Profession costume buyer

Costume buyers work with the costume designer in order to identify the materials for the costumes. They buy and rent fabric, thread, accessories and other items needed to finish the wardrobe. Costume buyers may also purchase clothing items "off the peg", ready made. They base their purchases on the sketches of the costume designer.

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Personality Type

  • Enterprising / Conventional
  • Conventional / Enterprising

Knowledge

  • Film production process

    The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.

  • Aesthetics

    Set of principles based on which something is appealing and beautiful.

Skills

  • Mark differences in colours

    The ability to mark or detect differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.

  • Analyse costume sketches

    Determine which materials to buy to make or finish costumes by studying the costume sketches. Familiarise yourself with the colour scheme and style.

  • Maintain relationship with suppliers

    Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.

  • Identify suppliers

    Determine potential suppliers for further negotiation. Take into consideration aspects such as product quality, sustainability, local sourcing, seasonality and coverage of the area. Evaluate the likelihood of obtaining beneficial contracts and agreements with them.

  • Manage budgets

    Conduct cost estimates and budget planning. Monitor the budget, as well as costs and expenses. Forecast the budget development continuously. Report on the budget.

Optional knowledge and skills

conduct costume research check deliveries on receipt maintain inventory of rented items document costume stock manage rented goods returns photography lighting techniques coordinate purchasing activities fabric types organise costume fittings maintain costumes synthesise clothing with accessories manage logistics dressmaking film studies carry out internet research define costume materials ensure continuity in the styling of artists select costumes

Common job titles

  • Procurement specialist
  • Purchasing agent
  • Assistant merchandise planner
  • Jewelry validation specialist
  • Gemologist
  • Jewelry sorter/metal tester
  • Manager, supply chain planning & analysis
  • Jewelry cataloger
  • Technical product manager, supply chain
  • Sales consultant