Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has quickly become a fan favorite, not just for its compelling storytelling and character development, but also for its visually stunning and thoughtfully designed costumes. The uniforms, in particular, strike a perfect balance between nostalgic nods to the original series and a fresh, modern aesthetic. In this exclusive interview, costume designer Bernadette Croft shares insights into her creative process, inspirations, and the intricate details behind the iconic Star Trek Strange New Worlds uniforms.
Reimagining the Starfleet Uniform: A Nod to the Past, Stepping into the Future
The Starfleet uniforms in Strange New Worlds are instantly recognizable yet distinct. Croft explains that the goal was to “pay homage to The Original Series with its vibrancy but update the fabrics and silhouette.” This meant retaining the classic color-coded divisions – gold for command, blue for sciences, and red for engineering and security – but modernizing the materials and cut.
Croft and co-designer Gersha Phillips explored around 30 different uniform options, emphasizing the significance of this foundational design element. The chosen fabric is a polytech knit bonded with microfleece. This innovative combination provides structure and a smooth appearance on camera, minimizing unwanted creases and giving the uniforms a sleek, almost “3D printed” look, aligning with the advanced technology of the Star Trek universe.
Captain Pike Star Trek Strange New Worlds Uniform
Star Trek Strange New Worlds Uniform Ensemble
Star Trek Strange New Worlds Uniform Crew Members
Nurse Chapel’s Distinctive Medical Uniform: Bridging Eras
Nurse Christine Chapel’s uniform presents a unique case, bridging the visual gap between Star Trek: Discovery and The Original Series. Set roughly a year after Pike’s appearance in Discovery Season 2 and less than a decade before TOS, Strange New Worlds needed a visual link. Chapel’s uniform draws direct inspiration from the medical uniforms seen in Discovery.
A subtle yet crucial detail unifying all uniforms is the use of department symbols as a microprint on the fabric. This textural element adds visual interest and subtly connects the diverse uniforms across departments. Croft reveals that actress Jess Bush was camera-tested in both white and blue jumpsuit variations before settling on the final design.
Nurse Chapel in Star Trek Strange New Worlds Medical Uniform
Close-up of Nurse Chapel Star Trek Uniform Detail
Nurse Chapel Star Trek Strange New Worlds Blue Uniform Version
Civilian Fashion in Space: Retro-Futuristic Athleisure
Beyond their Starfleet duties, the crew of the Enterprise also sports civilian attire, offering a glimpse into futuristic casual wear. Croft’s approach to civilian clothing blends recognizable contemporary styles with forward-thinking elements. She points to the rise of sportswear and athleisure as key influences, considering how these trends might evolve in 200 years.
The “retro-futuristic aesthetic” of Strange New Worlds is further emphasized in civilian clothing choices. Croft favors monochromatic looks, incorporating diverse fabrics like tech knits and textured materials with metallic sheens. This creates a sophisticated yet comfortable futuristic style.
Captain Pike Casual Outfit Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Ortegas and Uhura Civilian Clothes Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Pike and Chapel Casual Attire Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Ortegas and Chapel Relaxed Style Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Crafting Alien Worlds: From Retro Earth Homage to Gritty Pirate Chic
Strange New Worlds takes viewers to a variety of alien planets, each demanding unique costume designs. The episode featuring Kiley 279 offered a chance to directly reference the 1960s Star Trek aesthetic. The inhabitants of Kiley were envisioned with a “retro-futuristic look,” employing a mid-century color palette and monochromatic outfits. Vintage suits and dresses were combined with futuristic footwear and accessories to create this blended style. Croft highlights the crucial role of background performers in “world-building,” emphasizing their contribution to setting the tone of each planet.
Kiley 279 Inhabitants Costumes Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Kiley 279 Fashion Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Retro Futuristic Kiley 279 Outfit Star Trek
Vulcans, another iconic Star Trek race, also received Croft’s design attention, particularly T’Pring. Vulcan attire, for Croft, is a favorite due to its “structured and tailored” nature. Metallic textured brocades with intricate patterns are frequently used for Vulcan garments. T’Pring’s costumes reflect her character as “confident, forward-thinking, and progressive.” Croft drew inspiration from Arlene Martel’s silver dress from the TOS episode “Amok Time,” even collaborating with designer Iris Van Herpen to create a stunning geometric silver dress and ornate headdress for the Strange New Worlds episode “Spock Amok,” directly referencing Martel’s iconic look.
T'Pring Vulcan Attire Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Gia Sandhu as T'Pring in Vulcan Dress Star Trek
T'Pring Geometric Dress Star Trek Strange New Worlds
For the ethereal Majalins in episode six, described as “dreamlike,” Croft envisioned “flowing robes and gowns with a sunset palette and whimsical fabrics,” contrasting with the episode’s darker themes. Conversely, the space pirates in episode seven demanded a drastically different aesthetic. Inspired by Jenny Beavan’s work on Mad Max: Fury Road, Croft aimed for “gritty grimy textures” and a “rebellious look.” A dark, muted palette with metallic accents and broken-down costumes defined the pirate style, a stark contrast to the Majalins’ heavenly appearance.
Majalin Ethereal Costume Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Alora and Pike Majalin Costumes Star Trek
Majalin Flowing Gown Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Majalin Sunset Palette Costume Star Trek
Majalin Whimsical Fabric Costume Star Trek
Space Pirate Gritty Costume Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Space Pirate Rebellious Look Star Trek
Remy Space Pirate Costume Detail Star Trek
Pike and Space Pirates Scene Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Lessons from Discovery: Building a Foundation for Strange New Worlds
Croft’s experience as assistant costume designer on Star Trek: Discovery proved invaluable preparation for Strange New Worlds. Working alongside designer Gersha Phillips, she learned crucial aspects of costume design for science fiction, including the importance of fabric choices, efficient construction techniques, and overall Sci-Fi styling. Attending a Star Trek convention further solidified her understanding of the franchise’s significance to fans and the need to respect established canon.
Una Chin-Riley Starfleet Uniform Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Starfleet Uniform Detail Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Time, Creativity, and Collaboration: The Heart of Costume Design
When asked about the biggest challenge, Croft points to time constraints. The team approaches each episode with a “film-like” level of detail, constantly striving to infuse as much creativity as possible. The ultimate goal is to “inspire our beloved Trekkies and also attract new audiences.”
The most rewarding aspect, for Croft, is the creativity inherent in the process. Contributing to Star Trek canon is a “huge honor,” and she cherishes the collaborative environment, working with her team and actors to bring characters to life through costume. It’s a team effort that she deeply appreciates being a part of.
Bernadette Croft Costume Designer Star Trek
Crew Members in Starfleet Uniforms Star Trek
Starfleet Officers in Uniforms Star Trek Strange New Worlds
Starfleet Engineering Uniform Star Trek
Nyota Uhura Smiling Star Trek Strange New Worlds Uniform
La'an Noonien-Singh in Starfleet Uniform Star Trek
