Behind Wicked’s Oscar-Winning Costumes:
Wilcom’s UK Education Program
When Paul Tazewell stepped onto the stage at the 2025 Academy Awards to accept the Oscar for Best Costume Design, it was a defining moment for the entire Wicked production team. The film captivated audiences not just with its storytelling but with its breathtaking visuals—the luxurious fabrics, intricate embroidery, and craftsmanship woven into every costume.
Behind this award-winning achievement was a talented network of artists, including Twan Lentjes, and Jessie Dickinson, whose embroidery expertise helped bring Wicked’s costumes to life using Wilcom EmbroideryStudio software and their extraordinary skills.
A Journey Shaped by Education
Both Twan Lentjes and Jessie Dickinson began their embroidery journeys long before Wicked, developing their skill through Wilcom’s strong educational programs in the United Kingdom.
Both designers have contributed to major productions, including Wednesday, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, The Little Mermaid, Cruella and Wicked.
Their success is a testament to Wilcom’s long-standing investment in education across the UK!
“Wilcom’s sponsorship during my final year at Wimbledon College of Art was nothing short of transformative.
Even before graduating, my embroidery skills unlocked doors I never imagined, leading me to work on Disney’s The Little Mermaid, where I contributed to Ariel’s wedding dress embroidery.”
“Wilcom has been a game-changer—creatively and professionally.
The sponsorship gave me the freedom to explore my own style. It led to working with Twan Lentjes on Wicked in 2022—an unforgettable experience where I used Wilcom in a whole new way and learned so much.
I’ve also created custom napkins for luxury cruises. It’s surreal to think that some of my embroidery work has traveled to places like the Arctic! Wilcom has truly helped me grow as a creative professional.”— Jessie Dickinson
Award-Winning Embroidery Starts with Wilcom
Source @WickedMovie / Universal Pictures
“Some of the pieces I contributed to include the Pink Bubble, Oz Dust Ball, Shiz stripes, the Petal Dress, and Young Elphaba, to name a few…” Jessie Dickinson
“Working on the Wicked movie was a dream come true. I still can’t quite believe I got to be part of this incredible movie! A huge thank you to assistant costume designer Bobby Soutar for taking me along on this wicked flight.” — Twan Lentjes
Source: Instagram (@TwanLentjesCreations)
After 15 months of working in-house with the costume department, something has changed within me. I can’t quite believe it’s finally here. Jessie Dickinson
“Custom embroidered fabric for the Elphaba and Galinda Shiz uniforms.
Thanks to Jessie for your incredible help with getting this all digitized and ready in time!” Twan Lentjes
“Fiyero’s Ozdust blue velvet jacket!
If memory serves me right, this piece contains over one million stitches, with 250,000 on the left sleeve alone. A huge thank you to our amazing designer:
Designer: @paultazewell
Assistant Costume Designer: @soutarbobby
Goldwork & Hand Embroidery: @hattiemcgillembroidery
Cutter: @ruthmongey
Lead Tailor: @anne_br4dley”
Source: The Today Show (U.S.) via Facebook (@TwanLentjes)
Supporting the Next Generation of Embroidery Talent
The UK’s embroidery education programs incorporate Wilcom software into university curriculums, ensuring that students graduate with hands-on experience using the same industry-standard tools relied on by top professionals.
The Wilcom Europe team is a dedicated advocate for young talent. Twan and Jessie are one of many designers who have benefited from Wilcom sponsorship, using their expertise to contribute to world-class productions.
Costume Designer: Paul Tazewell
Paul Tazewell
Hello WICKED COSTUME TEAM!
Please everyone send a shout out to these amazing artists in the comments!!!!
Source Facebook (@PaulTazewellDesign)
Paul Tazewell
“A sneak peek into some embroidery studies for Glinda. I had the extreme pleasure of working with some of the most amazing craftspeople for @wickedmovie. This particular study for Glinda’s was meticulously cared for by @bbembriodery @hattiemcgillembriodery @twanlentjescreations. We often created many pieces to decide which way to go. Which beads, sequins, studs etc. to apply, which to change, which to add more….. for me the process was very exciting getting to know these artisans and the expertise they brought to this project…”
Source Facebook (@PaulTazewellDesign)
Source YouTube (@Instyle)
The 2024 film adaptation of Wicked
has received multiple prestigious awards for costume design, including:
🏆 Academy Award for Best Costume Design – Paul Tazewell won this category at the 97th Academy Awards.
🏆 BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design – Recognized by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
🏆 Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Costume Design – Awarded by the Critics’ Choice Association.
🏆 Costume Designers Guild Award for Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film – Honoring outstanding costume work in the genre.
Award-Winning Embroidery Starts with Wilcom!
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