The world of costume design is often unseen, yet profoundly shapes how we experience stories on screen. Miyako Bellizzi, a Recent York-based designer, is currently garnering significant attention for her work on Josh Safdie’s critically acclaimed film, Marty Supreme, a table tennis epic starring Timothée Chalamet. But her influence extends beyond the silver screen, encompassing collaborations with athletes and filmmakers alike. Bellizzi’s meticulous approach to character and period detail has established her as a rising star in the industry, and her recent projects signal a diverse and exciting career trajectory.
Bellizzi’s journey into costume design wasn’t a traditional one. Initially drawn to fashion, she found her calling in bringing characters to life through clothing. Her work with the Safdie brothers – on films like Good Time and Uncut Gems – has been pivotal, allowing her to hone her skills and develop a unique aesthetic. She describes her relationship with Josh Safdie as a rare and valuable creative partnership, one that has grown alongside their individual artistic evolutions. “Growing alongside a filmmaker like that feels rare,” Bellizzi stated in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar. “Josh is unlike anyone I’ve ever worked with. His energy, his lust for life, and his fascination with characters, especially everyday people, are infectious.”
Crafting a World for Marty Supreme
Marty Supreme, set primarily in 1940s New York and postwar Japan, presented Bellizzi with a particularly demanding challenge. The film required not only historical accuracy but also a fully realized world, populated by characters constantly in motion. According to W Magazine, Bellizzi and her team of 50 created thousands of costumes, anticipating the action-packed nature of the film – shootouts, chases, and constant movement. This necessitated building most of the main characters’ wardrobes from scratch.
The scale of the production was immense. Bellizzi’s team didn’t simply source existing garments; they recreated them. For example, recreating uniforms for the Harlem Globetrotters required crafting ten warmup uniforms, as finding a complete vintage set proved impossible. Similarly, the table tennis attire had to be designed and constructed specifically for the film, as authentic period pieces were largely unavailable. “Those things don’t really exist anymore. So we created them for the film,” Bellizzi explained to W Magazine. This dedication to detail extended to every aspect of the costumes, ensuring a believable and immersive experience for the audience.
The film’s star, Timothée Chalamet, reportedly played a role in shaping his character’s look. While specific details regarding Chalamet’s input remain unconfirmed, Bellizzi’s process always considers the actor’s performance, and personality. The costumes aren’t merely garments; they are extensions of the characters themselves, reflecting their inner lives and motivations.
Beyond the Film Set: A Diverse Portfolio
Bellizzi’s talent isn’t confined to the world of cinema. She also works as a stylist for American figure skater Alysa Liu, demonstrating her versatility and ability to translate her design skills across different mediums. This work showcases her ability to create visually compelling looks for real-life personalities, adapting her aesthetic to the demands of athletic performance and public image.
Her recent collaboration with director Oliver Hermanus on the film Le Son des souvenirs (The Sound of Memories) further highlights her range. The film, which was selected for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, demonstrates her ability to work on projects with international scope and artistic ambition. The film, starring Paul Mescal, premiered in France in late February 2025, according to reports.
The Intersection of Fashion and Film
Bellizzi’s background in fashion informs her approach to costume design. She recognizes the distinct roles of each discipline, emphasizing the importance of not overshadowing the actor’s performance. “To be a costume designer is to toe that delicate line between bringing a character to life but never overshadowing the actor’s performance,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. However, she also believes in the power of fashion to reflect the cultural moment.
In an interview, Bellizzi articulated a key philosophy: “Cinema can tend to be insular, fashion must reflect the moment.” This perspective underscores her commitment to creating costumes that are both historically accurate and relevant to contemporary audiences. She sees fashion as a powerful tool for storytelling, capable of conveying complex emotions and ideas.
The Research Process
Bellizzi’s meticulous research process is central to her success. For Marty Supreme, this involved extensive study of photojournalism, obscure documentaries sourced from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and numerous fittings for each character. This dedication to detail ensures that the costumes perceive lived-in and authentic, contributing to the film’s overall sense of realism. The exhaustive research process is a hallmark of her work, allowing her to create costumes that are not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful.
Her collaborative approach is also crucial. She works closely with directors, actors, and other members of the production team to ensure that the costumes align with the overall vision of the film. This collaborative spirit fosters a creative environment where ideas can flourish and the best possible results can be achieved.
Looking Ahead
Miyako Bellizzi’s career is on a clear upward trajectory. Her work on Marty Supreme has garnered critical acclaim and positioned her as a designer to watch. With a diverse portfolio that spans film, fashion, and sports, she is proving her versatility and artistic vision. As she continues to collaborate with leading filmmakers and athletes, her influence on the world of visual storytelling is sure to grow.
Bellizzi’s ability to blend historical accuracy with contemporary relevance, coupled with her collaborative spirit and meticulous attention to detail, makes her a unique and valuable asset to any production. Her work reminds us that costume design is not merely about clothing; it’s about creating worlds, shaping characters, and telling stories.
As Marty Supreme continues to resonate with audiences and critics, and with new projects on the horizon, Miyako Bellizzi is poised to become a defining voice in the world of costume design. Keep an eye out for her future work – it’s sure to be visually stunning and deeply impactful.
The international response to Marty Supreme is eagerly anticipated, with screenings planned for Italy and other territories in the coming months. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on Bellizzi’s career and the latest developments in the world of entertainment. Share your thoughts on Marty Supreme and Miyako Bellizzi’s work in the comments below.