In the world of cinema, costume design is more than just fabric; they are narrative devices, silent storytellers that define character, era, and emotion. For Yi-Lun Chien, a costume designer in Los Angeles, the journey of dressing the screen is one of grit, historical accuracy, and profound empathy. With a resume that spans from the epic historical sets of Martin Scorsese’s Silence to the glitzy premieres of the Cannes Film Festival, Chien has established herself as a formidable force in the industry, blending rigorous technique with a deep understanding of the human condition.
Lessons from a Master: The “Silence” Film Experience
For many aspiring costume designers, working with a legendary director like Martin Scorsese is a distant dream. For Chien, it was a defining chapter in her twenties. Reflecting on her time as a wardrobe assistant on the 2016 film Silence, Chien recalls an environment that demanded precision and endurance.
“I was eager to gain as much experience as possible while I was in my twenties,” said Chien. “I took on projects as a costumer, assistant costume designer across feature films, TV series, commercials, and photoshoots. And I was fortunate to be part of the costume team for Silence, directed by Martin Scorsese.”
While the film depicts 17th-century Japan, a significant portion was shot in Chien’s hometown of Taiwan. Her role was crucial yet often behind the camera. “I was one of the wardrobe team members primarily responsible for dressing the Japanese supporting actors, sometimes large numbers of background actors depend on the scene we’re shooting,” she explains. “I first learned how to accurately dress actors in period Japanese costumes for different social status and occupation.”
The job went beyond simple dressing; it was an exercise in historical immersion. Chien notes the rigorous requirement to age and distress costumes to ground the film in the harsh reality of the era. “One thing left a strong impression on me was how rigorously these costumes were required to be aged and distressed, which fully grounded the harsh living environment of the 17th-century,” she says. It was a lesson in how texture and wear can convey a story just as effectively as dialogue.
The Reality of the Hollywood Set: Muddy Boots and Pre-Dawn Calls
The allure of Hollywood is all about the image of glamour, but Chien is quick to dispel the myth. Working on a big-budget film set is a test of physical and mental stamina.
“Working in film is definitely not as fancy as you might imagine,” she admits. “The story for Silence was set in the 17th century. Many days felt like working nowhere in the wilderness in the built village sets, stepping in mud during rain scenes and dressing actors at 3 a.m. in order to be ready to shoot when the sun came up.”
However, the grueling hours and harsh conditions are balanced by unique rewards. “What made the experience unforgettable was that the film brought you to places you might never have thought you would be, allowing you to see inspiring nature you had never experienced before,” Chien adds.
The Art of Teamwork and the Path to Design
Chien’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of climbing the ladder through every step. She has served as a costumer on projects ranging from the Golden Horse Award-winning series The Bold, the Corrupt, and the Beautiful to Moneyboys, which was nominated for an award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.
These roles were not just jobs; they were education. “Being a costume designer is about much more than just creativity,” Chien observes. “My experience working as a set costumer gave me a complete understanding of how a production operates, how to communicate and coordinate with the team, and how to anticipate problems that might arise on set.”
Her time on The Bold, the Corrupt, and the Beautiful was particularly pivotal. While working as a costumer, she observed the lead designer’s process—selecting fabrics, shaping silhouettes, and interfacing with directors. This exposure inspired her to seek formal training, taking fashion extension courses and eventually attending graduate school for costume design. “I think these experiences are important because it all really requires team work, and you also learn how to manage budgets at different levels of production.” she notes.
From New York Streets to Cannes Premieres
Chien’s recent work showcases her versatility as she continues her journey as a costume designer. Her commitment to each project goes far beyond the rack. As a Costume Production Assistant on Lucky Lu, she immersed herself in the city to understand the protagonist’s world. Directed by Lloyd Lee Choi and produced by Significant Productions, the film explores the struggles of immigrants and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, earning nominations for the Caméra d’Or and the Directors’ Fortnight Audience Award.
“Roaming the freezing streets for pickups and returns was tough, but I learned where to find rental houses, where to find reliable seamstresses and, most importantly for me, to feel the speciality vibe of the tough but inspiring city,” she says. “These physical experiences connected me deeply with the story of Lucky Lu, a story that depicts the struggles and hopes of immigrants.”
Chien’s 2024 and 2025 slate is packed with high-profile projects. She served as the Key Costumer for Weekend in Taipei, produced by EuropaCorp. Her design work can be seen in the USC short film Goodbye Stranger, which was long-listed for the 2025 BAFTA Student Awards, and SOMANG, which received recognition at the 2025 L.A. Independent Filmmakers Showcase Film Festival.
She is also a driving force behind the scenes of the booming vertical mini-series market, serving as Costume Designer for titles like In Bed with Your Lies and Infatuated with the CEO on ReelShort, and Love, Lies, and Alibis on Vigloo.
