A SUCCESS BY DESIGN

Oscar-nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips on bringing Bob Dylan to life, working with Madonna and asking A-listers to strip

- ROSALIND POWELL

There aren't many who could order a Hollywood A-lister to strip naked. But for acclaimed costume designer Arianne Phillips, it's all part of the day job.

"We are the only department that's like: 'Hello, please take your clothes off,'" says the creative, who has been nominated for an Academy Award four times. "But you need to be sensitive. I think of a costume designer as a people detective - you have to read the energy in the room."

In fact, she considers her people skills to be one of her strongest qualities - "if I say so myself" - along with the forensic attention to detail, nose for historical accuracy and creative flair that have made her one of the most sought-after designers in the film industry.

Arianne, 61, has dressed everyone from Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio to Reese Witherspoon and Madonna, with whom she has worked for 22 years. Her most recent project is A Complete Unknown, for which she has been nominated for both a Bafta and an Oscar.

The long-awaited Bob Dylan biopic covers the musician's journey from folk singer to rock star, with Timothée Chalamet giving a showstopping performance in the lead role.

"It was wonderful to work with him," says Arianne from her home in Los Angeles. "He's very focused, and very generous with his time."

Timothée had already spent years immersing himself in the enigmatic singer's life - learning how to sing, speak and play guitar like him - and the outfits he wore were the last piece of the puzzle.