WhiteStar Costume & Props is a London-based design and making studio creating bespoke, production-ready costume and prop work for theatre, film, television, live events and commercial production. We support projects from early development through to final delivery, and can work from supplied designs or collaborate on creative development where needed.

We are a true one-stop costume and props studio. Clients can bring us an idea, a sketch, a design or a fully developed brief, and we can take it through build as a complete, joined-up process without the need to split the work across multiple companies. Because we combine a wide range of making skills under one roof, from tailoring and dressmaking to prop fabrication, armour, wearable builds and technical development, we are able to deliver work that is not only efficient and practical, but creatively cohesive from the first fitting to the final finish.

Most of our work is business-to-business, supporting productions, designers, production teams and creative agencies with the costumes and props they need for performance, filming or live presentation. In practical terms, that means we are usually making for professional productions rather than standard retail customers.

Sometimes, yes. We occasionally take on private commissions or smaller-scale work depending on current studio capacity and the nature of the brief. The best route is simply to get in touch with details of what you need, and we can let you know whether we’re able to take it on.

We make a broad range of bespoke costume and props, from tailored garments and dressmaking through to historical, fantasy, sci-fi and contemporary costume. On the props side, we create everything from helmets, armour, masks, shields, buckles and amulets to wearable prop-costume hybrids and hero pieces built for production use.

Our studio combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced technical fabrication. That includes sewing, tailoring, surface detail, leatherwork, millinery and body padding, alongside 3D design, 3D printing, laser cutting, sculpting, mould-making, casting and prop fabrication using materials such as plastics, foams, rubbers, leather and selected metals.

Yes. We regularly work across both costume and props, which is especially useful for projects involving prop-costume hybrids, engineered costume elements, armour, wearable pieces or builds that need a joined-up approach across departments.

We work across menswear, womenswear and everything in between. Our studio includes a broad range of talented makers with experience across different garment types, cuts and construction methods, which means we are not limited to one area or approach. We take a thoughtful, craft-led view of making, and believe creative work is strongest when it is shaped by skill, sensitivity and collaboration rather than narrow traditional divisions. What matters most to us is bringing together the right expertise for each brief and delivering work to the highest standard.

Yes. We can work from supplied designs, sketches or creative direction, or support further development if a concept needs refining before it goes into build. WhiteStar also offers design development and supervision support, including feasibility advice, material research, prototyping, sourcing and budget-aware problem-solving.

Yes. Fittings are a key part of our process where the project requires them. We can begin with toiles or mock-ups to test shape, proportion and movement before committing to final fabrics and finishes, and fittings can continue throughout the build to refine the piece as it develops. These can take place at our London studio or on-site, depending on the production.

Timescales vary depending on the scope, complexity and production schedule. We can sometimes accommodate quick turnarounds and last-minute builds, while other projects benefit from a longer lead time for design development, sampling, toiling and staged fittings. If you have a deadline in mind, send it over with the brief and we’ll advise on what’s realistic.

Often, yes. We understand that production schedules can shift quickly, and our team is used to responding calmly and efficiently when a fast turnaround is needed. We can also provide on-set or on-stage support when a project needs practical help beyond the studio.

Yes. WhiteStar offers hands-on production and on-set support, whether that means a maker on set for a short call or a team embedded within a production over a longer period. We support rehearsal, filming and live performance to help make sure pieces perform as intended once they leave the studio.

Pricing is always specific to the brief. Costs depend on factors such as complexity, materials, finish, durability requirements, technical construction, fittings, quantity and turnaround time. A simple one-off jacket for limited use will usually cost less than a fully bespoke costume with complex construction, close-up detail and the durability required for repeated stage performance or film work.

Yes. Once we understand the brief, timescale and intended use of the piece, we can advise on likely costs and the best route forward. The more information you can share at the start, the more accurate and useful we can be.

It helps to include as much of the following as possible: what you need made, reference images or designs, quantity, deadline, intended use, performance requirements, sizes if relevant, and whether the project needs fittings, on-site support or any specialist processes such as embroidery, laser cutting or 3D printing.

Not at all. We work across a wide range of styles and genres, including historical, fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary and technically complex builds. The studio is set up to adapt the process to the needs of the production rather than forcing every brief through the same narrow route.

Yes, where needed. Theatre often demands durability, comfort and ease of maintenance for repeated performances, while film and television may require a higher level of close-up finish, continuity and camera-read detail. We tailor the build to the way the costume will actually be used.

Yes. Depending on the project, we can support material research, prototyping, toiles, mock-ups and technical development before a final build begins. This is especially useful for complex pieces, unusual materials, performance-led design problems or projects that need approval stages built in.

We are based in London, with our workshop at MH4 Magnolia House, 21 Gillender Street, London, E3 3LB.

You can contact WhiteStar through the website contact page, by phone on 020 3375 3026, or by email at info@whitestarcostume.com