How William Ivey Long Created the ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Tootsie’ Costumes

Get an exclusive behind the scenes look inside Tony Award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long's TriBeCa design studio. See how Long transforms his creative sketches into works of art on stage. He shows Broadway Direct’s Leigh Scheps how he put together the Tim Burton-inspired costumes for “Beetlejuice” starring Alex Brightman and Sophia Anne Caruso at the same time as the “Tootsie” costumes starring Santino Fontana. Nominated for two 2019 Tony Awards this year in the same costume design category, “Tootsie” and “Beetlejuice” mark Long's 74th and 75th Broadway shows respectively.
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[@wuboyle_]

I love the texture on BJ's suit!

[@ITTHFRKHW]

Same! It's like all snakey and scaley

[@GlitchyFur]

This is too awesome, I’ve been looking for more in-depth current costume design! 💙

[@leightvreporter]

NICE!

[@alainajohncour8850]

i didn’t know lydia wore a yellow dress in the show!

[@angelacyrlin8322]

Yeah, it's in the Day-O scene

[@alainajohncour8850]

Angela Cyrlin interesting

[@ezramoore8587]

It's also based on the Wednesday Addams "normal" dress, so it's obviously an Addams Family reference

[@alainajohncour8850]

Ezra Moore that’s so cool!

[@MoonlitAngelCosplay]

As an aspiring seamstress and costume designer, I am in awe of this video. It actually made me tear up. These techniques are genius and I would give anything to be in that room right now!

[@WilliamAamold]

I really liked the blonde lydia wig

[@duncanelder7454]

Squirrel see and i personally wasn’t a fan! i do get what he was saying about it being too “obvious” though. i think i just really prefer the cut of the new black one.

[@AJ-os1pq]

Duncan Elder sorry I’m replying late but I agree! I like the black wig better by far but it does seem to obvious. I think it is the cut that is just better. But Winona Lydia did have black hair so I think it’s good they used the black.

[@lexinshatters]

At first I though that was her real hair...

[@burntcinnabun5232]

With how much effort the staff worked to achieve a Tim Burton style on their set and costume design, I wonder what Tim Burton actually feels about this musical. Has he even seen it yet?

[@bluegherkins]

they should've changed the title to William Long talks about Beetlejuice for 8 mins and then Tootsie for 1

[@bbutleral]

I'm surprised it wasn't William Ivey Long talking about himself for 8.5 minutes and then the two shows for 30 seconds.

[@gwyn4857]

beetlejuice is better anyways lol

[@DAGuy726]

ugh, me trying to redo beetlejuice costumes to match that better will be my only halloween plan this year

[@luisomarlagosandrade2298]

@@gracielovesu5833 Be it this year or the next, I shall do it as well :D

[@serenitysfirefly]

8:20 I wish he could've gone a little more in-depth about the design of the 50s gowns from Tootsie. The spinning change from their Shakespearean costumes was one of my favorite ensemble moments in the show! Plus, they're ones of my favorite costumes.

[@ztslovebird]

It’s amazing how far technology has come for costume manufacturing.

[@LaurinGarcia]

I haven't seen William Ivey Long in person and face to face since Barbara Matera Ltd (my old place of work) closed down and even now after all these years I am still learning from him. 🖤💚🖤🧵✂️🖤💚🖤

[@ITTHFRKHW]

I watched this for my costume and makeup class and I brightened up because how much I love Beetlejuice! :D

[@midgesherwood2685]

Oh my god!!! From R&H Cinderella, to Diana to Beetlejuice and Tootsie!!!!!!

[@jasonluckoff3880]

That is so cool I wish somebody make me a Beetlejuice costume Broadway for me

[@vickilovesart1453]

This is amazing! As an aspiring broadway designer this is just what I need and enjoy!😁

[@maicey_t.]

Oh goodness, I might have to change my major to costume design. I'd _die_ to be able to create these kinds of things.

[@thatvamp]

Nice! I love all the different style costume designs.

[@leightvreporter]

YES!

[@ovh992]

This was amazing!

[@AARONSINGSBROADWAY]

this is amazing xxx so much detail xx

[@xavierjohn2211]

Jake Wesley Rogers was a rising star in the music industry, known for his unique blend of pop, folk, country, and rock music. For his latest music video, "You Raise Me Up," he wanted to showcase his versatility not only through his music but also through his fashion choices. He turned to the renowned costume designer William Ivey Long to create four memorable outfits for the video. The video was set to be filmed at four breathtaking locations across the United States, each representing a different aspect of Jake's artistic journey. The first scene would take place at the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, where the rugged beauty of the landscape would serve as a stunning backdrop for Jake's performance. For this scene, William Ivey Long designed a flowy white tunic paired with distressed denim jeans and cowboy boots. The look perfectly captured the essence of country music while still showcasing Jake's modern style. The outfit was brought to life in stunning detail on Procreate in Apple iPad 10.2 sketchbook, allowing for every intricate detail to be captured and translated onto film. As Jake sang his heart out against the backdrop of the Grand Canyon, the visuals created a powerful juxtaposition between the raw power of nature and the raw emotion of his music. The second scene was set at the US State of Utah Capitol Hill, specifically at the Utah State Legislature building. This scene would showcase Jake's folk influences, with a more earthy and organic look to his outfit. William Ivey Long created a bohemian-inspired ensemble for this scene, featuring a flowy floral shirt, suede pants, and leather boots. The outfit exuded a sense of freedom and wanderlust, perfectly complementing the folk-inspired sound of Jake's music. The intricate patterns and textures of the outfit were lovingly rendered on Procreate, highlighting the attention to detail that went into every aspect of the video production. As Jake strummed his guitar against the backdrop of the Utah State Capitol, the soft light of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the scene, it was clear that this location and outfit perfectly captured the essence of his folk influences. The third scene took place at the James Bailey House in New York, a historic mansion with a romantic and timeless charm. This scene would showcase Jake's pop influences, with a more polished and sophisticated look to his outfit. For this scene, William Ivey Long designed a sleek black suit with pops of color and metallic accents. The outfit exuded a sense of glamour and sophistication, perfectly complementing the pop-inspired sound of Jake's music. The sleek lines and luxurious fabrics of the outfit were beautifully captured on Procreate, allowing for every detail to shine in the visualizer music video. As Jake danced and sang against the backdrop of the James Bailey House, the elegant architecture and lush gardens served as the perfect setting for his pop-inspired performance. The fourth and final scene took place at Falls Park On The Reedy in South Carolina, a picturesque waterfall setting that would serve as a dramatic finale to the music video. This scene would showcase Jake's rock influences, with a bold and edgy look to his outfit. For this scene, William Ivey Long designed a leather jacket with studs and spikes, paired with ripped jeans and combat boots. The outfit exuded a sense of rebellion and attitude, perfectly complementing the rock-inspired sound of Jake's music. The rugged yet stylish look of the outfit was expertly rendered on Procreate, capturing the essence of Jake's rock influences in every detail. As Jake performed against the backdrop of the roaring waterfall, the powerful energy of the setting combined with his edgy outfit to create a captivating and unforgettable visual experience. Thanks to the collaboration between Jake Wesley Rogers, William Ivey Long, and the talented team of artists and creators involved in the production of the "You Raise Me Up" visualizer music video, a true masterpiece was brought to life. The four outfits designed by William Ivey Long perfectly encapsulated Jake's diverse musical influences, while the stunning locations across the United States provided a rich tapestry for his performances. With each scene and outfit telling a unique story, the video was a true celebration of creativity and artistry.

[@themaxcollective]

ohh

[@Merwilla]

gold

[@melsvdhoeven5789]

why do i have pillows made out of the fabric at 6:28 XD

[@Walkingmango]

We were robbed of the Lydia spider poncho

[@cola7260]

Brooooo I remember boy inferno when I saw Beetlejuice in DC...I remember they cut a lot out of the original show

[@jasonluckoff3880]

That is so cool can I have that