Stephanie Collie, renowned costume designer known for her work on “Peaky Blinders,” passed away from cancer on October 26 at St Christopher’s Hospice in London.
Throughout her career, Collie collaborated with notable talents such as Michael Caine, Henry Cavill, Jessica Chastain, Daniel Craig, Penélope Cruz, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, Cillian Murphy, Gary Oldman, Ryan Reynolds, and Michelle Williams.
Collie began her journey in the sewing room of the BBC under the guidance of costume designer Susan Coates. An introduction from Coates to David Parfitt led her to work as a wardrobe assistant for Kenneth Branagh on “Much Ado About Nothing.” She later served as the costume designer for Branagh’s film “Peter’s Friends.” Christopher Laverty praised her work on the film, stating, “You could not pick up a men’s magazine of the time without seeing some guy in slim trousers and a jersey polo shirt. Stephanie Collie invented this look. We would go so far as to say Stephanie Collie helped define an era.”
Collie gained recognition as one of the top costume designers globally through her work on “Peaky Blinders,” winning a Royal Television Society Award for Best Costume Design.
Her impressive portfolio also includes films like “Wrath of Man,” “Argylle,” “The Look of Love,” “London Has Fallen,” “Angel Has Fallen,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” and “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard.”
Director Susanna White spoke highly of Collie, saying, “Stephanie had a true originality about her sense of design. Her work on Woman Walks Ahead was extraordinary. She researched primary sources to find references for the clothing worn by the Lakota people and Jessica Chastain. Her costumes were both period-accurate and contemporary.
She told powerful stories through her work while ensuring that her costumes fit seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. Despite any stress, she approached everything with humor and grace. She will be greatly missed.”
Collie’s most recent project was the Amazon drama series “My Lady Jane.”
Cillian Murphy remembered her fondly, stating, “Stephanie was a ferocious talent. She invented the ‘Peaky Blinders’ look and silhouette that has become iconic worldwide.”
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