatable heroes from all walks of life. That's what Ms. Marvel is all about, and the response from viewers shows that the message resonates with people.
Let your spirit soar cheerfully as you explore the breathtaking world of Ms. Marvel. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary series streaming now on Disney+! ✨💫✨
- The costume design for Ms. Marvel exemplifies the show's focus on representation and authenticity, with each outfit reflecting Kamala's cultural roots, family history, and personal growth.
- Dedicated to authentic representation, Arjun Bhasin collaborated closely with actress Iman Vellani, whose passion for the Marvel universe ensured a relatable, compelling portrayal of Kamala Khan.
- In the world of fashion and beauty, entertainment, lifestyle, education, and self-development, the centering of a diverse and powerful character like Ms. Marvel sets a fantastic example for personal growth and embracing one's unique identity.
