Tim Burton X Colleen Atwood: A Creative Partnership Beyond Costume Design

If you’ve ever found yourself mesmerised by the whimsical, darkly enchanting worlds of Tim Burton films, you’ve likely been just as captivated by the costumes as the quirky characters. From Edward Scissorhands to Sweeney Todd, the partnership between Burton and his longtime costume designer, Colleen Atwood, has played a pivotal role in crafting the unique, unforgettable aesthetic of his films.

Now, with the current exhibition at the London Design Museum celebrating Burton’s creative genius, we’re getting an up-close look at how this dynamic duo has created the visually rich worlds we know and love—and how their collaboration extends far beyond just costumes.

A Vision in Gothic Fantasy: How Burton and Atwood Became the Perfect Pair

When Tim Burton and Colleen Atwood first teamed up, they didn’t just bring together a director and a costume designer—they sparked a collaboration that became synonymous with innovation and visual storytelling. Atwood, known for her ability to blend historical references with futuristic visions, understood exactly what Burton needed to make his eccentric worlds feel both surreal and grounded in character.

In Burton’s films, costumes are not just clothing—they’re an extension of the character, telling stories about who they are before they even speak. Atwood’s designs for characters like Beetlejuice and Alice in Wonderland are as iconic as the films themselves. Her costumes convey personality, mood, and a sense of belonging in Burton’s distorted universes.

(Sleepy Hollow, 1999, Katrina Van Tassel’s black and white stripe dress. The black stripes were hand-painted by Colleen Atwood and the style reflects late 19th-century clothing in the U.S.)

Signature Styles: The Art of Dressing Burton’s Characters

What’s particularly fascinating about Atwood’s designs is the way she merges fantastical elements with historical influences. In Sleepy Hollow, for example, she created an otherworldly, romantic aesthetic with gothic undertones, reflecting both the 18th century and Burton’s trademark surrealism. In Alice in Wonderland, her elaborate costumes take on a heightened, exaggerated form that matches the chaotic and psychedelic world of Wonderland.

Atwood’s costumes often juxtapose opposites—soft versus harsh, elegant versus quirky. Think about the contrast between the sharp, towering collar of Edward Scissorhands and the soft, flowing dress worn by Winona Ryder’s character. It’s this balance that gives Burton’s worlds their unique, fantastical tension.

(Colleen Atwood designed the Nevermore school uniform from Burton’s drawings and collaborated closely with production designer Mark Scruton.)

(Tim Burton’s desk, wherever he is in the world he sets up an area to sketch and paint.)

Tim Burton and Colleen Atwood: Each Film Starts with a Drawing

What’s particularly compelling about their working relationship is the way they feed off each other’s creativity. Burton studied animation and continues to begin his creative thought process by sketching ideas. His love of hammer horror and Japanese monsters has remained with him since his childhood. It’s from these initial sketches that he will discuss aesthetics with Atwood, and from there she will research and compile sketchbooks full of fabric swatches and design ideas. The pair then regularly meet to refine the style and costume of each character and it’s this intuitive working relationship that has been repeated over 13 projects, including the successful Netflix series Wednesday.

Their shared love for the whimsical and unusual is what makes their collaboration so successful. But it’s not just about creating outlandish costumes—it’s about telling a story with every thread and stitch. Whether it’s a jacket that gives a clue about a character’s twisted sense of style or a silhouette that suggests a particular mood, Atwood’s costumes are always a visual language that deepens the narrative.

Maria McLintock, curator of The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum, said: “For Tim Burton, each film begins with a drawing, that he often returns to over time, almost like old friends. We’re thrilled to be displaying so many of these deeply personal works at the Design Museum, in the heart of the city he’s called home for over twenty years. This hugely successful show has delighted audiences across the globe for over a decade, but our Design Museum reimagining, with many new additions and new narratives, means this is an unprecedented opportunity to be immersed in Tim Burton’s unique and singular vision.”

(Tim Burton’s imaginative monsters.)

A Sneak Peek at The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum London

For those inspired by Burton’s films, the London Design Museum’s current exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience this creative relationship in person. The exhibition showcases not only Atwood’s iconic costumes but also the conceptual development that went into bringing Burton’s fantastical characters to life.

Visitors can see sketches, fabric swatches, and designs that show how Atwood’s vision evolves from paper to screen. The exhibit is an immersive exploration of the creative process behind Burton’s beloved films, with a special focus on how the costumes are integral to building the world of each story.

The Power of Collaboration: What We Can Learn

For those specifically interested in fashion and costume design, the key takeaway from the Burton-Atwood collaboration is the power of collaboration itself. Atwood’s ability to transform Burton’s eccentric visions into tangible designs shows just how important it is for a costume designer to not only understand a director’s vision but to enhance it in ways that are both surprising and meaningful.

If anything, this partnership reminds us that fashion is about much more than clothes—it’s about telling stories, creating worlds, and bringing ideas to life in a visually captivating way. Whether you’re designing for film, theatre, or fashion in general, the relationship between a creative team can elevate any project to new, unexpected heights.

Whether you’re a fashion student studying costume design or simply a fan of Tim Burton’s captivating films, the creative partnership between him and Colleen Atwood is one that showcases the transformative power of collaboration. And with the Tim Burton exhibition at the London Design Museum, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the artistry that goes into designing characters that feel as real and memorable as the worlds they inhabit.

The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum London showcases Burton’s remarkable output, with over 18 of his films individually spotlighted in the exhibition. The exhibition arrived in London after a hugely successful decade-long world tour that has seen it visit 14 cities in 11 countries since 2014. Yet not only is this the first and only time it can be seen in the UK, it is also the very final time the exhibition will be staged.

(Alexander McQueen‘s A/W 2002 collection was inspired by Burton’s distinctive dark romantic style – with Burton creating drawings for McQueen’s catwalk looks.)

The World of Tim Burton In partnership with Harvey Nichols is open until 21 April 2025 at the Design Museum, 224 – 238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG.

Images by JoJo Iles