> excellence in prodution (costume design)
The list where I put my opinions on the costume design in BL series, as a former costume shop employee.
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1. The Untamed
Chinese Drama - 2019, 50 episodes
This show was simply exceptional. The colors, textures, and minute costuming changes to reflect the characters experiences was outstanding. I still find breakdowns and close ups of this costuming on social media and read through them every single time. My watch group was regularly distracted by the costumes while watching.
Personal Highlight: Wei Wuxian's Jiang purple sash/underclothes and Wei Wuxian's Lan under robes (covered in sigils).
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2. Playboyy
Thai Drama - 2023, 14 episodes
This is my molehill and I will die on her. Playboyy's production teams were working in complete unison to deliver a package that promotes this concept of performance art. Heightened, designer serves worn as armor contrasted miles and miles of nearly naked skin to explore the different vulnerabilities of the cast in beautifully playful way.
Personal Highlight: The 'RICH' underwear, and the way in which it allowed actors to spend long periods of time on screen "naked" without exploiting the real people behind it, or ruining the vulnerability and exposure of the minute.
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3. Century of Love
Thai Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
I absolutely adore the costuming in this series. The way in which San's wardrobe expresses his original timeline with tasteful updates, and the way Vee's costuming slowly changes to compliment San is so beautiful. The contrast of Juu's very contemporary look is pulled off perfectly.
Personal Highlight: Vee in Wad's outfits! I love a cross dressing taken seriously. I think they did a nice job of staying as feminine as possible without accidentally making it appear like a joke.
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4. The Hidden Moon (Uncut Ver.)
Thai Drama - 2024, 10 episodes
This show was such a master class on using clothing both to highlight time (in the difference between Mas's dress and the intrepid travelers) as well as erase time (in the case of Khen, who is caught between worlds). The textures and colors were beautifully chosen and suited the tone of the story so well.
Personal Highlight: The absolute love affair that I am having with Mas's suspenders and scarf in the opening scene.
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5. The Next Prince
Thai Drama - 2025, 14 episodes
Kylie, this show isn't even out yet, how is it on the list of best costume design? Every single costume they've draped on Nunew so far is absolutely stunning. The layers, textures, and fantasy of these royal costumes is incredible. This show is going to be a feast for the eyes.
Personal Highlight: Nunew's sheer jacket at tea. Goddamn.
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6. Man Suang
Thai Movie - 2023
I love a costume drama <3 Period. The costumes and make up at the Man Suang are gorgeous, and the more everyday looks are perfectly competent and tell a story of class difference clearly. While the show could have been elevated by stronger, more intentional choices, it was still beautiful to watch.
Personal Highlight: Khem painted golden in the final battle.
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7. Pit Babe: Uncut
Thai Drama - 2023, 13 episodes
Pit Babe has never been one for subtlety, but boy is it is fun! I love the commitment to the red and blue (and black and white) theming of the costumes. I also have to praise the show for their incredible attention to detail in effectively transforming the characters into younger versions of themselves.
Personal Highlight: Jeff's soft red-and-blue plaid shirt.
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8. Don't Say No
Thai Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
It always feels cheap to rank a school uniform show in a costume list, but I simply must give Leo's mom her moment. Despite the obvious budget constraints of this show, Fiat's personality is developed beautifully in his clothing choices. Obviously, I must pay tribute to the suit.
Personal Highlight: What else? Fiat's red suit.