phd in costume design

The David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design

The nexus for the global art of theater, film and television costume design.

“Through innovative research and a robust program of conferences, exhibitions and events, the Copley Center serves the UCLA community, international fashion and film historians, professional practitioners and filmmakers.”

— Founding Director Deborah Nadoolman Landis , Ph.D.

The David C. Copley Center is the world’s first university center devoted to the history, theory, and practice of costume design for theater, film and television. Annual events include, master classes, symposia, exhibitions, conferences, panels and publishing.

Endowed in 2009 by a gift from newspaper publisher and philanthropist David C. Copley, with Oscar-nominated costume designer, historian, and Distinguished Professor Deborah Nadoolman Landis as founding director, the David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design is the first institution of its kind in the world.

The Copley Center serves UCLA TFT students, the university, and the international community of historians, scholars, filmmakers and professional costume designers. The Center provides a home for the study of costume design history, genre research, costume illustration as an art form, and the influence of costume design and costume designers on fashion and international popular culture.

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Leadership and staff, deborah nadoolman landis, natasha rubin, current projects.

Sketch to Screen

In a unique, one of a kind setting, Sketch to Screen gathers the most distinguished international costume designers to discuss their pivotal contribution to great movies and cinema storytelling. The audience is treated to a dialogue with the artists whose designs inspire cosplay, spark fashion trends and become the icons of international popular culture.