"I wish we did have responsibility for the hair. I have been screwed up by the hair on many occasions"

Julie Harris’s statement reveals a humorous yet telling frustration experienced by professionals in the field of costume design, particularly in film, television, or theater. Costume designers like Julie Harris are tasked with meticulously crafting the visual identity of characters through clothing, accessories, and often collaborate with other departments to create a cohesive look. However, hair, so integral to a character’s appearance, is traditionally under the jurisdiction of the hair and makeup team. The playful regret expressed by Harris underscores the challenges costume designers face when their creative vision is undermined by decisions made in separate departments. Even if a costume is perfect, the overall image can fall short if the hair clashes with or distracts from the intended effect.

The remark “I have been screwed up by the hair on many occasions” signals that despite best efforts, outcomes sometimes veer off course due to lack of control over all elements of a character’s style. This can be particularly frustrating for professionals with a strong sense of cohesion and storytelling, as Harris was known for. Hair and clothing together define period authenticity, social status, and emotional state of a character; if these components are at odds, the illusion for audiences can unravel. For someone passionate about visual storytelling, having responsibility only for the costume and not the hair may feel limiting, especially if the final appearance is compromised.

Harris’s words also point to broader issues of collaboration and compartmentalization in creative industries. Collaboration is essential, but if teams aren’t aligned, the vision may suffer. Her candid quip highlights the ongoing negotiation and, at times, friendly rivalry between creative departments. Ultimately, her comment is both a wry lament and a call for greater creative integration, expressing the desire for costume designers to have more influence over the holistic look of the characters they help bring to life.