From Sketch to Screen

Costume Design

On a recent trip to Roath Lock in Cardiff I was lucky

The 1960s

Doctor Who’s black-and-white decade included numerous examples of outstanding costume design. Some of it drew upon contemporary trends in unexpected ways…

The Duchess of Chelsea

Polly embodied the sophisticated, self-assured glamour of Swinging Sixties London. This was a scene familiar to actress Anneke Wills…

Forty-Nine Shades of Grey

From the Cybermen to the Second Doctor, Alexandra Tynan helped make television history – even if she didn’t realise it at the time.

The 1970s

The eras of the Third and Fourth Doctors were partly inspired by the best of British fashion, while benefitting from some of the series’ most distinguished in-house designers.

Scary Monsters

Barbara Lane’s career on Doctor Who saw her design some of the most memorable aliens to appear in the 1970s. It was all part of creating what she calls “complete worlds”…

Hippie Ghic

In the early 1970s rookie UNIT agent Jo Grant was bang on trend, says actress Katy Manning.

IN THE RED

In the 1970s Sarah Jane Smith enjoyed an eclectic wardrobe, with input not just from BBC designers but also from regular trips to a Kensington boutique owned by Lee Bender.

The 1980s

This turbulent decade included some of the series’ most elegant costume designs, but is chie fly remembered for a handful of notorious misjudgements…

Anyone for Cricket?

The late Colin Lavers’ greatest legacy to Doctor Who was the costume worn by the Fifth Doctor, Peter Davison. In 1982 Colin spoke to the fanzine Axos, describing the part he’d recently played in the design process. These are highlights of that interview.

Black Velvet

Highlights of Amy Roberts’ contributions to Doctor Who include enduring designs for three characters introduced in Season 18…

STREET SMART

Sophie Aldred’s Ace was inspired by the urban fashion trends of the late 1980s, although Doctor Who’s producer insisted that certain old traditions were also maintained…

The 1990s

The only canonical screen adventure of the decade saw the series attempt to forge a new identity.

The 2000s

When Doctor Who returned to television in the 21st century every major aspect of the series’ costume design was informed by a new sensibility.

Dressing to the Nine

When production of Doctor Who resumed in 2004, costume designer Lucinda Wright devised a new look for the series’ stars.

More Than We Bargained For

Camille Coduri, who played Rose Tyler’s mum, reveals the secrets of Jackie’s wardrobe and shares some fashion tips.

The 2010s

Doctor Who began its next decade in a strong position

COSTUME DRAMA

Devising a look for the Twelfth Doctor was far from straightforward, as designer Howard Burden reveals…

Cat Woman

Catrin Stewart talks us through Jenny Flint’s eclectic and unconventional Victorian wardrobe.

Kingdom of Costumes

Ray Holman has designed outfits for three Doctors, including the latest incarnation. During production of the 2018 series he took us on a tour of his costume department…

DESTINY FULFILLED

Do you have a favourite Doctor Who costume? Tim Wearing does – and it’s on a mannequin in his home.