Acclaimed Costume Designer Speaks at Akron Round Table

Paul Tazewell discusses the differences between fashion and costume design.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:00pm

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A striking, minimalist illustration featuring bold black silhouettes and high-contrast solid colors, conceptually representing the specialized art of costume design.An acclaimed costume designer shares his unique creative process with the Akron community.Akron Today

Renowned costume designer Paul Tazewell spoke at the Akron Round Table event, sharing his insights on the distinct creative processes and challenges between fashion design and costume design for film, television, and theater.

Why it matters

As an acclaimed costume designer with multiple awards and credits, Tazewell's perspective provides valuable industry knowledge and inspiration for aspiring designers and creatives in the Akron community.

The details

During his talk, Tazewell highlighted the unique considerations and techniques required for costume design compared to fashion design. While both disciplines involve creating garments, costume design must also serve the narrative, character development, and production needs of a performance or screen project.

  • The Akron Round Table event took place on April 7, 2026.

The players

Paul Tazewell

An award-winning costume designer known for his work on projects such as Hamilton, West Side Story, and Harriet.

Akron Round Table

A local event series in Akron, Ohio that features speakers from various industries sharing their expertise and insights with the community.

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What they’re saying

“Costume design is about so much more than just making beautiful clothes. It's about bringing a character to life and supporting the entire creative vision of a production.”

— Paul Tazewell, Costume Designer

The takeaway

Tazewell's talk provided valuable perspective for local designers and creatives in Akron, highlighting the specialized skills and considerations required for costume design versus fashion design, and inspiring the community with his acclaimed body of work.