The Malayalam television serial industry has grown rapidly over the past few years. As a result, the demand for Fashion Designers has increased. With more serials being produced and budgets increasing, the demand for skilled Fashion Designers and Costume Stylists has risen in Kerala. Today, many production houses hire dedicated stylists. They also manage wardrobe and costume planning.
For students pursuing Fashion Designing at INSD Trivandrum, this industry offers creative career opportunities that combine design, storytelling, and visual identity development.
Career Roles in Fashion Careers in TV Serials
1. Costume Designer / Serial Costume Stylist
A Costume Designer plays one of the most important roles in television styling. Responsibilities include:
- Designing looks that match each character’s personality
- Maintaining continuity across episodes
- Selecting costumes suited to body type and skin tone
- Coordinating fabric sourcing and stitching
- Working within production budgets
Costume design helps bring characters to life on screen. Insights on the role of costume design in visual storytelling are also discussed by the British Film Institute (BFI).
2. Wardrobe Supervisor
A Wardrobe Supervisor manages the full costume department. This includes:
- Wardrobe documentation
- Scheduling outfits for shooting
- Cataloging costumes to avoid continuity errors
- Managing storage and maintenance
This role requires strong planning and organization skills.
You can also learn more about wardrobe departments from ScreenSkills UK.
3. Assistant Costume Designer
Usually, freshers begin as Assistant Designers. In this role, they support the main designer with fittings, sourcing and styling.
- Fabric sourcing and shopping
- Fittings and alterations
- Accessory planning
- On-set styling support
This role is ideal for freshers entering fashion careers in Malayalam TV serials.
4. Traditional and Ethnic Costume Specialist in TV Serials
Designers with cultural knowledge are highly valued. This is because traditional Kerala attire is often used in serials. Especially in:
- Family dramas
- Temple settings
- Wedding specials
- Period serials
Designers with knowledge of Kerala textiles and heritage costumes are highly valued.
Research on traditional textiles is also shared by the Textile Society of America.
5. Look Designer for Promo Shoots and Title Songs
Promotional shoots require:
- Signature character styling
- Concept looks
- Creative fashion direction
This role allows for more experimentation and visual creativity.
6. Freelance Fashion Designer in TV Serials
Many production houses now hire freelancers:
- Per episode
- Per look
- For special appearances
- For event and festival episodes
This offers flexibility and income variety for independent designers.
7. In-House Designer at Production Houses in TV Serials
In addition, large entertainment companies appoint permanent designers. As a result, designers gain stable work opportunities.
Salary and Earnings from Fashion Careers in TV Serials
Approximate industry ranges:
- Assistant Designer: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000/month
- Costume Designer: ₹30,000 – ₹70,000/month
- Senior Designer: ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 lakh/month
- Freelance Per Look: ₹500 – ₹3,000
- Wedding or Special Episodes: ₹10,000 – ₹40,000+
Earnings grow with experience and a strong portfolio.
Skills Needed for Fashion Careers in TV Serials
Key skills include:
- Knowledge of Kerala culture
- Trend awareness
- Fabric selection
- Fittings and alterations
- Budget planning
- Quick styling decisions
These help designers create realistic and character-focused wardrobes.
How INSD Trivandrum Supports Students
At INSD Trivandrum, students receive practical training that prepares them for media styling careers. Learning includes:
- Costume design projects
- Fashion styling practice
- Cultural costume study
- Portfolio development
- Real-world exposure
Students are encouraged to explore television, cinema, events, and creative styling. Finally, students gain exposure through real-world training, which helps them prepare for media industry careers.
Learn more here:
https://insdtrivandrum.com
