Inside 'Andor': How Michael Wilkinson designs Star Wars costumes that define characters

LOS ANGELES — In the “Star Wars” series “Andor,” the courageous members of the Rebellion stealthily infiltrate the Empire, disguised in outfits meticulously crafted to allow them to navigate enemy territory undetected.

Oscar-nominated costume designer Michael Wilkinson, recognized for his work on the 2013 movie “American Hustle,” infused the iconic “Star Wars” look with his own innovative touch. He developed unique styles for characters like Cassian Andor, Mon Mothma, and Luthen Rael, as well as outfitting over 200 extras for an elaborate scene in the second season.

In an interview with On The Red Carpet at Lucasfilm, Wilkinson discussed how character development influences costume design and the impact of knowing that millions of fans are observing his creations.

This season, Cassian Andor wears a wide range of outfits-from a TIE fighter uniform to the attire of a high-end fashion designer-tailored for a mission on Ghorman, a planet renowned for its luxurious textiles and cutting-edge style.

“When he goes to Ghorman and he is disguised as a fashion designer, it was a very sleek look for him-tailored, dramatic, black and white, very beautiful, with personal jewelry,” Wilkinson said.

“When Cassian ends up in Yavin. He’s there for a couple of years, so we were able to show the look when he arrived there and how that evolved into the final look, which is the look that he goes on his final mission going into “Rogue One.”

But it’s not just those on the front lines making a statement. Chandrila’s upper class conveys elegance and grace through their clothing. Mon Mothma’s costumes are especially striking, particularly in the standout scene at her daughter’s wedding.

“When we first see her, she’s on her home planet Chandrila, hosting a three-day wedding event. It’s all Chandrilan finery-sophisticated, incredibly elaborate, layered costumes,” Wilkinson said.

For Wilkinson, the work goes far beyond fabric and design. It’s about honoring a legacy and creating something that fans can connect with for years to come.

“These costumes are so important to so many people… When I’m designing them, I’m really trying to do the very best versions of them and put lots of thought, lots of detail into it so they can be enjoyed by lots of people for hopefully a long time.”

Both seasons of “Andor” are streaming on Disney+.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Disney+ and this ABC station.

Copyright © 2025 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Presidents Cup 2026 Sunday: Rally, protest planned, security heightened with Donald Trump expected at Chicago O'Hare Airport

Expected Trump Visit Brings Protest, Security to Presidents Cup

CHICAGO — President Donald Trump is expected to land at Chicago’s O’Hare…
Iran's economy will have 'nothing' left 'within two weeks,' Scott Bessent warns

Scott Bessent Warns Iran’s Economy Will Have Nothing Left in Two Weeks

WASHINGTON — Iran’s already battered economy could soon be left with “nothing…
Towering Topgolf nets are killing birdies: animal activists

Animal Activists Say Towering Topgolf Nets Are Killing Birds

For birds trapped in Topgolf’s massive 120-foot nets, getting caught appears to…
Four American tourists among 6 killed after explosion levels building near Athens’ Acropolis

Four US Tourists Among Six Killed in Blast Near Athens Acropolis

Four American tourists were among six people killed in Greece after a…
Supersonic Russian jets trigger joint scramble by NATO allies amid Putin 'clowns' jab

NATO Allies Scramble Over Russian Jets Amid Putin ‘Clowns’ Jab

Finnish and Swedish fighter jets were scrambled together for the first time…
Florida man, 76, with suspended license allegedly admits to driving under the influence of rum, cocaine

Florida Man, 76, Allegedly Admits Rum-Cocaine DUI, License Suspended

A 76-year-old Florida man with a suspended driver’s license allegedly acknowledged during…
UK police arrest 'explosive' suspects near US airbase, key to Iran war

UK Police Arrest Explosives Suspects Near Key US Iran War Airbase

U.K. police said Sunday that multiple people had been arrested on suspicion…
Dem House hopeful Eric Jones endorsed by activist who said 'evil Jews run the world'

Democratic House Candidate Eric Jones Endorsed by Activist Who Said ‘Evil Jews Run the World’

Adina Flores, an activist who describes herself as a civil rights advocate…
Long Island swimmer vanishes in ocean off Fire Island during deadly nor'easter as officials launch search

Long Island Swimmer Missing Off Fire Island as Deadly Nor’easter Prompts Search

A Long Island swimmer vanished off Robert Moses State Park as 18-foot…
New White House Media Bias Website Just Turned On the Floodlights

CNN Criticized by Rival Outlet Over Latest Pool Coverage Claim

CNN’s coverage of its escalating media dispute with President Donald Trump has…
Protesters brave nor'easter outside premiere of anti-Israel documentary at NYC film festival

Protesters Defy Nor’easter at NYC Anti-Israel Film Festival Premiere

A small group of protesters braved the Big Apple’s frigid nor’easter on…
Hurricane Polo barrels toward Mexico as SoCal braces for dangerous surf, flooding

Hurricane Polo Nears Mexico as Southern California Braces for Dangerous Surf and Flooding

A powerful hurricane is racing toward Mexico while Southern California prepares for…